When it comes to patient satisfaction, many establishments try their best to ensure that individuals have a positive experience. However, a lack of time and staff can often result in less-than-satisfying stays for patients. That being said, more medical facilities are attempting to boost patient satisfaction in an effort to retain visitors and maintain their overall bottom lines.
One place that’s doing so through its hospital menu is Calvert Memorial Hospital. Recently, the facility brought in a trained chef for its staff to improve its overall meal program and the quality of food that leaves the kitchen. Although it seems like a small effort to boost patient satisfaction, food can go a long way when it comes to making a positive impact on visitors.
“We hired a chef about 1 1/2 years ago,” said Rick Haefner from Calvert Memorial Hospital. “It was a great move. Our food quality has consistently improved as well as the skills of our cooks. He is responsible for all the ordering, the cooks, and the porters (sanitation).”
In addition to handling the food, the chef also keeps an eye on specific patient needs such as dietary restrictions as a result of medical conditions. This individual is responsible for managing food costs and offering ideal customer service, which takes the load off of other workers who may not have time to do so. As a result, Calvert Memorial Hospital is benefiting from its decision to bring in additional help.
Keeping patients happy
As you might already know, food can play a large role in how you feel on a regular basis, whether you’re eating delicious chicken soup or a hearty sandwich. With that in mind, it’s no wonder hospital food menus play a role in patient satisfaction.
However, there are other ways that individuals can ensure that patients are completely happy as well. As Physician’s Practice stated, it’s critical to maintain open communication with patients throughout their entire stay – this can help them understand that you care about their overall experience. Additionally, you should make it a point to keep your patients up to date with new information pertaining to factors such as surgery and medication. Looping individuals in can boost their satisfaction and make them more likely to return in the future.
Whether you’re interested in changing your hospital menu or simply appealing to new patients, these key tips can help.