Newton Memorial’s Preferred Dining service allows patients to speak directly with a host or hostess about their dining options. Patients are able to make their meal selection from a delicious hot entrée, a variety of specials or a deli menu. The Preferred Dining program also has the flexibility and ability to meet the changing needs of the patient. Patients are no longer required to order their meal a day in advance or adhere to a strict meal service schedule and there is even a special call in service available for maternity patients where the individual may call the host or hostess when it is most convenient for them to dine. “This flexibility makes the patients hospital stay more pleasant, while still being served meals that meet the patient’s dietary requirements,” Boyd said. “We work closely with the nursing staff to ensure that dietary guidelines are met while providing the patient with quality meals.”

In just its second full month, the Preferred Dining service at Newton Memorial Hospital has received rave reviews from patients. In fact, Newton Memorial Hospital ranked second in the state in December patient satisfaction scores for the category of ‘courtesy of the person serving food at Newton Memorial.’ According to Newton Memorial, patient satisfaction surveys have doubled for this category since the new Preferred Dining program was implemented.

“These numbers are very impressive, particularly when you consider these patients were experiencing hospital stays at a time when they may have expected to enjoy holiday meals with their families,” said Gail Tannenhaus, Newton Memorial Hospital’s Director of Organizational Excellence. “The fact that we were able to make the patient experience a positive one at this time of year means that our patients can continue to rely on Newton Memorial for the highest quality care and service when they need it most.” Patients typically work with the same host or hostess when ordering all of their meals, enabling the patients to become more familiar with the staff and receive more thorough personalized care. Together with the host or hostess, the patients help develop food options that suit their needs and specific tastes. Even more importantly, it enables nurses to spend more time providing quality care at the bedside.

The Preferred Dining program is helping to ensure an extraordinary level of quality and service that is sure to meet the expectations of any hospital patient.

Metz & Associates, Ltd., a premier food service company for the Northeast United States, provides dining and environmental management to clients such as hospitals, assisted living & long-term care facilities, school districts and independent schools, colleges and universities and corporate offices. For more information on Metz & Associates, Ltd., visit our website at www.metzltd.com or call 570-675-8100.