Metz & Associates has made impressive strides in the year since it has taken over dining management responsibilities at the hospital. In addition to a notable improvement in the look and feel of the dining area, there has been a dramatic improvement in food quality, and the Metz team at Newton has also implemented a Preferred Dining program that has helped the hospital to realize a marked improvement in satisfaction scores from patients.

“Renovations were made as a part of Metz & Associates’ contract-initiative to update-revitalize-and provide a comfortable, calming environment for the employees of Newton Hospital,” said Lisa Wakefield, RD, general manager, Metz & Associates, at Newton Memorial Hospital. “It was our goal to enhance the dining experience for both employees and hospital visitors, while at the same time improving the efficiency of our dining operation.”

The month-long construction project, which was completed at the end of January, included new lighting, digital signage, heat lamps, beautifully designed counter tops, a customized salad bar and soup station area. The area was also brightened with fresh paint in modern tones of brown, blue and cream. The unique and dynamic transformation has produced a bistro-like environment with soft lighting, striking decorations and more intimate table- seating in a comfortable, welcoming atmosphere.

Metz & Associates also upgraded several of its existing concepts, including the Market Street Deli, J. Clark’s Grill and Up for Grabs. They also introduced the Villa Toscana concept, featuring freshly made pizza and pasta dishes, which has quickly become a favorite with guests.

In addition to a new look, new equipment and technology is enabling the Metz team to increase menu choices and improve service to all guests. Two 40-inch flat screen Samsung televisions, which serve as menu monitors, were installed. This allows the menu to be viewed electronically and programmed by food service managers via an Internet based program, allowing for ease of changes and updating. A new Turbo Chef oven was also incorporated into the new design to enhance menu capabilities, allowing for the quick preparation of items such as pizza and toasted sandwiches.

The dining area, which is open daily from 7a.m. to 6:15p.m., serves approximately 500 employees and visitors each day. A wide array of food items are available throughout the day - from quick snacks and made to order sandwiches to healthy, flavorful salads, soups and a wide selection of hot entrées and grilled items.

“Upon entering the dining area, guests will be greeted by a more modern, open look, and will be able to go directly to the station serving the food items they’d like to purchase. This will improve traffic flow and speed of service.” Wakefield said. “Feedback from hospital administrators, employees and guests has all been extremely positive regarding the renovations. The project has definitely been a very worthwhile investment.”

The recently implemented Preferred Dining program, which has significantly improved patient satisfaction through a more personalized in-room dining experience, has also won rave reviews from both patients and hospital personnel. Patients are now able to choose their meals from a list of daily hot entrée specials and alternative items, such as deli sandwiches, freshly made salads, hot soups and more. Adding to the dining experience, each patient is served by a host or hostess who presents the day’s specials and takes the meal order. “This one on one service is adding significantly to the overall dining experience, as well as the comfort level of the hospital stay,” Wakefield said. “We try to accommodate each patient as best we can according to their individual tastes and special dietary requirements. It’s all part of our overall goal of helping the hospital provide the best care for these patients.”

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.