Hospital patients can enjoy more dining options with a new room service-style program from Food and Nutrition Services at Florida Hospital DeLand.

In the past, patients received a tray of the food items they were allowed to eat. Now, patients work with a Food and Nutrition Services Attendant to create a meal plan they will enjoy. Patients have more menu options and can select menu items to food they prefer – all while continuing the nutrition plan prescribed by their physician.

“We want our patients’ experience to be as pleasant as possible,” said David Hogarth, Director of Food and Nutrition Services. “Working together on a nutrition plan ensures patients are getting not only what they prefer and a better experience, but also get the essential nutrients they need in order to continue on the road to recovery.”
With this new program, there have already been some noticeable changes.
“By giving patients a wider selection of food options, patients are enjoying their meals more,” said Hogarth. “We are getting less full trays sent back. This also helps set a trend for the patients to try at home when they resume their daily food preparations.”
Empty trays means more than satisfied patients – it also means less food is being wasted – which saves the hospital money.
While this service is currently only available to patients, family members can also order food from the Daily Bread Café and have it delivered at the same time while visiting in a patient’s room.

The new program, available at no additional cost to patients, is part of the Florida Hospital DeLand initiative to continually improve patient service and satisfaction.