The AHF online member community stands as a dynamic hub for problem-solving and innovation, offering invaluable support to members facing today’s diverse challenges. It’s a place where members find practical solutions, share insights, and draw inspiration to rejuvenate their operations. Whether you’re navigating policy adjustments, seeking to enhance patient satisfaction, or looking for creative ways to recognize your team, this community is a wellspring of knowledge and inspiration.
Extended Personal Leaves and Sabbaticals
Managing extended personal leaves and sabbaticals can be challenging, especially when employees request long periods off to visit their home countries. To address this, some facilities allow up to two weeks of PTO, with longer absences requiring formal personal leave applications and potential unpaid time. Clear communication and consistent application of policies are essential to prevent favoritism and ensure fair treatment while balancing staffing needs.
Patient Satisfaction – Food Questions
With upcoming changes to patient satisfaction surveys, many facilities are concerned about the potential removal of food-related questions. Starting in 2025, new limits will restrict the number of supplemental questions, which may affect how food quality and service are assessed. To adapt, organizations are exploring alternative methods for gathering feedback, such as in-house surveys or digital solutions, to ensure they continue to capture essential information about patient dining experiences.
Hospital Employee Cafe Discounts
Hospital cafeterias are offering a range of employee discounts to enhance staff satisfaction. Discounts vary from 10% to 25%, with some facilities also providing additional benefits like free coffee. Clear policies on what is included in the discount and exclusions for branded or pre-packaged items help maintain fairness and transparency. These discounts are a valuable way to support and appreciate employees while managing cafeteria operations effectively.
Nourishment Rooms Management
Proper management of non-expiring items in nourishment rooms is key to maintaining quality and efficiency. Facilities are implementing practices like rotating stock every six months and labeling items with a 90-day period for those without expiration dates. Regular checks and careful inventory management ensure that all items remain fresh and compliant, supporting effective and reliable nourishment service.
Tray Delivery Times
Monitoring tray delivery times is crucial for ensuring timely and efficient meal service. Facilities are using advanced tracking systems and software to oversee the entire process, from order to delivery. These tools help identify delays, assess performance, and generate reports to improve service efficiency and address any issues promptly. Regular analysis and reporting ensure that meal delivery meets established standards and enhances overall patient satisfaction.
Allergy Tickets and Food Safety
Effective management of allergy tickets is crucial for maintaining food safety and patient well-being. Facilities are implementing best practices by coding food items with allergen information and ensuring that staff are well-trained to handle allergy-related issues. Consistent tracking and clear labeling help minimize risks and ensure that all allergens are properly managed, enhancing overall safety and compliance in meal service.
Pureed and Liquidized Foods
When sourcing pureed and liquidized foods for acute care settings, facilities are exploring various vendors to meet their specific needs. Utilizing resources like the Business Partner Directory and seeking recommendations based on menu requirements and budget helps ensure a reliable supply of suitable products. Tailoring choices to your facility’s consumption patterns and dietary needs enhances the effectiveness of meal service for patients requiring specialized diets.
Tray Line Error Rate
Accurately tracking tray line errors is essential for maintaining high standards in meal service. Facilities are using both digital tools and traditional methods to monitor errors, including audit apps and paper-based systems. Regular audits and real-time error correction help identify and address mistakes efficiently, ensuring that meal delivery meets quality standards and reducing the likelihood of repeat issues.
All members are encouraged to get engaged, ask questions, and share their experiences. By contributing your insights and learning from others, you help build a richer, more robust collective knowledge base. Engage with fellow members and be part of the conversation that drives our industry forward. Together, we can tackle challenges, celebrate successes, and continuously improve our practices. Together, we are leading the way…
Join the Conversation: AHF Online Community
The Online Community is a benefit of AHF membership that welcomes participation from all members of AHF. If you are a current member, make sure that you take advantage of this key resource to find solutions to current challenges you are facing as well as to offer up your advice and expertise as a way to give back to the industry through mentorship and leadership.
If you are not currently a member of AHF, we gladly welcome all self-operated healthcare foodservice and senior dining operations and the business partners who support them. Visit HealthcareFoodservice.org/Be-A-Member to lean more.
30 Aug 2024
