Daviess Community Hospital revamps inpatient menus with a focus on balanced nutrition

Daviess Community Hospital in Indiana has made several changes to its food and nutrition services as of late, with a menu revamp for inpatient diners and an enhanced meal-ordering system.

The new inpatient menus are inclusive of a range of diets including heart-healthy, consistent carbohydrate, puree and easy-to-chew. The new menus also include nutrition information and guidance on making healthy nutrition choices. These menus are available for breakfast, lunch and dinner selections to inpatients throughout the day and were originally launched at the hospital’s Acute Care Unit this fall.

In addition, the hospital’s food and nutrition team is taking a more hands-on approach during the ordering process. In the past, diners would fill out a menu and submit them to nursing staff, leaving limited interaction with the food and nutrition team. But now, the food and nutrition services employees visit each patient to take orders, oversee meal reaction and even deliver meals directly. After the patient has finished their meal, the team member will also follow up with the patient to ensure customer satisfaction.

“This new initiative allows us to bring a ‘concierge service’ directly to our patients,” said April Settles, chief financial officer at Daviess Community Hospital, in a statement. “Our team members engage with each patient, and when family is present, they work together to help patients select options that meet both dietary needs and personal preferences. When patients aren’t feeling well, having a favorite or comfort food can make a big difference.”

This new approach to ordering also gives food and nutrition employees an opportunity to help promote balanced nutrition.

“Our team encourages patients to make balanced choices to aid in their recovery,” said Settles. “We assist with meal setup at bedside, and our team members return to collect trays and ensure patients were pleased with their dining experience.”