It appears the food problem at South Bruce Grey Health Centre hospitals may be coming to an end.
The Vice-President of Corporate Affairs Walter Yewchyn told the health centre board on Wednesday night — the industrial type microwaves they had to prepare the food just wasn’t doing the job.
So for a few more dollars, they went the convection oven route and it appears the food controversy is being solved.
Yewchyn says staff report the food when delivered to patients is hot, it’s consistent and actually tastes very good.
The new preparation mode has been in effect for only a couple of weeks at the Durham and Chesley sites but already they’re receiving complimentary e-mails from patients commenting on the chow being served up.
Nursing staff have reported a marked improvement in the quality of food as well.
Yewchyn points out there is stil much work to be done but it’s a step in the right direction and soon they will be introducing the special convection ovens to the Walkerton and Kincardine sites as well.
He says the ovens cost a bit more, but did not mention a number.
However he did say they’re also less labour intensive.
He says the machines can be pre-loaded and pre-programmed and 60 meals at a time can be done–far more than they need at the two hospitals combined.
Health Centre board members will get a hands on “taste” of what the new system is all about at their January board meeting.
Earlier this month there had been complaints from union personnel about the change from cafeteria-style foods to re-thermalized meals.
The board believes they’re overcoming that issue.
