News
Hotel-style room service launches at Hollywood Private Hospital
Jul 05, 2022
Hollywood Private Hospital patients can now enjoy quality, beautifully-presented food ordered from an a la carte menu with the launch of dining on demand.
The new restaurant-style food service model provides freedom of choice and a new kind of patient experience. 1
Catering Manager, Peter Trusler, said room service allows patients to order freshly-made meals to their individual tastes as well as their dietary requirements and cultural preferences.
“The mouth-watering meals are similar to what is available in some of the best hotels around the world,” Mr Trusler said.
The main meal selection includes rack of lamb with red wine jus, fillet steak with peppercorn sauce and salmon drizzled in olive oil and lemon juice.
The extensive menu features locally sourced food and a range of salads, soups, snacks, desserts and gluten-free options. Research shows that providing flexibility and more choice with room service increases patient satisfaction. 1
Other benefits can include:
- Improved clinical outcomes – due to the nutritional benefits with increases in average energy and protein intake. 2
- Convenience – patient can order food around fasting protocols, tests and procedures.2
- Reduced waste – Less production waste because only items that are ordered are prepared. Research shows there is also between 12 to 17 per cent less plate waste. 2
Mr Trusler said modern cooking techniques, access to high quality ingredients and contemporary tray presentation had revolutionised food preparation in hospitals.
“Sustainability initiatives have also led to a move away from tradition hospital food service models, in favour of gourmet meals and more timely food delivery,” Mr Trusler said.
Room service was trialled on the rehabilitation and surgical wards at Hollywood over the past two years.
“It was really popular so we are thrilled for our in-room dining service to be rolled out throughout the entire hospital,” Mr Trusler said.
- Sheehan-Smith, L.M. (2004) Hotel-style room service in hospitals: the new paradigm of meal delivery for achieving patient satisfaction of food service. Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. https://www.jandonline.org/article/S0002-8223(04)00819-3/fulltext#relatedArticles
- McCray S., Maunder K., Barsha L., MackenzieShalders K. (2018) Room service in a public hospital improves nutritional intake and increases patient satisfaction while decreasing food waste and cost. J Hum Nutr Diet. https://doi.org/10.1111/jhn.12580
Catering Manager Peter Trusler serves patient Susan Babich a fillet steak as part of the new room service at Hollywood Private Hospital.