Patients at NRGH will enjoy the full range of flavours produced by the hospital's kitchen, thanks to a more efficient delivery system. (File Photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Alex Rawnsley

DINNER BELL

Meal delivery at Nanaimo hospital streamlined

Apr 13, 2021 | 11:18 AM

NANAIMO — A new food delivery trays at Nanaimo’s hospital is taking the headaches out of serving quality meals to patients.

The Nanaimo Regional General Hospital Auxiliary purchased and donated the new system to replace outdated equipment at NRGH which was over 20 years old.

Phil Robling, president of the NRGH Auxiliary, told NanaimoNewsNOW the existing trays do little to highlight the from-scratch cooking coming out of the hospital’s kitchen.

“(The new system will) look much nicer, more appetizing and we believe that will aid in the care and comfort of the patients at the hospital.”

The hospital serves approximately 1,350 meal trays a day.

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Robling added food service staff frequently have issues with the old trays being unable to effectively keep hot food hot and cold food cold, leading to an unpleasant dining experience for patients.

The new units cost approximately $150,000. It’s part of a $430,000 Auxiliary fund for hospital for the remainder of 2021, all designed to add small creature comforts for patients during an extended stay.

“We fund the WiFi system at NRGH…that may seem a strange thing to fund but it’s actually been a huge help to patients who are spending long times in hospital. Now thanks to a WiFi system, they can communicate with the outside world easily,” Robling said.

Among other things, the auxiliary also provides car seats for new mothers who don’t already have one when leaving the hospital.

The group is made up of over 250 volunteer members and has supported the hospital in Nanaimo since 1900.

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alex.rawnsley@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @alexrawnsley