How new food trays are combating patient malnutrition at the QEH

The Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Charlottetown has introduced new food trays designed to keep food hotterand to improve the dining experience for patients in its care.

The new system is part of an initiative lead by the hospital's nutrition services manager Catriona Wilson.

"The old tray system that we had was implemented when the hospital opened," said Wilson."The previous tray system had a partial lidwhich was very heavy and awkward for patients."

Wilson added that the insulation on the old system wasn't keeping the food hot.

Combating patient malnutrition

Instead of the previous rectangular shaped plate, the hospital now uses round plates with heated bases,topped with dome lids. The presentation hasasimilar style to hotel room service according to Wilson.

The new system was implemented in November 2017 and is an effort to encourage more patients to eat their food.

"It's a real challenge having patients try and eat in hospital. It's not familiar. It's not 'what mom made, or what my wife made,' so it is a real challenge for us," said Wilson.

"If the food looks pleasing and appetizing on a plate or a tray then thepatient is apt to eat it."

New plates, refrigeration and delivery carts

The hospital went through $130,000 in upgrades to bring in the new system, which wassponsored by theQEHLadies Auxiliary.

The kitchennow hasnew refrigerators that helpkeep food colder anda plate warmer that helps keepfood hot up for up to 40 minutes.

There's also a new cart system that helps deliver 20 trays of food at a time, meaning a quicker delivery to patients according to Wilson.

Changes for patients and staff

Wilson said while the new system has made several improvements to how the hospital serves food, it's been an adjustment for both staff and patient.

"It was quite a change for staff because they had to change where they were going to place the food items," she said.

As for patients, Wilson said there was mixed reaction.

"Some werevery pleased that the food was hotter.Some said the food was too hot."

And while the trays themselvesare alsoheavier than the older ones for staff to carry, Wilson said the changes are worthwhile if they helppatients eat.

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