New food service program starting in hospital in June

A new food service program by Sodexo is coming to Augusta University Medical Center and Children’s Hospital of Georgia in June.

“Expressly for You” (EFY) is designed to enhance the level of food service and increase patient satisfaction by transforming the way patients select their daily meals. This restaurant-style program gives the patient the power of choice, making their stay more comfortable and restorative.

A pre-printed bedside menu with breakfast, lunch and dinner options is provided for the patient to review upon admittance into the hospital. This menu highlights healthy options to promote healing for all patients and those “All–Time Favorite” foods which can only be ordered per patient’s prescribed diet.

Meal orders are then taken bedside by a designated EFY ambassador who will key the orders on a tablet computer using Healthtouch®, a room service dining computer application.

Healthtouch® interfaces with Cerner Power chart for all admissions, discharges, transfers and order-entries. The application also tracks and validates the process from order, preparation, assembly and delivery.

Meals are delivered to the room by the same ambassadors, establishing direct and personal contact with each patient multiple times a day.

Each ambassador will provide personal service for up to 35 patients daily.

“The ambassadors will build their own relationship with the patient becoming a part of the team on the nursing unit,” Director of Food and Nutrition Services Lavone Cook said.

This one-on-one approach to food service delivery enhances the patient’s dining experience for each meal with friendly and supportive assistance from the ambassadors.

Sodexo has been in operation at Augusta University Medical Center and CHOG since 2000. EFY is used by 132 Sodexo clients in 23 states and Canada.

Visit Food and Nutrition Services for more information.