Food plays a big role in recovery and health. Serving food in healthcare facilities like hospitals and nursing homes can be tough, however it's worth it when patients and residents can get a variety of delicious meals full of flavour - instead of the usual dull, stereotypical options they can face! Below we look at healthcare foodservice trends that represent exciting changes in the healthcare industry, and the challenges you need to be ready for, so you can transform your healthcare facility and the food you serve your patients and residents.
The introduction of intelligent equipment.
As businesses across all industries struggle to remain staffed during these uncertain times, the healthcare industry faces operational and financial hurdles due to shortages in personnel. With resignations, difficulty hiring, and an increasing need for workers, hospitals and healthcare facilities are feeling the pinch. However, the introduction of intelligent, digital equipment can help combat these issues. Multifunctional equipment like the iVario Pro and iCombi Pro require minimal training to be able to operate them, therefore less skilled workers are required in the kitchen.
Our iCombi Pro cooking system includes intelligent automation, eliminating the need to be constantly monitored or interfered with to alter cooking processes and can therefore have less experienced individuals operating them. Also, with a vast number of dietary requirements to cater for, in the iCombi Pro you can operate a full load of mixed products on different shelves, and not have to worry about keeping track of what is ready and when. The inbuilt iProductionManager will automatically monitor every rack, signal when each product is ready, and correct any remaining cooking times when the door is opened. And if you are required to take action, the iCombi Pro will light up the rack that requires the attention of those operating it. Find out more on our iCombi Pro here!
Making food in healthcare.
Serving creative and exciting food is essential to broaden a facility's appeal and provide healthcare and hospital food that is an enjoyable, nutritious experience. Move away from stereotypical options that crop up repeatedly, such as pasta bake and jacket potatoes. Don’t shy away from innovative menu items. As more consumers enjoy vegan options, plant-based menus are trending and naturally fit into healthcare food service settings. You can also experiment with world flavours such as Greek, Mexican, or Thai, as well as twists on the classics such as a plant-based cottage pie.
Our RATIONAL iCombi Pro and our iVario Pro , a next-generation Bratt Pan, make it easy to prepare many dishes simultaneously, no matter the cooking preparation needed. With the iVario Pro, you can divide the pan base into four zones, preparing different foods at different temperatures and at different times. And along with the iCombi Pro, the iVario Pro will let you know if you need to turn, add liquid, or take food out of a compartment. Depending on the size of your facility there are multiple models available, each with a different pan volume ranging from 25 litres to 150 litres. This means you can cater for all your patients and residents without the need for multiple pieces of equipment.
Optimising Efficiency within Healthcare.
Hospitals are seeing their margins shrink from unexpected PPE purchases to skyrocketing labour costs. We are now on the other side of a worldwide pandemic, and healthcare organisations and hospitals must keep tight reins on as many operational areas as possible, including the hospital kitchens. Streamlining menus can bring significant savings. By condensing the food offering, without limiting the variety as mentioned above, hospitals and healthcare facilities can gain control over food costs and create less waste. You can still meet the needs of patients and diners while lowering inventory.
Onboarding new technology, although an initial cost, can also save significantly. The many features make the iVario Pro an investment that pays off quickly. This is because it combines the functions of multiple kitchen appliances. You will also save space, working time, raw materials, electricity, water, and, most importantly, money. Also, the iCombi Pro uses 18 %* less energy, reduces your cost of goods by up to 15 %* and requires more than 40 %* less working time.
Everyone deserves to get the nutrition they need while enjoying their meals - and that's what RATIONAL and healthcare foodservice providers can strive to do together! By introducing innovative menu items, optimising efficiency, and onboarding new technologies, such as the RATIONAL iCombi Pro and iVario Pro , you can create exciting food experiences while cutting costs and juggling the stress of staff shortages. The features of our commercial cooking equipment make them a great investment that pays off quickly by saving time, money, energy, and space.
If you're in the healthcare industry looking for ways to streamline your operations without sacrificing the quality or variety of meals served, get in touch with us at RATIONAL today.