Jefferson Healthcare is embarking on an exciting construction project to enhance healthcare services for the community. The project requires the demolition of the outdated one-story 1965 building, which currently houses the Garden Row Café, administration offices, Express Clinic, OB/GYN clinic, and other key services. This demolition will pave the way for a new medical building and an enlarged Garden Row Café, which prepares and serves meals for patients, employees, and the community.
To facilitate the demolition and subsequent construction, all services and employees located in the affected areas will be relocated, either permanently or temporarily. Despite the ongoing moves and construction activities, Jefferson Healthcare is committed to maintaining the continuity of services and ensuring an exceptional patient experience.
One of the first and most significant changes will be seen in the Dietary Services and Café department. Dietary Services provides hot and nutritious meals to patients while they recuperate in the hospital. To ensure uninterrupted meal services to patients, a kitchen at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds was remodeled to accommodate meal service to patients three times a day, every day.
Patient meals will be prepared at the renovated Fairgrounds kitchen and transported to the hospital by van. While breakfast options will remain similar, lunch and dinner entrees will primarily consist of delicious soups and stews that can be transported in bulk and kept at food-safe temperatures during transit. This strategic approach guarantees that patients receive hot and satisfying meals, enhancing their overall experience and well-being. In addition to these soup and stew options, patients will continue to have access to sides and sandwiches, ensuring a range of choices.
“Soups and stews are culinary magic, not only tantalizing our taste buds but also nourishing our bodies in profound ways. These simmering bowls of goodness are powerhouses of nutrients, packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber that promote overall well-being. From boosting immunity to supporting digestion, soups and stews are the ultimate elixirs that feed both body and soul,” says enthusiastic Jefferson Healthcare Chef, Arran Stark.
The JH Facilities team reviewed alternatives for temporary kitchen spaces carefully. Options investigated included leasing a portable kitchen space for meal production. This would have required space to locate the portable kitchen and a transportation solution into the hospital to keep hot food hot and cold food cold. Remodeling the existing Fairgrounds kitchen has proven to be a much more economical choice for the overall budget, even with the transport of the food to the hospital.
The upcoming construction project at Jefferson Healthcare signifies a major step forward in delivering enhanced healthcare services to our community. Despite the temporary changes and relocations, the focus remains steadfast on providing exceptional patient care and service. By investing in the renovation of the fairgrounds kitchen and implementing innovative strategies for patient meals, Jefferson Healthcare ensures that the patient experience remains at the forefront during this transformative period.
