“Like anyone, patients look forward to meals. It’s often the highlight of the day and breaks up the monotony of being hospitalized,” observes Mark Dyball, chef manager of UCLA Healthcare’s Department of Nutrition.

UCLA Healthcare Chef Manager Mark Dyball with a sampling of new menu items.

Starting at the end of April, patients at Santa Monica-UCLA Medical Center and Orthopaedic Hospital (SM-UCLA & OH) can look forward to a new menu featuring restaurant-quality, prepared fresh-to-order meals. At a recent tasting preview, Healthcare leadership unanimously praised the new selections citing Tuscan seared fresh salmon, charbroiled herb salmon, chicken enchiladas, vegetable tofu stir fry and herb-crusted grilled steak.

At the same time, the implementation of new nutritional software will automate many aspects of food service. “Patients will telephone their requests to the call center where their computerized medical profile is retrieved and evaluated to ensure that problematic foods are not served. Ordering takes seconds and hotel-style room service will deliver the cooked-to-order meals within 45 minutes. Breakfast is available from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm daily and lunch and dinner is available from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm daily.

Proper nutrition is not compromised with the new menu’s big flavors. Overall, nutrition teams find the new items healthier and the Wellness Initiative’s green apple icon indicates foods that are particularly low in fat or sodium. Fried items have been completely eliminated.

“Our new food service is vital to UCLA Healthcare’s mission to provide the best hospital experience possible,” says Mr. Dyball. Patients at SM-UCLA & OH will soon enjoy this new five-star, hotel-style menu service, and Westwood patients will be able to enjoy it as well when the replacement hospital opens.