Healthcare workers are the frontline for battling a global pandemic. We are seeing amazing displays of selflessness and compassion as nurses, doctors and food and support services staff rally together to meet patient needs in these challenging times.
As the country continues to implement strategies to slow the spread of COVID-19, we must all do our best to keep our communities and patients safe. As a result, Morrison Healthcare is sharing our Best Practices and Resources in the hopes that we can help other healthcare providers and operations.
This information is the cumulation of experience and research from some of the industry’s leading healthcare practitioners. Together, we can save lives and slow the spread of COVID-19.
The impact of COVID-19 on our healthcare partners, colleagues, and our teams is undeniable. Day in and day out healthcare providers across the country continue to battle the novel coronavirus, and we’re doing our part using the Power of Food to offer patients and caretakers comfort during these challenging times.
As we continue to operate and support our partners in any capacity we can, we have learned a few lessons about resilience, teamwork, and kindness we want to share with you. We want to offer resources that help you navigate these difficult times and continue providing nurturing food to patients, staff, and guests following the strictest safety protocols.
We’d also like to hear from you. Are there any best practices you’d like to share? Do you have questions or concerns? We’re in this together, and we believe sharing information is an excellent way of supporting each other.
Morrison and Compass One Healthcare responded to COVID-19 with new products, new protocols, and new ideas. But COVID-19 was not the first coronavirus and may not be the last. Make sure you’re ready for what’s to come.
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As the country continues to implement strategies to slow the spread of COVID-19, we must all do our best to keep our communities and patients safe. As a result, Morrison Healthcare is sharing our best practices in the hopes that we can help other healthcare providers and operations.
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Between stress and fear, people across the country are struggling with more than just COVID-19. It’s an unprecedented time in our country’s history, which has led to mental health challenges particularly for those on the frontlines. We can help alleviate these challenges. We can help people cope with stress, by building stronger individuals, teams, and communities.
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The CDC says that the combination of hot water and detergents in the dishwasher make it safe to use regular dishes for patients with COVID-19. S ome hospitals choose to use disposables a s a way to preserve the personal protective equipment that would be needed if workers from all department s were providing their usual services . Essential personnel can discard the disposable tray s at their convenience.
Pop-up hospitals meet the community ’s need , so the list of stakeholders from the participating hospitals can be long . The “clients” , however, are the owners of the space and the federal government. A simple menu, such as the cold-boxed meal menu, allows the flexibility to feed varying numbers of patients in a temporary setting that may be a distance from the actual food production area.
Taking patient menu selections by phone is a way to limit the number of face-to-face interactions with patients while maintaining quality meal service. Train the associates who will be calling patients. Make it easy for them by providing a script to follow. This ensures that all patients hear the same message. Shadow the associates while they are placing calls, so that those who are clearly uncomfortable talking on the phone can be assigned to other duties.
We are taking social distancing seriously, a decision that affects the role of our Patient Ambassadors. Previously, our Patient Ambassadors would have spent their days visiting with patients and families. As an example, these associates are assigned to duties such as cleaning door handles, handrails and frequently touched surfaces in public areas, as well as time clocks. Some also assist with stocking.
As the novel coronavirus COVID-19 continues to spread, American institutions are opening pop-up hospitals to relieve overcrowded hospitals.
Explore our opening guide to Pop-up hospitalsKeep communication channels open with patients and customers by relaying important updates through signage, intranet, or meetings.
Offer daily infection control and medical-related updates for department leadership.
Schedule virtual staff meetings or huddles. Involve system leadership and context experts to develop an action plan to respond to rumors and ease staff anxiety.
develop a plan
Messaging can have a big impact on our perception of any given situation. Be transparent and open about the changes you are making as a business to ensure the safety of your staff and customers. Use social media, flyers, etc. to make your mission clear.
There are several steps you can take to maximize efficiency and safety in operations. Eliminate self-service stations. Implement new cleaning and sanitizing procedures for food preparation and service areas. Adjust food purchasing and menus due to lower customer volume.
Take-home meals can be a great way to support your kitchen and staff while adapting to our current situation. Offer carryout or take-and-bake pizza and take-home meals to recover sales lost from in-dining services.
Pop-up markets offer access to much-needed essential products like toilet paper, food, or cleaning supplies. Help healthcare professionals and staff secure their basic needs through these micro markets.
Get in touch with your emotions and learn how to manage feelings of grief during these uncertain times and the monumental changes to our lives.
ReadUnlock the secrets of lifting employees and customers alike with this heartwarming approach.
ReadDiscover the power of gratitude and how you can empower your teams with small acts of kindness.
ReadHave ideas on best practices? We'd love to hear how your healthcare teams are approaching the battle against COVID-19.
Don't hesitate to drop us a line if you have any questions, comments, or concerns about this resource page.
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