Rehab vs. Hospital

By : Bon Appetit Mom | 1 Comment | On : March 8, 2013 | Category : Uncategorized

My daughter moved from the hospital to rehab the other night.  I need to compare the food on two fronts. The first is the patient food.  The second is the food available to the public. Let us begin with the patient food first. In terms of tray service, the rehab brings the food hot to the floor on steam trays and the food is served hot. The food in the hospital is served on trays that comes up from the kitchen so the food is not nearly as hot as in the rehab. Since the hospital is a much larger institution and not equipped to serve like the rehab is, it is understandable about the contrast in food temperature. I think the hospitals need to revamp away to keep the trays hotter by updating the service trays. The hospitals have microwaves on the floor so it is easy to warm up the food. As far as the taste of the food is concerned, the oatmeal at the rehab was better than the hospital. It had a better consistency and they used salt to bring out the flavor. As far as the food is concerned from what I tasted and what my daughter told me, the rehab food has better flavor. I did try the vegetables from both places and quite frankly tasted the same. But in fairness we have only been there for one day, so I will retaining from giving an overall decision. Now for the food available to the public. Hands down the hospital cafe wins. I never have liked Subway, and now I know why. When my daughter and I got to the rehab it was 7:45.  I was told Subway was opened till 8:00. I ran down to get us something to eat. I was told the ovens were off and I was refused service. I would have purchased a cold sandwich if it was offered, but I was refused total service. If I was in a public restaurant in public that would have been one thing, but in a rehab facility as a new patient it was reprehensible and I will never purchase anything from them for the duration of my daughters stay. The nurses on the floor did offer the food in the kitchen to us, which was very kind. The cafe at the hospital is the type of cafe that I know would have accommodated my needs. There food was fresh and plentiful. Almost to plentiful. The sandwiches were made on bread that equaled two sandwiches. The salads were fresh and nicely portioned. The frozen yogurt was really tasty too.  I must also add that all the workers in the hospital cafe were lovely. The service was welcoming and the workers were always very sweet and kind. There was a nice relationship with the staff members which was very nice to see. As far as the nurses and workers in both places the staff has been wonderful. The workers in both places are so hard working. They service their patients with kindness, patience and an unbelievable generosity of spirit. These men and women are skilled in their field and they work tirelessly to help their patients. They service is something to be appreciated and acknowledged. In both the hospital and the rehab these men and women meet the demands of a very difficult job with grace and integrity. It is snowing so stay safe my fans and Bon Appetit.