Foodservice Department of the Year Award
Sioux Falls Specialty Hospital
The staff at Sioux Falls Specialty Hospital strives to have an open line of communication at all times to create a successful department. Each week, team members huddle together and are encouraged to convey concerns, express areas needing improvement, and share positive aspects of the department. Open communication is key to an effective work environment, allowing individuals to better understand one another and make departmental enhancements.
The foodservice department’s day-to-day operations impact the overall patient satisfaction rate by the level of patient care. The foodservice department delivers patients’ food trays with quality, five-star rated meals. Each tray is presented with a small vase of flowers and a wrapped cloth napkin to add a special touch.
Staff developed a take-home care package for patients to enjoy an easy, at-home meal while recovering from surgery. This care package includes soup, an assortment of snacks, bottled water, and silverware packets - all nestled in a Sioux Falls Specialty Hospital branded cooler.
The mission of SFSH is PRIDE: Personalized - Responsive - Innovative Care - Dedicated to Excellence.
One of the main goals in the hospitality department is to maintain a high standard in meal preparation. In 2018, the per patient day (PPD) cost decreased by nearly 37 percent. This decrease is attributed to the efforts made in changing to a room-service style option. Additionally, food procurement, production costs, and waste were significantly reduced.
Teamwork has specifically impacted the overall operation of this department and is reflected in state and national surveys. The foodservice department has received 100 percent food scores for four consecutive years and passed state inspections with zero deficiencies. With minor changes to food distributors, the foodservice department is now able to maintain cost-effective and long-term business goals, saving $35,000 in operations annually.
The SFSH foodservice department prides itself on exceptional patient care and being one of only 37 five-star rated hospitals in the country.