NEWTON – Newton Memorial Hospital recently launched a new service to improve the patient experience for our friends and neighbors admitted for overnight stays.

Newton Memorial’s Preferred Dining service allows patients to speak directly with a host or hostess about their dining options. Patients are given a choice of a delicious entrée or, if they are not interested in that, a variety of specials and a deli menu.

In just its second full month, the Preferred Dining service at Newton Memorial Hospital has received rave reviews from patients. In fact, Newton Memorial Hospital ranked second in the state in December patient satisfaction scores for the category, courtesy of the person serving food at Newton Memorial.

“That number is phenomenal,” said Gail Tannenhaus, Newton Memorial Hospital’s Director of Organizational Excellence.

Patient satisfaction surveys have doubled for the category courtesy of the person serving food since the new service was implemented.

“These numbers are very impressive, particularly when you consider these patients were experiencing hospital stays at a time when they may have expected to enjoy holiday meals with their families,” Tannenhaus added. “The fact that we were able to make the patient experience a positive one at this time of year means that our patients can continue to rely on Newton Memorial for the highest quality care and service when they need it most.”

Patients typically work with the same host or hostess when ordering all their meals. Together, they develop food options that suit their needs and specific tastes. Even more important, patients and the hosts/hostesses come to know each other on a first name basis and receive more thorough personalized care. It also enables nurses to spend more time providing quality care at the bedside.