NHSTrust revamps meal order system
ROYAL Brompton Hospital NHS Trust in London is pushing the deadline for patients' meal orders to the limit with the introduction of a new computerised system.
The system, designed by catering services manager Kevin Lambe with computer firm B&W Electronics, involves the use of a handheld, notebook-style computer.
"Ward service staff use the computer to take orders but where a patient cannot speak English, they can write their request on the "notebook" which will then translate it into English. More than 60 languages are catered for by the computer," explained Mr Lambe.
"The cut-off point for orders for midday meals is now 11.30am and for 5.30pm meals the cut-off is now 4.30pm," he added.
The computer also produces a menu analysis for the day, which is available to medical staff so they can monitor whether patients are following the most appropriate diet for their condition.
