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Health First Hospitals Stress Cafeteria Cleanliness to Protect Patients and Associates

By  //  May 6, 2020

Now more than ever, people are examining every inch of a facility or eatery

Hospital cafeterias are the communal hub for associates and patients to relax and enjoy their dining experience. (Health First image)
BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Hospital cafeterias are the communal hub for associates and patients to relax and enjoy their dining experience. 
Along with providing healthy eating and wellness, all Health First cafeterias are designed to reflect the Integrated Delivery Network’s emphasis on cleaning and sanitizing during the COVID-19 public health pandemic.
 “Our cafeterias and cafes are high-traffic areas that have clear protocols, written procedures and routine cleaning to minimize the spread of COVID-19 or any other infectious diseases or germs,” said Patricia, Department Manager of Sodexo Healthcare at Cape Canaveral Hospital, which supplies food and nutrition services to Health First.
Now more than ever, people are examining every inch of a facility or eatery to see how clean it is to help protect their own health.
“With the spread of COVID-19, our top priority is to make sure our cafeterias are constantly being sanitized,” Patricia said. “Our guests are expecting us to maintain a high level of cleanliness and we will continue to perform without fail.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, COVID-19 cannot be transmitted by food, however, Health First is doing its part to make sure every area within the healthcare network is being cleaned and properly sanitized at all times.
Along with providing healthy eating and wellness, all Health First cafeterias are designed to reflect the Integrated Delivery Network’s emphasis on cleaning and sanitizing during the COVID-19 public health pandemic. (Health First image)
Here are the procedures when it comes to keeping a hospital food-service area clean and sanitary:
▪ The cafe is cleaned with a commercial broad-spectrum disinfectant made for hospitals. It is an antibacterial, germicidal and fungicidal cleaner that kills a wide variety of bacteria and viruses, including COVID-19.
▪ Every hour, the tables, chairs and high-touch areas are cleaned and then disinfected. Tables are also cleaned in between patrons.
▪ Six-foot social-distancing measures are in place for pickup and cashier checkout areas.
▪ Increased frequency of handwashing.
▪ All associates are wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in common areas.
▪ No self-service food offerings (i.e., salad bars).
▪ Contactless payment options (i.e., Apple pay).
▪ High-touch surfaces like cooler doors, countertops, coffee urns, door handles, etc., are also disinfected each hour.
▪ Monitor daily sanitation, solution and testing logs to ensure that our chemicals are at required levels.
▪ All food service associates are trained and supervised in all fundamentals of hazard analysis of critical control points (HACCP) and all aspects of food safety. Includes training, monitoring and ensuring standard operating procedures are adhered to, proper handwashing, temperature control, cross-contamination, food allergies and chemical safety.
▪ All food service associates comply with food security guidelines and follow strict health and safety guidelines.
▪ Monthly food safety audits are conducted by a certified food manager.
▪ HACCP food, dishwasher, refrigerator and cooling temperature logs are reviewed daily to ensure safety.

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