By Evans Worlanyo Ameamu
Keta (VR), May 15, GNA -The Keta Municipal Hospital in the Volta Region, has commissioned a new canteen at the hospital.
The new canteen is expected to improve dietary requirements of patients, visitors and staff members to improve healthcare delivery.
The development was also expected to provide a clean, comfortable, and convenient space for individuals to access nutritious meals and refreshments in the hospital.
Dr Dela Glover, the Welfare Manager Chairman, in an interview with the Ghana News Agency, said the new canteen was equipped with modern facilities, including a spacious dining area, a well-organised kitchen, and adequate storage space.
“The canteen’s design and layout prioritise cleanliness, hygiene, and efficiency to ensure that food is prepared and served in a safe and healthy environment,” he said.
He said that the management of the hospital believed that the canteen would contribute significantly to improving patient care and provision of a convenient and accessible space for visitors to purchase meals and refreshments while it would also help reduce stress and anxiety for families and caregivers as well as allowing them to focus on supporting their loved ones in the hospital.
Dr Glover explained that the new canteen will also benefit hospital staff, who would have access to a convenient and affordable dining options and help boost staff morale and productivity which would ultimately contribute to better patient care and outcomes.
“The time of going out and be looking for food to eat is over, the main aim here is to bring this facility closer to our people to alleviate the challenge, it is open to the public as well.”
He said that the Municipal Hospital canteen is expected to engage with the local community as a potential source of ingredients and supplies from local farmers and suppliers to support the local economy as well as promote the commitment of the hospital to the community development.
He said the canteen was equipped with modern equipment which included refrigeration units, cooking ranges, and dishwashing facilities, among others that would ensure that food is prepared, stored, and served safely to reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses.
Dr Alhaji Farouk Iddrisu, the Manager of the Hospital, emphasised the importance of maintaining high standards food, cleanliness and hygiene in the canteen and regular cleaning schedules, proper waste management, and strict adherence to food safety protocols would be implemented to ensure a clean and safe environment.
Dr Kofi Karikari Bonsu, the Medical Superintendent of the hospital, said that the new canteen which was strategically located within the hospital premises would make accessibility easy for patients, visitors, and staff while the operating hours would be designed to accommodate the needs of the hospital to provide a convenient and reliable dining option.
Some patients, nurses and residents the GNA engaged expressed excitement over the establishment of the canteen which would always be readily available to alleviate their plights and struggles.
Other information GNA picked revealed that all local foods would be part of the daily menu options to expand services and explore opportunities for partnerships with local food vendors to ensure that the canteen remains valuable and available resource for the hospital at all time.
GNA
MA/BM