By Healthcare Facilities Today

Chico Enterprise Record blogger, Nancy Lindahl, used a recent hospital stay to experience the explore the hospital food situation at the Enloe Medical Center where new executive chef Craig Thomas who is bringing noticeably healthier food and attitudes to the facility.  

Thomas actually works for Morrison Catering. According to the blog, Morrison has a reputation as a leader in the field of wellness. The company was the first healthcare food service company to commit to the Partnership for a Healthier America, and its Hospital Healthy Food Initiative. It's a commitment, Lindahl says, that could impact 41 million patients annually as well as bring healthier eating options to the staff, and families connected to hospitals.

Thomas says he used to get impatient with how long change took in the hospital, according to the blog, But now he's starting to see a difference. Most noticeable is the retail café at Enloe that habitually offered five deep-fried entrees to hospital staff. Thomas cut the fried food back to two items. Doctors and nurses are making the adjustment to healthy food.

Debbie Silveira, head of Nutrition Food Services, who 10 years ago ran the Enloe kitchen, says "It's hard to find a trained chef who has a passion for food and attention to detail that Craig has. Craig came just as the wellness idea was kicking off — wellness and healthier food choices in cafeterias as well as patient food set an example for staff, patients, families and the community."

Read the blog.