Mothers in Logan Hospital’s Maternity Unit now have access to a unique new meal ordering program, offering more choice and flexibility during their stay.
The ‘Mums Using Mobiles’ (MUM) program is the brainchild of staff from the Nutrition and Dietetics Department, who wanted to improve the experience for new mums on the ward.
Senior Dietitian Lisa Prineas said the Metro South first program allowed patients to order food from a virtual menu using a form like an App.
Lisa said recent consumer feedback indicated mothers were keen to see a greater variety of both hot and cold meals offered during their stay; something she felt was easily achievable through the MUM program.
Following a trial period where over 370 meals were ordered via the ‘App’, Lisa said the program was deemed a success and was now part of business as usual for the Maternity Inpatient Unit (MIU).
“The program is an excellent example of the collaboration that took place between a variety of hospital staff* and consumers,” Lisa said.
“Significant consumer feedback was sought prior to the rollout of the App, particularly regarding the patients’ preference to use their mobile phones that connected to the hospital’s free WiFi, or a ward phone to order.
"Consultation was also undertaken with the Health Equity and Access Team to ensure the App was easy to use and read as well as culturally appropriate.”
While the program was specifically designed for Logan’s MIU, it could soon be rolled out hospital-wide; something Lisa said was a big leap forward for consumers.
“Equally as important, the trial and roll out of this program will pave the way for future implementation of a more sophisticated and fully integrated App to link to the hospital’s food services system.”
*Nutrition and Dietetics Team, Maternity Ward Leadership team and staff, Food Services, Consumers, Consumer Partnership Team, Ward Nannies and Health Equity and Access Team.