‘Not normal hospital food’

Don't let the term "hospital food" scare you when you consider the UT Health San Antonio Multispeciality and Research Hospital's cafeteria.

This isn't the fare that historically has sullied reputations of hospital eating establishments.

"This is not normal hospital food, for sure," said Johnna Kemp, the cafeteria's director of food and nutrition. "We consider ourselves a fine-dining establishment."

The hospital, which opened Dec. 10, focuses on treating cancer patients and those needing complex surgical interventions.

Its shiny, new kitchen is operational for patients, while retail service for employees and visitors currently is Monday-Friday, 6:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Those hours may expand in the future.

Patient room service will offer a large menu, with meals made to order. Delivery will be available across the facility for staff and visitors during retail service hours.

"We're here to feed the patients," Kemp said. "That's our first job. And we feed our customers: our nurses, doctors and staff who are taking care of patients.

"You can place an order on our app and we'll bring it to you at a nursing station or wherever you are in the hospital."

Another feature that sets apart the cafeteria from some other hospitals' options: a 24/7 grab-and-go café.

"Anyone who has access to the hospital can grab a salad, a sandwich, a piece of cake, a soda and go to a kiosk and check themselves out," Kemp said.

"That's something that's unique. The leadership team wanted anyone in the facility - nurses, visitors or patients - to have access to 24-hour dining."

BY THE NUMBERS

Patient meals a day: 432 (when full)
Staff and visitor meals: 900 per day (forecast estimate)
Employees: 67
Gas burners: 18
Flat-top griddles: 3
Charbroilers: 3
Deep fryers: 6
Tilt skillet: 50-gallon unit
Steam kettle: 25-gallon unit