Who helped The Ottawa Hospital revamp its patient meals?

Local restaurant owner Stephen Beckta, hired as a specialist, assisted The Ottawa Hospital in transforming its patient food service.

What were the goals of the hospital's meal revamp trial?

The trial aimed to make patient meals delicious and nutritious, focusing on reducing malnutrition and helping patients recover and go home sooner.

Will the new hospital dishes be a permanent menu item?

The Ottawa Hospital is still working through the decision of whether and when the new dishes will be permanently added to the menu.

Home / Health / Chef Revamps Hospital Food: Delicious & Nutritious

Chef Revamps Hospital Food: Delicious & Nutritious

30 Jan

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Summary

Local chef Stephen Beckta helped revamp hospital patient meals.
New dishes focus on high fiber, protein for patient recovery.
Hospital still evaluating if revamped meals will be permanent.

The Ottawa Hospital has recently undertaken a significant trial to enhance its patient meal services, enlisting the expertise of local restaurant owner Stephen Beckta. As a part-time specialist in food service transformation, Beckta focused on making meals both delicious and nutritious, aiming to reduce malnutrition and accelerate patient recovery times.

The revamped menu introduced 30 new dishes, featuring high-fiber and protein-rich options like falafel with tabbouleh and Asian-inspired chicken. These meals were tested on specific hospital units during the fall of 2024 and again last spring.

Hospital officials also aimed to reduce excess packaging, presenting meals in a more cohesive and environmentally friendly manner. The goal was to ensure patients received all necessary nutrients on a single plate, encouraging consumption.