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Friday, July 27, 2012
Alberta Health Services to discontinue offsite food preparation
Albertans living in long-term care facilities operated by Alberta Health Services will soon enjoy fresher food that better meets their dietary needs and preferences.
Health Minister Fred Horne is directing Alberta Health Services (AHS) to discontinue the practice of preparing meals offsite and reheating, and bring back on-site food preparation services in the long-term care facilities it operates.
The changes will be in effect by December 2012.
“We’ve heard what residents and their families have said about the quality of food in our long-term care facilities and today, we are taking action to improve that,” said Horne. “We have to remember that these facilities are home to the people who live there, and in many cases, the last home they will ever live in. They deserve to live in comfort and dignity and enjoy food that is not only nutritious, but looks and tastes home-cooked and satisfies cultural food preferences.”
AHS will be required to prepare meals within their facilities that improve the taste and appearance over the food currently served, while at the same time design meals that better reflect flexibility and choice for residents.
AHS will consult with residents, families and staff to develop and present a plan of action to Horne by October, with full implementation of on-site and locally based meal preparation by December. The directive applies to all 73 long-term care facilities operated by AHS across the province. These facilities are home to approximately 2,700 residents.
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About bloody time !!!!!
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