MedWest’s three hospitals are undergoing major innovations in food service, housekeeping, plant operations and maintenance, and clinical engineering areas that will be complete by the end of the year.

MedWest is working with Compass Group, a leader in healthcare support services management, to bring new services to Haywood Regional Medical Center, Harris Regional Hospital and Swain County Hospital. By combining support services for the three hospitals and contracting with Compass, the system will realize cost savings of $1.1 million per year and gain access to technology that increases efficiencies in the areas providing critical support to the hospitals.

Room service known as “Dining on Call” will be introduced at all three hospitals. Patients will be able to order the meal of their choice, according to their physician’s dietary orders. The hospital cafeterias will undergo user-friendly upgrades and provide healthier food choices.

Requests for food service, plant operations and maintenance, clinical engineering and housekeeping will be streamlined through a centralized call center, increasing response time for support services needs.

Managers of the support services departments will be employed by Compass and function within the hospitals’ department management structure.