Dietary Trays

Hospital Food Trays: What You Need to Know

Hospital serving trays are available in various sizes to make tray service accessible for patients of different limitations and ages. For hygienic storage, these units can be stacked atop one another. They're lightweight enough to be held comfortably yet durable enough to resist damage from impacts. Medical bed trays are designed with low-slope edges to increase feeding access, and because they are resistant to odors and stains, they have longer service lifetimes. Hospital trays come in dozens of different colors to suit your facility's aesthetic display.

To create a nonskid surface, many hospital food trays are constructed of fiberglass, which grips the base of servingware to keep it from slipping or tipping over when items are being transported. Fiberglass also helps prevent spills if the tray slants when patients are using it in bed. This not only saves staff time on cleanup time but also protects patients from burns that could result from hot foods such as soup. Because hospital serving trays are constructed of durable material, they're less likely to get damaged when dropped and will save operators on replacement costs over time. Medical bed trays are resistant to warping and breaking, and they're designed to preserve their initial appearance for as long as possible.

Common Questions About Hospital Trays

How do you visually enhance your hospital food tray service?

When serving patients, avoid overcrowding the tray and don't give them large portions. Too much food can be overwhelming for people experiencing a lack of appetite, and the surplus of foods and beverages may make them feel guilty for not being able to finish their meal. You don't have to worry about filling up all the empty space on each hospital serving tray. Simply make sure the dishware is color coordinated, and if it's available, match the tray liner to the tray. Avoid one-color meals by brightening trays with foods that vary in color and adding garnishes. Staff should be serving trays that are clean and neat.

How do you organize hospital serving trays for optimal patient handling?

Mug placement depends on the patient's dominant hand. If they are left-handed, place it on the lower left side, and if they are right-handed, the lower right side. Angle the handle slightly towards them. Servingware should also be placed toward the bottom side of their dominant hand, and place any condiments in a small container to avoid scattering them across the medical bed tray. The goal is to keep patients from having to hunt things down.

How do you ensure employees execute consistent medical bed tray item placement?

To help employees quickly and efficiently place items for optimal utility and visual appeal, photograph a sample of how food and servingware should be arranged on a tray. The consistent attention to detail will help remove barriers that may inhibit them from eating food. Attractive hospital trays encourage patients to eat, and going out of your way to adorn the trays with liners, coordinated napkins, china, and non-plastic flatware is an effective way to boost patient morale and show you care.