Thursday, 26 June 2025

Canteen Observations at SUT Pattom: Suggestions for a Quieter, Cleaner, and More Comfortable Space

 

SUT Hospital Canteen



To

The Hospital Administration,

SUT Pattom Hospital,

Trivandrum.

Subject: Feedback and Suggestions Regarding the Hospital Canteen Facilities

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am a regular visitor to SUT Pattom and have always appreciated the care offered at your facility. During my recent visit for a blood test, I stopped by the hospital canteen for a cup of coffee, as I often do. While I’ve previously noticed a few discomforts, this time I felt compelled to write to you, as some of these issues are becoming increasingly difficult to overlook.

Below are some observations and suggestions that I hope you will consider to improve the overall comfort and experience for patients, visitors, and staff who use the canteen:

Seating and Furniture:

Uncomfortable Chairs: The current chairs in the canteen have flat wooden bases. While they are polished and compact, they are not ergonomically suited for comfortable seating, especially for those who may already be under physical stress. I kindly suggest exploring the possibility of replacing them with more comfortable alternatives that offer better support.

Missing Rubber Bushes on Chair Legs: Many metal chairs are missing their rubber bushes, causing a loud screeching noise when moved. This not only disturbs the peaceful environment of the hospital but also adds to the discomfort of the users. Replacing these with rubber leg caps would be a small but highly impactful change.

Table Suitability: The current tables do not seem suitable for a food-serving food. It appears as if old-fashioned tables were remodeled with marble slabs. A review and potential replacement with more practical dining tables would enhance the dining experience.

Sound Management:

Noise from Utensil Handling: Staff members often handle stainless steel vessels in a manner that produces loud banging and clanking sounds. A gentle reminder to staff to be mindful and careful when handling utensils could significantly reduce this noise and maintain a more soothing atmosphere.

Food and Hygiene Improvements:

Quality of Idli & Sambar: Serving fluffier, steaming idlis in the morning would be a welcome improvement. Though I haven't had idli from here for a long time, I feel idli should be the typical boring and hard ones. So, investing in an idli-making machine could help ensure consistency, fluffiness and also reduce manual effort. Apart from the sambar, idli podi can be an addon to serve. 

Sterilization of Plates: If possible, installing a sterilization unit for stainless steel plates could improve hygiene, simplify staff workflow, and reassure visitors about food safety.

Availability of Masks and Sanitizers: Keeping a these items in the canteen billing section would help in cross-selling the items to canteen customers. It becomes easy to purchase face masks and pocket-sized sanitizers without visiting the pharmacy. 

Another useful time-saving gadget for hospital is a mask/sanitizer vending machine. It can be kept in an area close to the pharmacy or where there are footfalls. 

Positive Note:

Lastly, I want to express my appreciation for the improvements in the garden area near the entrance of the hospital. The Buddha statue, the pond, and the plants with red flowers on a rocky surface have added a very calming and welcoming feel to the hospital environment. Whether it's a result of new management or the work of a talented gardener, it certainly deserves recognition and a pat on the back.

Thank you for taking the time to consider this feedback. I hope these suggestions help in continuing to provide a comforting and healing environment for everyone visiting SUT Pattom.

Warm regards,

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