SGMC Health is expanding dining options at its Main Campus with the opening of The Eatery, a new 24/7 dining destination powered by Amazon Just Walk Out technology. SGMC Health was among the first hospitals nationwide to adopt the technology, bringing an innovative approach to around-the-clock dining in the healthcare setting. Developed in partnership with its food and nutrition services provider, Morrison Healthcare, The Eatery will provide employees, patients and guests with greater flexibility and access to a variety of food and beverage options.

The addition builds on the broad scope of SGMC Health’s Food and Nutrition Services, which served approximately 2.3 million meals to patients and guests during the past fiscal year. The Eatery officially opened to employees, patients and guests on Wednesday, Nov. 4, following a ribbon cutting and preview event on Nov. 3.

Designed around the unique demands of a healthcare environment, The Eatery will offer hot food, fresh grab-and-go selections, snacks and beverages at any hour. The transformation responds to feedback from SGMC Health team members, particularly those working evenings, nights, weekends and holidays, when dining options have traditionally been more limited. It also expands access for patients and visitors who may be on campus outside traditional dining hours or spending extended periods at the hospital.

“Healthcare never stops, and convenient access to food shouldn’t either,” said Jason Childress, Director of Food and Nutrition Services at SGMC Health. “The Eatery gives our employees, patients and visitors greater flexibility to get what they need, when they need it. Whether it’s a team member grabbing a meal during an overnight shift or a family member staying close to a loved one, this is about making their experience at SGMC Health better.”

Amazon Just Walk Out technology is designed to simplify the purchasing experience by eliminating the traditional checkout line. Customers scan a credit or debit card when entering The Eatery, select the items they want and simply leave when they are finished. The technology detects the items selected and automatically charges the card used to enter, allowing customers to get what they need and be on their way.

The new dining model recognizes that the needs of a hospital don’t always fit within a traditional schedule. Whether someone is arriving early, working late, or spending the night with a loved one, The Eatery provides access to food and refreshments when other options may be limited.

The project is part of SGMC Health’s continued investment in its growing Main Campus and ongoing efforts to make time spent at the hospital a little easier for the people who work, receive care and support loved ones there. With food available around the clock, The Eatery helps meet a simple but important need for employees, patients, and families, no matter what time of day brings them to SGMC Health.

About SGMC Health:
SGMC Health is the most comprehensive health system serving South Georgia and North Florida. SGMC Health operates four hospitals across Lowndes, Berrien, and Lanier counties. The system also operates ambulance services, an extensive medical office network, a cancer center, hospice facility, retirement center, skilled nursing facility, imaging centers and urgent cares. Service lines of regional prominence include heart and vascular, stroke, trauma, cancer, orthopedics, surgery, and women and infants.

Courtesy of SGMC Health | South Georgia Magazine