FOR CLIENTS WHO SELF-OPERATE

Empowering Healthcare Systems to Manage On-Site Food and Nutrition Services Independently 

At Innovative Hospitality Solutions (IHS), we understand that many hospitals and healthcare systems choose to retain control over their food and nutrition operations. Self-operated programs allow for greater flexibility, stronger alignment with organizational culture, and enhanced patient and employee satisfaction—but even the most well-managed programs benefit from external expertise. 

IHS provides expert consulting and operational support to healthcare administrators and in-house food and nutrition leaders. Our goal is to help hospitals optimize efficiency, improve service quality, boost satisfaction, and drive financial sustainability—while maintaining full operational control. 

HOW WE SUPPORT HEALTHCARE SYSTEMS THAT SELF-OPERATE

Food & Nutrition Services by Leading Strategic Consulting Projects

Since 2006, IHS has supported hospitals and health systems through clearly defined, engagements tailored to promote operational excellence in food and nutrition services. Our services include:   

Operational Assessment 

We begin by defining your program vision, identifying strengths, and uncovering gaps across patient dining, retail, catering, and financial outcomes. From there, we deliver actionable recommendations to improve alignment and performance. 

Strategic Planning 

We work with hospital leadership to set clear goals and build a practical roadmap that reflects your operational and financial realities—designed to be achievable, results-oriented, and sustainable. 

Financial Assessments 

Our consultants conduct a deep financial review—analyzing KPIs, tray costs, floor stock, waste, overtime, supply chain practices, staffing models, and retail revenue to uncover opportunities for improved efficiency and spend management. 

Culinary Assessments & Menu Design 

We assess patient and retail menus, recipes, food production, portioning, delivery, and food trends to elevate quality, satisfaction, wellness alignment, and cost control. 

Procurement & Supply Chain Assessment & Optimization 

We evaluate vendor relationships, GPO contracts, product selection, receiving, and inventory practices to streamline sourcing and reduce waste. 

Regulatory Readiness Assessment 

Using our CrossCheck℠ Quality Assurance platform, we assess compliance with local and national standards, identify gaps, and provide corrective action plans with follow-up evaluation. 

Workforce Engagement 

IHS reviews staffing levels, scheduling, performance management, and engagement strategies to support labor cost control, retention, and workflow efficiency. 

Voice of the Customer 

Through surveys, focus groups, patient roundings, and interviews, we capture the feedback of all stakeholders—patients, retail customers, staff, and administration—then provide recommendations to improve satisfaction. 

Pre-Facility Design Programming 

We provide planning input for new construction and renovations, ensuring efficient back-of-house flow, guest-friendly front-of-house design, and flexibility for future needs. 

Quality Assurance

CrossCheck℠ customizable proprietary web-based quality assurance platform, used to measure operational performance across food safety, service quality, marketing, retail execution, and more. Onsite assessments are conducted by trained professionals, with all findings tracked through a digital dashboard to support continuous improvement. 

ONGOING PROGRAM MANAGEMENT

How We Support Self-Operated Healthcare Systems by Providing Ongoing Program Oversight

When a hospital self-operates its food and nutrition program, there’s often the belief that internal teams can stay on trend and continually innovate without external support. In reality, even the most high-performing teams benefit from expert guidance. That’s where IHS comes in. 

We serve as your long-term strategic business partner—offering operational support and high-impact resources that drive innovation, improve performance, and sustain excellence over time. Our model is built to strengthen your in-house program without requiring a third-party contract management firm. 

 A Resource Partner for Ongoing Program Management 

IHS forms long-term, multi-year partnerships with self-operated hospitals to help design, build, and manage patient- and employee-centered food and nutrition programs. Each engagement is tailored to align with your operational goals and financial strategy while preserving your independence and culture. 

Our commitment is to provide self-operated healthcare teams with the same tools, resources, and technologies often associated with outsourced contract management companies—without the limitations. This includes support for menu development (for patient, employee, and guest dining), production automation, robust procurement strategies focused on spend optimization, marketing and concept development, themed culinary promotions, and access to POS technology across both patient and retail operations. 

TAILORED SUPPORT

Flexible Partnership Models for Success

IHS offers a range of services across three different models of oversight to our healthcare clients in the area of program management for their food and nutrition services program.  These services include:

Adviser Model 

  • Initial Operational Assessment with roadmap development
  • Annual program and goal reviews
  • Best practice sharing and innovation planning
  • Quarterly business reviews
  • Initial deployment of CrossCheck℠ Quality Assurance assessments 

Partner Model

All Adviser Model benefits, plus: 

  • Quarterly financial analysis and budget alignment 
  • Retail strategy and revenue optimization 
  • Operational studies to drive continuous improvement 
  • Procurement and supply chain analysis 
  • Peer roundtables with IHS healthcare experts 
  • Ongoing CrossCheck℠ Quality Assurance monitoring 

Program Manager Model

All Partner Model benefits, plus: 

  • Ongoing management oversight with regular site visits and monthly calls 
  • Financial reviews and budget planning support 
  • Customized CrossCheck℠ Quality Assurance assessments (mid-year and end-of-year) 
  • Annual regulatory readiness assessments 
  • Marketing plan and satisfaction survey reviews 
  • Dedicated IHS team for long-term continuity 

WHY CHOOSE IHS

Healthcare Systems that Self-Operate Food & Nutrition Services

• Expert guidance tailored to self-operated hospitals – We help organizations maintain control and independence while optimizing efficiency via defined scope consulting engagements and longer-term operational support strategic and operational oversight.
• A customer-centric approach – Ensuring that food and nutrition services enhance patient and employee experience and engagement.
• Technology-driven strategies – Modernizing dining operations to meet the expectations of today’s patients, visitors, and employees.
• Sustainable and financially responsible solutions – Balancing cost control, quality, and environmental responsibility.

With IHS as your consulting partner, your self-operated food and nutrition program will be optimized for efficiency, employee satisfaction, and long-term success.

Partner with IHS for Transformational Hospitality Solutions

Call us at 234 CENTICOR (236 8426) | Email info@ihsimpact.com