Kitchen Automation in support of Care Model Enhancements of IMH
Workforce Transformation
National Healthcare Innovation and Productivity Medals
National Healthcare Group
31 December 2020
To transform the kitchen, ease labour-intensive tasks, improve the working environment, and upskill staff in IMH's Dietetics. Automation and workflow redesign successfully improved productivity, reduced physical labour, and enhanced workforce safety and skill.
Year Submitted: 2020
Published Date: 31 December 2020
Tags: Workforce Transformation, Staff Development, Job Redesign, Upskilling
About this Content
Aims
To transform the kitchen, ease labour-intensive tasks, improve the working environment, and upskill staff in IMH's Dietetics and Catering Services department.
Background
IMH's kitchen caters meals for 2,000 patients daily. The hot, labour-intensive environment posed challenges, especially for an aging workforce (22% >60 years old). Recruitment faced difficulties due to physical demands and low job prospects.
Methods
Re-engineered workflow, introduced automated equipment (e.g., auto-rice cooker), and upskilled staff. A Lean 2P technique streamlined processes, reducing the need for manual efforts. Study visits to commercial and hospital kitchens guided improvements.
Results
Reduced manpower by 11 FTEs. Staff reallocated to other tasks. Automated equipment simplified rice and dish preparation, reducing from 4 to 1 staff. Improved safety, consistency, and working environment.
Conclusion
Automation and workflow redesign successfully improved productivity, reduced physical labour, and enhanced workforce safety and skill sets.
Lessons Learnt
Overcoming staff resistance required demonstrations and study visits to showcase automation benefits. Clear communication and management support helped alleviate fears.
Additional Information
Renovation also ensured compliance with MUIS food standards and improved food quality.
Keywords
Workforce Transformation, Staff Training, Lean Improvement, Kitchen Workflow, Automation, Value Stream Mapping, Safe Care
Innovators' Details
Innovators' Details
Healthcare Cluster(s) | National Healthcare Group |
Organization(s) Involved | Institute of Mental Health |
Platform(s) | National Healthcare Innovation and Productivity Medals |
Healthcare Professional Group(s) | Allied Health |
Applicable Specialty or Discipline | Nutrition ＆ Dietetics |
Project Lead(s) | Ong Lay See |
Project Member(s) | Gan Chee Huang |
Connect with this contributor!
Ong Lay See - lay_see_ong@imh.com.sg
Project Attachment
329_IMH_NHIP_2020_Kitchen_Automation_in_support_of_Care_Model_Enhancements_of_IMH_combine.pdf