Alexis Merino, left, and Diego Garcia
Relax and Refresh is a collaboration between The Mount Sinai Hospital Obstetrics team and Eleven West, Mount Sinai’s premium amenities unit, to provide healthy snack options to mothers before and after delivery.
Food is prepared by the culinary team at Eleven West and is delivered to each patient room by the Eleven West Guest Services team. The snacks are designed to be healthy and allergy friendly, with vegan options. Piloted in October 2020 and fully implemented a month later, the program has been a resounding success, judging from patient response.
Mothers are enthusiastic about the snacks and equally impressed by the two 11 West Guest Service staffers who deliver the snacks, Diego Garcia and Alexis Merino. Here are a few of the patients’ comments:
“The food/snack is delicious, and the guy that comes to deliver it to each patient is so polite and always has a smile on his face. Makes you feel like he is a friend and you might forget for a while you are at a hospital.”
“The food and smoothies have been delicious. The people delivering the food are so kind and accommodating. One of the best parts of the day! “
“The presentation of the food, as well as the smile and the dress code on the person delivering the food, was great. The food was delicious. I even decided to keep the cup that the smoothie came in because it has the Mount Sinai logo on it. Love it!”
Diego considers all of his patients “family,” and says, “I ‘m going to do my very best for them. I want them to be relaxed.” Alexis feels the same way. “I really enjoy what I do. My goal is to go above and beyond and provide patients with a magical experience.”