In an effort to bring some comfort to those experiencing the loss of a loved one, Cura Hospitality has launched comfort carts at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh, a part of the Allegheny Health Network (AHN).
Each comfort cart contains an array of snacks, including chips, pretzels, cookies, coffee and tea. During the morning, the cart may also feature donuts and muffins.
“The Cura Comfort Cart is ordered by nursing for families in need when they have received unexpected news or that a loved one has passed,” Jessica Kotuba, patient services manager for Cura, said in a statement.
The initiative was launched at the beginning of the summer, and the hospital now has five carts in circulation.
The carts are checked out daily and have received positive feedback from nurses.
“This new comfort cart provides in-room necessities family members need so they can spend more time with their loved one," said Keith Young, assistant nurse manager at AHN Allegheny General Hospital, in the statement. "Our healthcare dining team does a great job creating ideas that will enhance the patient/family experience."