Aramark takes over GRHS nutrition services

WEST BURLINGTON – The dietary departments at Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center are being taken over by a local vendor as of Feb. 23, according to a release from the health system Tuesday.
Aramark, a division of Vestis Corp. based out of Roswell, Ga., will take over the nutrition services at the West Burlington and Fort Madison campuses, and the Klein Center in West Burlington.
According to the release, Great River Health has entered into a partnership with Aramark to provide nutrition services at Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center, West Burlington and Fort Madison, Henry County Health Center, and the Klein Center.  All nutrition services employees at the West Burlington and Fort Madison locations along with the Klein Center nutrition services employees will transition to Aramark employees. Henry County Health Center nutrition services employees will maintain their current employment status. 
“We made the decision to outsource our nutrition services to maximize efficiency while offering the best services possible across all our campuses for our patients, guests, and employees.  This will also allow us to focus on our core business of providing high quality healthcare,” explained Tomi Hagan, Chief Compliance Officer, Great River Health.
The Iowa Workforce Development’s WARN log shows a reporting of 67 layoffs at the health system on Dec. 19, but officials said the employees transitioned to Aramark and  no employees were being laid off.
The transitions are affecting the nutrition services department, according to Angie Budnik, Director of Marketing and Community Relations for Great River Health.