New 24/7 cafe options for hospital staff

ST John of God (SJOG) Ballarat Hospital staff now have access to a new self-service cafe in what the organisation says is an Australian first for hospitals.

The Morsl Micro Market is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It is fully automated and offers caregivers access to a range of fresh, nutritious meals, snacks and beverages.

The hospital has installed the micro market in the staff cafeteria as part of a pilot program aimed at supporting the health and wellbeing of employees working across all shifts.

The market offers a curated selection of products aligned with three key missions: quick energy boosts; healthy grab and go; and small, permissible indulgence.

Options include fresh meals, protein smoothies, energy bars, and specialty items to meet a variety of dietary requirements including gluten-free and halal choices.

The workplace micro market concept was developed by Australian company Morsl.

The hospital’s corporate services director, Rachel Morrison, said providing caregivers with convenient access to healthy food options was essential to supporting their wellbeing and ability to deliver exceptional patient care.

“The Morsl Micro Market offers a flexible solution that aligns with the demands of shift work and our commitment to caregiver support,” Ms Morrison said.

Hospital chief executive officer Maria Noonan said the introduction of innovative solutions like the Morsl Micro Market helped to create a supportive environment that prioritised the health and wellbeing of staff.

“Our caregivers do so much for our patients, it’s important that we, in turn, support them with convenient, healthy options that fit their busy schedules,” she said.

Operating via a secure, cashless system, the micro market allows staff to browse and buy items using contactless payments.

It is restocked regularly to maintain a consistent supply of options.

Morsl founder and chief executive officer Karla Borland said the company’s offering was grounded in real customer insights and observed shopping behaviours. “We’ve created a health-forward, time-efficient and purposeful product range that supports caregivers at St John of God Health Care so they, in turn, can focus on delivering the best care to others.”

The Ballarat pilot program will be evaluated over coming months, with the potential for expansion to other SJOG facilities across Australia.