To define a procedure for escorting and supervising patients in the cafeteria.

All patients are the responsibility of all staff at all times.

1. Armbands must be present for patients going to cafeteria.

2. Staff should seat their clients close together, filling in as much of the table space as possible.

3. Ensure that clients receive everything they need before they are seated. (condiments, punch, change, etc.)

4. Once they are seated, they are to remain seated until the “the group” finishes their meal.

5. When the group has finished their meal, they will form a line and dump their trays as they exit the cafeteria.

5.1 One staff member should remain in the hall to receive them as they exit and
conduct a head count; the other staff member will follow the last client to
ensure that no one is left behind with a final head count.

6. Patients that cannot remain seated or require frequent direction, for whatever reason, should be evaluated for meals on the unit.

7. A staff member should be positioned at all exits to monitor incoming and outgoing units, and to deter and redirect attempts to leave without escort. The staff positions will change as units come and go; however, a staff member should always be positioned at all exists.

8. Patients who wish to purchase from the cafeteria vending machine should be redirected and informed that vending machine purchases will be allowed per unit schedule.

9. Patients and staff entering the dining room will enter the second door leaving the first door free for the patients that have completed their dinner and are preparing to exit the cafeteria.

10. Last minute decisions to keep patient on the unit should be avoided. Team should address in rounds.

11. Staff escorting patients should carry walkie-talkies.

12.Staff escort ratio to cafeteria guideline is 1 staff member to 5-8 patients.