JMCGH staff petitions to keep cafeteria hours extended after hospital lessens availability

JACKSON, Tenn. — A petition, started by Jackson-Madison County General Hospital employees, has garnered over 1,300 signatures.

In a few weeks, the hospital will close its cafeteria doors at 10 p.m. instead of staying open until 1 a.m.

According to hospital officials, sales during late-night hours regularly fell short of meeting operational expenses.

Hospital employees feel this change will negatively impacts night-shift workers, patients, and visitors.

“I truly hope that the hospital reconsiders keeping the cafeteria open until 1 a.m. It’s really not just about food, it’s about supporting the people who care for patients through the night and the families who often go hours without eating, especially for people that come in the emergency room and needed to get admitted throughout the night. Those people are in the emergency department for a very, very long time,” said a JMCGH staff member who wished to remain anonymous.

As a solution, the hospital says it will implement “walk out” kiosks that will offer fresh meals, snacks and beverages 24/7.

For more news in the Jackson area, click here.