The renovation of the Food Block within the University Emergency Hospital has been completed! 1,000 patients daily are now enjoying a balanced and healthy diet!

The Metropolis Foundation, through the Public Hospitals with Private Funds initiative, with the support of MaxBet Romania, completed the renovation and modernization project of the Food Block within the University Emergency Hospital Bucharest (SUUB) at the beginning of August.

The space was divided into 3 zones, and the following improvements were made:

Zone 1, the open kitchen area, with a total area of approximately 600 sqm, underwent a complete transformation. The walls were painted with 2 coats of water-based epoxy antibacterial paint from our partners at Sika Romania. The same treatment was applied to over 430 sqm of ceiling. The entire electrical installation was redone, and new LED lighting fixtures and electrical appliances were installed. Additionally, sanitary fixtures and radiators were replaced. Ventilation grilles were cleaned, and stainless steel utensils in the kitchen were sanitized. A polyurethane floor was poured over the entire surface.

Zone 2 of the food block consists of various food storage and preparation spaces, cold rooms, changing rooms, restrooms, and the loading area. Polyurethane flooring was applied across the entire surface, and double-layer antibacterial paint was applied to the walls. The electrical network was renewed, and new electrical appliances were installed. All sanitary fixtures were also replaced.

Zone 3, the entrance hall to the food block, with an area of approximately 100 sqm, was also completely renovated. Antibacterial white washable paint was applied to walls and ceiling, the floor was redone, and all doors were refurbished and painted. Non-functional electrical appliances were also replaced.

All cooking appliances were refurbished and installed to ensure that patients receive healthy and high-quality meals.

The decision for the Metropolis Foundation's involvement in this project came after an inspection by the National Authority for Consumer Protection (ANPC), which mandated the suspension of activity due to not meeting food safety standards. Thus, the over 250,000 annually hospitalized patients were at risk of losing access to quality nutrition.

Present at the inauguration event was Horia Constantinescu, the President of ANPC, who concluded that the renovation and modernization of the food block at SUUB adheres to current legislative standards.

"The state of the food block presented, in our opinion, a real danger to those staying here. Those who come here don't come because they're doing well, but because they're already facing a health threat. (...) Now, the food block looks unexpectedly much better than we anticipated at the end of this action. We now have a launching pad for wonderful things that can be cooked, prepared, and served here," stated Horia Constantinescu, President of ANPC.

MaxBet Romania joined the project as the main sponsor with an investment of over 100,000 euros.

"The partnership with MaxBet Romania in this project has once again demonstrated the power of civil society and the business environment in improving the medical system in Romania. Together, we managed to prevent one of the largest hospitals in the capital from being unable to provide patients with nutritious food, and also motivated state authorities to invest in the rehabilitation of functional food blocks in hospitals across the country. We are honored to have great partners alongside us to change the conditions for patients in hospitals, and we thank them for their involvement," said Codin Maticiuc, founder of Public Hospitals with Private Funds.

For MaxBet Romania, this project represents a continuation of their involvement in the development of the University Emergency Hospital Bucharest, where they have invested over 1 million euros in recent years.

"Engagement in social responsibility projects has become an integral part of our identity. Supporting the Metropolis Foundation in this project came naturally, given the partnership created between MaxBet and the University Emergency Hospital Bucharest over the years. The renovation of the SUUB food block complements projects dedicated to significantly improving the patient experience and contributing to their well-being during the treatment process, including the Stem Cell Transplant Center in 2015 and the construction of the first heliport on the terrace, inaugurated in 2019.

In a rapidly changing world, where social and educational challenges are becoming increasingly evident, we choose to act responsibly and build a more solid future for all of us. Each project carried out with the Metropolis Foundation honors us, touches us emotionally, and gives new meaning to our aspirations.

Good deeds make a difference! MaxBet will continue to be an active partner in the community and support projects that enhance the lives of people in need," said Ioana Bazavan, General Director of MaxBet Romania.

For over 20 years, the Metropolis Foundation has contributed to building a world where people smile by providing access to health, education, and balanced emotional development. The foundation focuses on social assistance for vulnerable children in its own centers and partner organizations, as well as renovating and equipping public hospitals with private funds and supporting verified individual causes and stray animals in partner shelters.

Founded in 2002, MaxBet Romania is a market leader in the gambling industry with over 1200 employees and 126 locations in 15 major cities. MaxBet Romania has gained national recognition through social responsibility projects, culminating in the construction of the only medical heliport in Bucharest, an investment of over 1 million euros. In total, MaxBet has allocated over 4.4 million euros to CSR projects, focusing on excellence and innovation in Romanian medicine, as well as improving conditions in the medical system.

Source: https://web.fundatiametropolis.ro/bolg/renovarea-blocului-alimentar-din-cadrul-spitalului-universitar-de-urgenta-a-fost-finalizata-1000-de-pacienti-au-zilnic-parte-de-o-alimentatie-echilibrata-si-sanatoasa/