At Orlando Health St. Cloud Hospital, providing compassionate, high-quality care goes beyond traditional medical services—it extends to the heart of the kitchen, where Chef Roberto Santiago and his Food & Nutrition team craft meals that nourish both the body and soul. Known for curating menus that include traditional Hispanic dishes, Chef Santiago ensures that patients, staff, and visitors experience the comforting flavors of home during their time at the hospital.

Chef Santiago, an integral part of the hospital’s culinary team, understands that food is not just about nutrition—it’s about creating a sense of belonging and comfort, especially for those away from home and recovering. With Osceola County’s large Hispanic population, his menus often feature beloved traditional Hispanic dishes, offering patients the familiar tastes they grew up with. The hospital’s menu, however, extends far beyond Hispanic cuisine, offering a variety of meals from all over the world, reflecting the diverse cultural backgrounds of its patients and community.

“For many of our patients, enjoying a meal that reminds them of home can make a significant difference in their overall hospital experience,” said Chef Santiago. “Food is healing, and it’s one of the ways we show compassion and care.”

The Food & Nutrition team is dedicated to providing more than just meals; they aim to make every dish a part of the patient’s journey toward recovery. Whether it’s a hearty soup or a flavorful main course, the team takes pride in preparing meals that reflect the rich cultural heritage of the community they serve.

Orlando Health St. Cloud Hospital’s commitment to culturally sensitive care is evident in every aspect of their services. By offering traditional Hispanic dishes, the hospital fosters a sense of comfort and familiarity for patients, helping to ease the stress and anxiety that often accompany a hospital stay.

This holistic approach to care is part of what has earned Orlando Health St. Cloud Hospital widespread recognition. For the third year in a row, the hospital was selected by Modern Healthcare as one of the Best Places to Work in Healthcare in 2024. The award, which celebrates outstanding employers in the healthcare industry nationwide, is based on an assessment conducted by Workforce Research Group earlier this year.

“We are incredibly honored to be recognized once again as one of the best places to work in healthcare,” said a spokesperson for the hospital. “This award reflects our ongoing commitment to providing a positive environment for both our employees and the patients we care for every day.”

For Chef Santiago and his team, the work goes beyond the kitchen. They see every meal as an opportunity to provide not just sustenance, but a sense of care and connection. “It’s not easy being away from home, especially when you’re sick,” Chef Santiago explained. “That’s why we make it our mission to prepare meals that bring comfort to our patients—it’s our way of contributing to their healing process.”

Visitors and staff also benefit from the carefully crafted menus, which feature a variety of dishes that reflect the community’s diverse tastes. The kitchen is a hub of activity, constantly evolving to meet the needs of the hospital’s patients and the Osceola County community.

As the hospital continues to grow and evolve, Chef Santiago and his team remain committed to making sure that every meal served is not just a dish, but a source of comfort, healing, and care.

About Orlando Health St. Cloud Hospital

Orlando Health St. Cloud Hospital is dedicated to providing compassionate, high-quality care to the Osceola County community. Through initiatives like Chef Santiago’s curated menus and the hospital’s focus on holistic, patient-centered care, Orlando Health St. Cloud continues to lead the way in healthcare, creating an environment where both patients and staff can thrive.

For more information about Orlando Health St. Cloud Hospital’s services or their recognition by Modern Healthcare, visit OrlandoHealth.com.