One of the most prestigious names in health care is taking a stand on food.
This week, Cleveland Clinic announced it would sever ties with McDonald's. As of September 18, the McDonald's branch located in the Cleveland Clinic cafeteria will turn off its fryers and close its doors for good. Its lease will not be renewed.
The move is one of a number of changes the hospital has made over the past decade to "promote healthy food choices, exercise, and a smoke free environment," said Cleveland Clinic spokeswoman Eileen Sheil. "Our goal is to reduce the risk factors that contribute significantly to chronic diseases."
Employees are offered free gym access and Weight Watchers memberships. And nudging out McDonald's is one of many steps the medical center has taken in the cafeteria to offer more healthful fare.
"It's not about McDonald's, it's part of a broader effort by the Cleveland Clinic to try to change the conversation from sick care to health care," Shiel said.
McDonald's franchise owner Turan Strange said his employees enjoyed serving the Cleveland Clinic community for the past 20 years" and that he'll be offering the workers jobs at other restaurants within his organization.
"We invite the families and residents in the hospital community to visit our other Cleveland-area restaurants for the variety of balanced choices of food and beverages that we're proud to serve," Strange said.
Consistently ranking among the best in the nation, the hospital signed the long-term lease with Strange under its previous CEO, but it began an active campaign to end the deal ahead of schedule under current chief executive Delos "Toby" Cosgrove, a cardiac surgeon who took over in 2002.
Cosgrove believes selling Big Macs, fries and shakes in the hospital's lobby was sending the wrong message
The move is not a huge surprise. Cleveland Clinic tried to terminate its lease contract with McDonald's several years back, but failed.
McDonald's has suffered flagging sales, and the fast food chain has revamped its menu and its image.
