Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

hospital food via shutterstock
Healthy Eating

White bread, butter and chips? Hospital food is not good enough, says TD

Ciara Conway TD has called for response to hospital food, after a constituents child was served chips in a pediatric ward.

CALLS HAVE BEEN made by a Labour TD for a national standard to be set on hospital food.

Ciara Conway, vice chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children, said that the issue had come to her attention after a constituent came to her with a complaint about the food in University Hospital Waterford.

The child had been suffering from pneumonia and was being treated in the pediatric ward of the hospital. The child had been served chips along with white bread and butter on a daily basis.

University Hospital Waterford have since made changes in the menu served to patients.

Replying to a parliamentary question posed by Conway about the situation in University Hospital Waterford, Health Minister Leo Varadkar, said:

“A menu card system has been agreed and will be introduced for the Paediatric Ward so that the older children and parents can be aware of what choices are on offer on a daily basis. The menu includes fresh fruit, salads, yogurts and other healthy food options.”

Speaking to TheJournal.ie Conway added:

“What is important is that there are good communications between patients and staff. People should know that there are choices there.”

When the health committee resumes it is something that I am going to raise. If Waterford has been successful in implementing the changes, I don’t see why other places can’t.

PastedImage-72760 This image prompted an immediate review of the menu at the hospital. Lisa Carey / Twitter Lisa Carey / Twitter / Twitter

In January 2013, it was found that sausage rolls and wedges were being served at the Coombe Woman and Infants University Hospital. Speaking to TheJournal.ie at the time, a spokesperson from Coombe, said:

“The hospital prepares and serves food for our patients in accordance with the Department of Health guidelines on ‘Food and Nutritional Care in Hospitals‘. Patients are offered a healthier option at each meal time, usually a salad.”

The query prompted a review of the food at the hospital which lead to the menu being overhauled.

Related: No more wedges and sausage rolls for patients at the Coombe

Also: Image of “unacceptable” meal prompts review of menu at the Coombe

Your Voice
Readers Comments
71
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.