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.

Kara Allyson via Creative Commons/Flickr

Readers' panel: Married with children

John, a father of five, says he’ll be hit hard by road tax and the cut in child benefit – and says that not enough is being done to support entrepreneurs.

JOHN* IS MARRIED with children and lives in Dublin. Ahead of the Budget, he said he was most worried about a possible cut in child benefit and the introduction of road tax

“As a father of five I’m going to be hit by health insurance and child support – and it will be a considerable and immediate hit.

The Budget is very unsupportive of people with large families. I know that sacrifices have to be made and I don’t mind that, but I feel that treating people with large families differently is wrong. I think it’s my natural right as a human being to have any size family I like – but if you do the traditional Catholic thing you’re treated differently, it’s not fair. Why should a family with two children be supported by the State but a family like mine not be?

The road tax will hit us massively. We need to have a large car because we have a large family, so we have a seven-seater diesel vehicle. I’ve always said that the tax should be based on the number of people in the car rather than the size of the vehicle, that just makes more sense.

On the whole, the news is very bad. Something will have to give – we’ll be spending less on things in general and, with my economics hat on, I can see that will mean less revenue for the State. We have already cut back, we’ve gone down to one car, and so the State has lost that revenue. And like most people we shop differently and get our fruit, vegetables and cheese from cheaper supermarkets. That means, of course, that that money is not going to Irish businesses.

The Budget is also very anti-entrepreneurs and people who work, I think. Entrepreneurs are the engine room of a country – they start businesses and employ people and generate money for the state. It’s so unfair, I get up every morning and work and I’m treated less positively than someone who doesn’t.”

*person wished to remain anonymous

Read: Readers’ Panel: What are you expecting from the Budget?

Read more: TheJournal.ie’s coverage of all the latest news from Budget 2012>

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Close
17 Comments
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute fizi_water
    Favourite fizi_water
    Report
    Jan 16th 2013, 6:52 AM

    LOL and HSE rants about obesity problem in Ireland, how ironic :-)

    491
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute AdeleM
    Favourite AdeleM
    Report
    Jan 16th 2013, 7:15 AM

    I’d say that’s their way of minimising the problem! Serve up that shit and at least every patient in the hospital will lose weight! They certainly can’t eat that!:-)

    196
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Justin Gillespie
    Favourite Justin Gillespie
    Report
    Jan 16th 2013, 9:14 AM

    I wouldn’t feed that crap to my dog & if I tried to he wouldn’t eat it!!

    94
    See 5 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Andrew Brennan
    Favourite Andrew Brennan
    Report
    Jan 16th 2013, 9:33 AM

    This story would have gone unreported by the tame-stream media. Thanks Journal for reporting this.

    137
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Cliodhna O'Sullivan
    Favourite Cliodhna O'Sullivan
    Report
    Jan 16th 2013, 9:38 AM

    He’d probably bite the hand that fed him if you gave home that Shane

    18
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Cliodhna O'Sullivan
    Favourite Cliodhna O'Sullivan
    Report
    Jan 16th 2013, 9:39 AM

    Sorry Justin

    8
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute buyinitaly
    Favourite buyinitaly
    Report
    Jan 16th 2013, 10:09 AM

    Give me horsemeat any day over this crap

    31
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute James Hyland
    Favourite James Hyland
    Report
    Jan 16th 2013, 10:31 AM

    Justin agree with ya there,
    i wonder if i or anyone else for that matter fed that MUCK to our pets would we,could we be charged with cruelty to animals

    13
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Johanna Halvey
    Favourite Johanna Halvey
    Report
    Jan 16th 2013, 6:51 AM

    giving birth is hard enough without being handed that shit … limerick maternity hospital food was gorgeous, all credit to them…

    447
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute John Hayes
    Favourite John Hayes
    Report
    Jan 16th 2013, 7:08 AM

    @Johanna
    Have to agree there with ya my missus was in the maternity in Limerick for a week the food looked the business and she said it tasted the same.

    220
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Sarcastic Bastard
    Favourite Sarcastic Bastard
    Report
    Jan 16th 2013, 8:07 AM

    Yeah right, as if you didn’t eat it yourself!

    140
    See 1 more reply ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Helen O'neill-clayton
    Favourite Helen O'neill-clayton
    Report
    Jan 16th 2013, 11:00 AM

    Agree! Just not good enough after going through what’s essentially huge trauma. Cumh in cork was fabulous!

    22
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Patitas
    Favourite Patitas
    Report
    Jan 16th 2013, 6:52 AM

    OMG…not even a horse burger…

    433
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute RobertOMaingain
    Favourite RobertOMaingain
    Report
    Jan 16th 2013, 6:37 AM

    They are wedges….jesus.

    403
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute GatheringYourMoney
    Favourite GatheringYourMoney
    Report
    Jan 16th 2013, 7:59 AM

    Some catering company is probably getting is probably getting a €30 a plate contract to serve up this Sh1t.

    ”Health” system and big Pharma must be really hell bent on securing plenty of future business.

    Reminds me of a Prodigy song.
    ”I’ve got the poison”
    ”I’ve got the remedy”

    317
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Pádraig O'hEidhin
    Favourite Pádraig O'hEidhin
    Report
    Jan 16th 2013, 8:13 AM

    more like boomerangs. you could take someone out from long distance with one of those.

    122
    See 3 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Chris Tobin
    Favourite Chris Tobin
    Report
    Jan 16th 2013, 8:31 AM

    Why are everyone surprised . Most hospitals food is my deplorable . If this photo was not posted then it would carry on. God bless the internet , keep posting

    164
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Valerie O' Regan
    Favourite Valerie O' Regan
    Report
    Jan 16th 2013, 8:55 AM

    looks fecking Mank!!

    53
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Dexter Gordon
    Favourite Dexter Gordon
    Report
    Jan 16th 2013, 10:57 AM

    I’d prefer horse burgers to that!

    80
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Lieutenant Worf
    Favourite Lieutenant Worf
    Report
    Jan 16th 2013, 6:52 AM

    Never mind the overcooked fact – sausage roll and wedges in a hospital – where is healthy eating promotion??

    400
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Sara Liddy
    Favourite Sara Liddy
    Report
    Jan 16th 2013, 7:04 AM

    I spent last week in the coombe and the food was amazing. Fresh salad plates, fresh fruits bowls with every meal. Hard to understand how two patients have a drastically different experience!!

    145
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Gary Moran
    Favourite Gary Moran
    Report
    Jan 16th 2013, 7:10 AM

    Were you private….

    122
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute mock murphy
    Favourite mock murphy
    Report
    Jan 16th 2013, 7:43 AM

    What does it matter?

    15
    See 1 more reply ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Cliodhna O'Sullivan
    Favourite Cliodhna O'Sullivan
    Report
    Jan 16th 2013, 7:49 AM

    It’s the choice you make Sara and Gary private or public you choose from the same menu, well that’s the case in limerick anyway. So the lady in question must have chosen that meal however it shouldn’t be that unappetising.

    63
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute EcoHubble
    Favourite EcoHubble
    Report
    Jan 16th 2013, 6:48 AM

    Heal ‘thy’ Food :)

    115
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Joe Moloney
    Favourite Joe Moloney
    Report
    Jan 16th 2013, 7:03 AM

    Hospital grub was never 5* but this takes the biscuit. And a very unappetising biscuit it is indeed.

    109
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute siobeli
    Favourite siobeli
    Report
    Jan 16th 2013, 8:45 AM

    Had a baby a few weeks ago…the bad food should be of least concern!!
    The lack of staff should be the main issue….midwives are over worked. On one shift there was just one midwife to cover 2 wards!!
    To be honest the cup of tea and toast after the labour is the most important (and best) meal ;)

    99
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Pamela Rochford
    Favourite Pamela Rochford
    Report
    Jan 16th 2013, 8:56 AM

    The best tea and toast you’ll ever get! I wonder do other countries do the same?

    52
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute siobeli
    Favourite siobeli
    Report
    Jan 16th 2013, 1:51 PM

    Isn’t it just! In holles st they serve it up to you lovely (or so my other half told me!)
    I wonder what they give in other countries??

    9
    See 1 more reply ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Orla Machin
    Favourite Orla Machin
    Report
    Jan 16th 2013, 7:09 PM

    Tea and toast in UK too…yummy

    7
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Kate Kelly
    Favourite Kate Kelly
    Report
    Jan 16th 2013, 7:09 AM

    Saw a show on BBC once about food served in institutions generally and they discovered that, per head, the budget in prisons was higher than in hospitals – £1.25 per person, per meal. Seems to be the case here too!

    96
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Stephen McManus
    Favourite Stephen McManus
    Report
    Jan 16th 2013, 11:03 AM

    Apparently not. The budget is much higher in Irish hospitals as seen in this older article in The Journal http://goo.gl/yJvcg

    Now, the cost of making the meal in the picture is a different story all together.

    4
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Conor Ó Ruanaidh
    Favourite Conor Ó Ruanaidh
    Report
    Jan 16th 2013, 7:10 AM

    At least it’s a large sausage roll!!

    84
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Valerie O' Regan
    Favourite Valerie O' Regan
    Report
    Jan 16th 2013, 8:41 AM

    Hahaha properLol

    11
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Nicola
    Favourite Nicola
    Report
    Jan 16th 2013, 9:28 AM

    Spent 5 nights in coombe recently, with the exception of breakfast the food was pretty poor quality and not the healthiest. A small salad at 5pm wouldn’t keep you going until the following morning.
    In light of recent obesity studies which stated the food breast feeding mums consume is crucial, is this really what a maternity hospital should be serving up?

    80
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute peter
    Favourite peter
    Report
    Jan 16th 2013, 6:56 AM

    Any pictures of what the mothers has to eat ?

    76
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Joanne Nolan
    Favourite Joanne Nolan
    Report
    Jan 16th 2013, 9:48 AM

    I have given birth in the coombe 4 times. I have the height of regard for the staff there. However Each time the food got gradually worse. My last pregnancy had complications so i was hospitalized for 2 months prior to having him. I used to get meals brought in for me!!! yes i know we are under huge financial pressure but the problem was there long before the downturn. Also the last bit of food is at 5pm for a breasfeeding mam its totally unacceptable especially if its that muck. Disgraceful really!!

    74
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Donna Phelan
    Favourite Donna Phelan
    Report
    Jan 16th 2013, 7:46 AM

    I spent 4 days in the Coombe and the food was beautiful. You were given a menu in the morning and you choose. Fair enough the wedges are overcooked and shouldn’t be served like that but nutritional wise we are all responsible for the choices we make a d that woman chose that meal her problem was the way it was served!

    66
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Jeroen Bos
    Favourite Jeroen Bos
    Report
    Jan 16th 2013, 8:57 AM

    No, it’s the fact that something like this was on the menu in the first place

    71
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute stephen
    Favourite stephen
    Report
    Jan 16th 2013, 11:21 AM

    My wife is just home after spending 4 nights in the coombe and she got served one edible meal in that time. Disgraceful, and as for the hygiene of the cleaning staff ! Don’t make me laugh, 1 “cleaning lady” picked her knickers from her bottom while waffling on her phone and then put her ‘dirty’ hand on the table that the food is served on. Only for the hard work of the nurses , midwives and doctors I’d have nothing positive to say about the Coombe.

    26
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Rachel Howe
    Favourite Rachel Howe
    Report
    Jan 16th 2013, 8:15 AM

    I had all 3 kids in the Coombe and the food was bad all the time. Breckie was ok but the rest was muck. My hubbie used to bring me in nice healthy sandwiches.

    64
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute JakkiB
    Favourite JakkiB
    Report
    Jan 16th 2013, 8:01 AM

    Dont ya just love the power of the internet :)

    56
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Summoning Dark
    Favourite Summoning Dark
    Report
    Jan 16th 2013, 9:08 AM

    How is that even close to enough ketchup?

    55
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute dearg doom
    Favourite dearg doom
    Report
    Jan 16th 2013, 9:42 AM

    “Patients are offered a healthier option at each meal time, usually a salad.”

    All of the options should be healthy, but a salad doesn’t cut it unless it’s got a good bit of meat or some kind of protein in it.

    43
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Oisín Ó HAlmhain
    Favourite Oisín Ó HAlmhain
    Report
    Jan 16th 2013, 9:50 AM

    I think a key fact here is that the Coombe (at least until recently) has only one dietitian to look after the mothers and about 8,000 babies a year, from some of the most deprived areas of the country.

    10
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute brenjamin
    Favourite brenjamin
    Report
    Jan 16th 2013, 5:03 PM

    What does it matter where they come from? What has that got anything to do with (you’re ‘key fact’) how many dietitians there are?

    8
    See 2 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute brenjamin
    Favourite brenjamin
    Report
    Jan 16th 2013, 5:04 PM

    *your

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Oisín Ó HAlmhain
    Favourite Oisín Ó HAlmhain
    Report
    Jan 16th 2013, 10:37 PM

    Basically, People from deprived areas are more likely to have other medical conditions, for example gestational diabetes, which would mean more demand on dietetic services, and less time for that one person to be advising the hospital on what to serve.

    5
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Trillions Ireland
    Favourite Trillions Ireland
    Report
    Jan 16th 2013, 7:12 AM

    Our new found Trillions in oil and gas wealth should help us pay for better food in our hospitals http://www.trillions.ie

    41
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Trillions Ireland
    Favourite Trillions Ireland
    Report
    Jan 16th 2013, 8:52 AM

    i see now why the country is in the mess it is in … So many thumbs down for something which is so positive? Check out http://www.trillions.ie before disapproving. To a peaceful future in Ireland.

    22
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Brook Lurcher
    Favourite Brook Lurcher
    Report
    Jan 16th 2013, 8:44 AM

    Makes you wonder about the commitment and lack of pride the kitchen staff have in their jobs, if they feel this is an acceptable plate of food.

    40
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Neicy Murphy
    Favourite Neicy Murphy
    Report
    Jan 16th 2013, 9:11 AM

    Anyone been in CUMH lately?! A beautiful state of the art maternity hospital. Oh apart from the fact that there was no kitchens built in it and all food has to come in from the main hospital so it is always cold. No healthy options whatsoever. Great encouragement when you are hounded to breastfeed your baby to give them the best but sure ‘F U’ a scoop of cold black mash and rubbery beef will do you grand! Thank god for Wilton shopping centre beside it – and the Paninis in the cafe :)

    39
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Cliodhna O'Sullivan
    Favourite Cliodhna O'Sullivan
    Report
    Jan 16th 2013, 9:36 AM

    Yikes Neicey not a good endorsement for CUMH mind you there’s no excuse because they have heated transport systems in all hospitals for food these days.

    16
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Neil Barrett
    Favourite Neil Barrett
    Report
    Jan 16th 2013, 4:36 PM

    yeah – that lack of a kitchen delayed the opening, as they had somehow neglected to inform the main hospital kitchen, which had to be expanded before CUMH could actually see a patient … typical
    That said CUMH is a gorgeous well equipped hospital otherwise (it even has a PICU unit (at least it did 2008) that has never been used (as its not staffed and likely will never be) …)

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Richard Lennon
    Favourite Richard Lennon
    Report
    Jan 16th 2013, 6:51 AM

    That breakfast looks tasty to me.

    38
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Richard Lennon
    Favourite Richard Lennon
    Report
    Jan 16th 2013, 6:55 AM

    Just Joking.

    89
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Helena Hasler
    Favourite Helena Hasler
    Report
    Jan 16th 2013, 7:16 AM

    As it had wedges I’m sure it was a tea, breakfast looks even more appealing.

    34
    See 3 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Eimear Smith
    Favourite Eimear Smith
    Report
    Jan 16th 2013, 11:52 AM

    Would ya serve it the lads in the pub Richard?

    26
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute richard fallon
    Favourite richard fallon
    Report
    Jan 16th 2013, 2:11 PM

    my wife spent 6 months in St.James, some years ago, and the standard of food served to her every day was appalling, and on Sundays all she got was a sandwich because the “kitchens are on reduced staff” on Sundays
    I had to take food in to her every evening.
    one day she was served what looked like a piece of dry cardboard “Plaice Fillet” and some dry cold mash.
    she was in as result of a very serious car accident, with multiple and permanent injuries.
    She was also fully covered by VHI but when we questioned the “food” she was been served we were told that other patients got the same and it was not possible to give a different menu just because of full VHI cover.

    when she was finally allowed home we were sent a bill for around €17,000 for accommodation, and the VHI actually paid it without question.
    this is why these insurance companies are charging such high premiums, when hospitals are demanding huge costs from them and then providing absolute crap.
    if this food was served in a cafe we would have sent it back.
    BTW, the staff at St.James were exemplary, every thanks to them for what they did for my wife.

    60
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Michele Savage
    Favourite Michele Savage
    Report
    Jan 16th 2013, 2:14 PM

    Try eating’ that in stitches

    8
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute padraig
    Favourite padraig
    Report
    Jan 16th 2013, 7:59 AM

    Hospital food is wretched, St Vincent’s for example. I could have done better, but things like soggy chips aren’t so visible.

    32
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Paul Bracken
    Favourite Paul Bracken
    Report
    Jan 16th 2013, 8:04 AM

    At least the horse roll wasn’t overcooked I mean sausage roll.

    28
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute amy booth
    Favourite amy booth
    Report
    Jan 16th 2013, 11:24 AM

    In fairness if this woman was so worried about getting a nutritional meal after having a baby then why did she order wedges and a sausage roll in the first place ??

    27
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Cliodhna O'Sullivan
    Favourite Cliodhna O'Sullivan
    Report
    Jan 16th 2013, 11:52 AM

    Amy well put but expect a lot of red thumbs

    6
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ah go on go on
    Favourite Ah go on go on
    Report
    Jan 16th 2013, 9:11 AM

    In fairness that was begging for a photo!! The worst café wouldn’t serve that rubbish up !!

    25
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Dermot Lane
    Favourite Dermot Lane
    Report
    Jan 16th 2013, 10:19 AM

    And they didn’t know they were serving up this crap until someone posted it on Twitter? Yeah right.

    25
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Rob Morgan
    Favourite Rob Morgan
    Report
    Jan 16th 2013, 11:59 AM

    I spent a week in St. Vincent’s a few years ago and every evening meal was sausage or rasher with beans. I know beans are supposed to be healthy, but fried pork for six evening meals in a row is just toxic. Well done to whoever awarded that catering contract… Can’t help remember Mayor Quimby’s line in the Simpsons: “Rats? I’m outraged! You promised me dog or higher!”

    24
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute SS1985CF
    Favourite SS1985CF
    Report
    Jan 16th 2013, 10:00 AM

    The coombe is a kip and has been for a long time. I had my first baby there in 2007 and there was no way I was having my second. I had to get my partner to bring in bleach to clean the ring of blood from around the baths. I obviously had a shower instead but by god was it bad!!! #neveragain!!

    23
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute T W I T T E R L A D
    Favourite T W I T T E R L A D
    Report
    Jan 16th 2013, 8:13 AM

    I’d have gone to the kitchen and rammed it down the “chefs” neck.. Plate included !!!

    22
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Mary Mc Carthy
    Favourite Mary Mc Carthy
    Report
    Jan 16th 2013, 10:11 AM

    The government go on and on about obesity in this country and look at the high fat ‘food’ they serve in hospitals !

    22
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Caroline Dimascio
    Favourite Caroline Dimascio
    Report
    Jan 16th 2013, 10:09 AM

    Human medicine is food! What sick people use for energy and healing should be of paramount importance in any establishment.
    When diet is wrong medicine is of no use.
    When diet is correct medicine is of no need.
    ~Ayurvedic Proverb

    21
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Nicola
    Favourite Nicola
    Report
    Jan 16th 2013, 1:19 PM

    You do get a choice of food- if you are by your bed when they come round with menu. If you are in breastfeeding group, with the dr or even at the loo/ showet you get what is ordered for you. Personally I don’t think sausage rolls, burgers or sausages should be part of any hospital menu, health promotion should be prime.

    19
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute amy booth
    Favourite amy booth
    Report
    Jan 16th 2013, 1:25 PM

    They should be but so many people don’t eat food like that so they have to provide some sort of alternative for women who mainly eat junk food :)

    4
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Cliodhna O'Sullivan
    Favourite Cliodhna O'Sullivan
    Report
    Jan 16th 2013, 1:44 PM

    Amy I would love to reply privately to this I am a midwife and I had to fill out a menu choice for a lady in my care last year despite having three healthy options and one not so healthy for each meal she choose the latter each time. But when her partner brought in her snacks I realised we are fighting a loosing battle we advise everyday on nutrition but we are not living with these women nor can we force them to eat well. I know I’ll get a lot of red thumbs but its a fact you can lead a horse to water you can not make him drink.

    56
    See 1 more reply ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute amy booth
    Favourite amy booth
    Report
    Jan 16th 2013, 2:04 PM

    I don’t think you should get red thumbs for that comment when it’s completely true, I was in Hollis street for 5 days after I had my lil lad and choose the more nutritious option the hole time, I was breast feeding so needed to eat properly and the food was lovely, I couldn’t fault it, AND I was offered tea and toast or brown bread with jam and butter in the evenings to keep me going :) I didn’t get that service at home that’s for sure lol :)

    12
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Declan O'Neill
    Favourite Declan O'Neill
    Report
    Jan 16th 2013, 8:43 AM

    I bet it wasn’t even Heinz.

    16
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Eoin Darcy
    Favourite Eoin Darcy
    Report
    Jan 16th 2013, 11:12 AM

    I remember hearing about the prices we were paying for meals in hospitals,and it was up to forty euro a meal!! ,could there be any follow up on this article about how much the taxpayer payed for this garbage? HSE needs to answer for this !i can’t see James Reilly eating this,or maybe..

    16
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Eoin Darcy
    Favourite Eoin Darcy
    Report
    Jan 16th 2013, 12:13 PM

    Guess that’s a no !

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Austin Murphy
    Favourite Austin Murphy
    Report
    Jan 16th 2013, 8:50 AM

    Hospitals never were known for their culinary delights, but that just takes the biscuit (if they have any). And those wedges would split you if they were thrown.

    15
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Zarafinna
    Favourite Zarafinna
    Report
    Jan 16th 2013, 12:08 PM

    That looks woeful, but having spent two births in the Coombes, you DO get choices in your menu.
    That woman chose to ditch fruit and salad and healthier meat/fish and opt for sausage roll and (unforgivable) wedges. Maybe there had been requests for comfort rubbish like these and it’s a way for the hospital to tell them to eat healthier, and if you order crap, you get crap.

    14
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Mal
    Favourite Mal
    Report
    Jan 16th 2013, 5:59 PM

    Wedges can be an acceptable food if they’re baked. takes a bit longer but it’s worth it.

    5
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Daniel Doran
    Favourite Daniel Doran
    Report
    Jan 16th 2013, 11:01 AM

    Seems like the only way change happens now, is when dodgy practices are exposed online and gain momentum via social networking. Sad that it has to come to that.

    14
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Are Those My Feet
    Favourite Are Those My Feet
    Report
    Jan 16th 2013, 10:18 AM

    I had 2 babies in the Coombe, & both times I was completely satisfied with my stay, I thought the food was nice & nurses & staff were great, I certainly didn’t get served a plate of that!!

    12
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Zarafinna
    Favourite Zarafinna
    Report
    Jan 16th 2013, 12:54 PM

    Neither did I. I didn’t remember seeing the choice of sausage roll. I’m starting to think this plate is from The convenient store across the road that actually does sausage rolls and overcooked wedges.
    And regarding the ketchup, in the Coombe you get sachets of sauces rather than squirt bottles as per photo. If she wants more ketchup, she just has to tear open another sachet, that’s all.

    11
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Hannah
    Favourite Hannah
    Report
    Jan 16th 2013, 10:24 AM

    I thought if was a PRISON meal until I read the article. Shameful..

    11
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Claire Campbell
    Favourite Claire Campbell
    Report
    Jan 16th 2013, 12:34 PM

    INSANE in this day and age!! These people are in hospital for a reason & need nutritious, balanced meals! We need something like Jamie’s School Lunches, but for our Hospitals!! Celebrity chefs need to stop making shows about cakes and make a difference!

    10
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Caoimhe Clery
    Favourite Caoimhe Clery
    Report
    Jan 16th 2013, 10:45 AM

    that looks awful . i had my kids in the rotunda and the food was good, Im vegetarian though so there was some effort put into the dinners best option really for anyone going into a hospital short term anyway.

    10
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Cliodhna O'Sullivan
    Favourite Cliodhna O'Sullivan
    Report
    Jan 16th 2013, 11:54 AM

    I think you have the right idea there Caoimhe it’s similar to airline meals vegetarian is better then have a big fillet steak when you get home :o)

    6
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Siobhan Ni Ghiolla Ri
    Favourite Siobhan Ni Ghiolla Ri
    Report
    Jan 16th 2013, 2:16 PM

    Goes to show you the respect they have for the mothers who have just given birth in the Coombe. That would not happen in the private rooms ! Would love to hear what the dietician has to say…

    7
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Cliodhna O'Sullivan
    Favourite Cliodhna O'Sullivan
    Report
    Jan 16th 2013, 3:02 PM

    Siobhan public or private it’s the same menu it’s the woman decides what she eats.

    12
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Siobhan Ni Ghiolla Ri
    Favourite Siobhan Ni Ghiolla Ri
    Report
    Jan 16th 2013, 11:23 PM

    What I meant by that comment is they would not dare hand up overcooked badly presented food with ketchup on the side to a private patient. As always
    the less well off have to suffer and what an insult to the woman that was handed that slop (junk food that she has choosen or not !)

    4
    See 2 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Cliodhna O'Sullivan
    Favourite Cliodhna O'Sullivan
    Report
    Jan 17th 2013, 6:14 AM

    Siobhan that simply isn’t the case the kitchen send them up covered in fact who ever handed that lady her meal should have taken it straight back and replaced it be she public or private.

    3
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Zarafinna
    Favourite Zarafinna
    Report
    Jan 17th 2013, 10:29 AM

    Untrue. Same food choices and presentation, public or private.

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute John Fairley
    Favourite John Fairley
    Report
    Jan 16th 2013, 5:50 PM

    Not only the Coombe, our daughter was diagnosed with Crohns (a gasto intestinal disease) in Crumlin Children’s and she was served the same meal washed down with 7up

    7
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Cliodhna O'Sullivan
    Favourite Cliodhna O'Sullivan
    Report
    Jan 16th 2013, 9:02 PM

    I hope you complained on her behalf John. Your daughter has a long hard road ahead of her with chrons disease I wish her well.

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Nicola
    Favourite Nicola
    Report
    Jan 16th 2013, 1:33 PM

    I’m not sure these unhealthy choices are about catering for those who have a preference for junk food, which would be bad enough, I think it’s probably about cost. Either way at least the hospital in question is becoming aware this is an unacceptable standard.

    6
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Caroline Duggan
    Favourite Caroline Duggan
    Report
    Jan 16th 2013, 11:21 PM

    It’s not the bloody Hilton hotel..expect care & attention, support, qualified and understanding staff but don’t put down a hospital because of it menu. Child birth is horrific & not every mother breast feeds so given what they went through they can eat & order what they like. I know 100% that if we had attended any other hospital ( like the ones that concentrate on menus first & midwifery second) that our daughter would not be alive. The Coombe is an amazing hospital, hygiene was up to scratch too. Every single member of staff went above & beyond including the catering staff, the food was basic but good & it’s tasty to get the apatite back again. I’m thankful every day for the Coombe & the work they did for us & every other couple..so what if they burnt the wedges!!

    6
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute D J Moore
    Favourite D J Moore
    Report
    Jan 16th 2013, 1:55 PM

    You should have seen the Chicken Curry I was served in Tallaght Hospital one evening in 2010. It was a magnificent reconstruction of a dog turd produced by a terrier with the trots.

    5
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Margaret Murphy
    Favourite Margaret Murphy
    Report
    Jan 16th 2013, 2:20 PM

    Years ago when I had my babies in St. Annes ward in St. Colmcilles the daily soup was a revelation. No soup on Sunday, cabbage as vegetable, Monday’s soup was cabbage water and veg was turnip and soup on Tuesday was cabbage and turnip and so on, Saturday soup was delicuos with all weeks veg LOL

    4
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Susanne Morgan
    Favourite Susanne Morgan
    Report
    Jan 16th 2013, 2:54 PM

    I don’t remember the food in Loughlinstown (St. Colmcilles) when I had my 2nd child there many, many years ago, but I do remember the brilliant care and attention that could only be given in such a small maternity unit!

    3
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Maureen Walshe
    Favourite Maureen Walshe
    Report
    Jan 16th 2013, 3:05 PM

    criminals in prison would get better… awful.

    4
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Michele Savage
    Favourite Michele Savage
    Report
    Jan 16th 2013, 2:16 PM

    Shame on the Coombe.

    4
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Eileen Michaelson
    Favourite Eileen Michaelson
    Report
    Jan 16th 2013, 9:05 PM

    I had a child in the Coombe hospital 10years ago and it turned me off having kids for life! & that had nothing to do with the food, it’s a grime pit, I’ve seen kennels cleaner! Cleaning fag ash out of the bath before i can run a bath while in labour, NOT my idea of fun Nurses & doctors fab though. Would never go back there ever!!

    4
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Sara Delmer
    Favourite Sara Delmer
    Report
    Jan 16th 2013, 2:10 PM

    the Matter does a yummy chicken curry and the Rotunda was nice, lovely soups, the Matter private is like a hotel though savage food and made even nicer that i had no choice but to stay there courtesy of the Matter :D Galway hospital is ok bit bland, st Michaels i was only there long enough to get a bit of toast, il let you know what loughlinstown is like next week..

    4
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Kemberlee Shortland
    Favourite Kemberlee Shortland
    Report
    Jan 16th 2013, 2:06 PM

    I was in South Infirmary in Cork once for food poisoning received in a local pub. After being on ‘nil food’ for three days, I was finally served a slice of white pan on a plate with a wafer thin slice of bacon fat. Yeah, just the fat! And they got upset when I asked for something else. Ended up with two slices of dry toast for my tea. They were out of butter and jam.

    3
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ruth Barry
    Favourite Ruth Barry
    Report
    Jan 16th 2013, 11:49 AM

    Well, this article has really caused a wedge in the opinions of people and their food preference while staying in hospital :-/

    3
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Cliodhna O'Sullivan
    Favourite Cliodhna O'Sullivan
    Report
    Jan 16th 2013, 3:18 PM

    Menus in hospitals cater for special diets, religious requirements, vegetarian diets ect. As in restaurants you choose off the menu your given therefore you are the one that makes the bad choice not the dietician not the hospital staff you are an autonomous being who made the choice.

    3
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Sarah
    Favourite Sarah
    Report
    Jan 16th 2013, 3:42 PM

    Thanks Cliodhna, I’ve tried asking people about this before and they haven’t been sure! I can’t eat a lot of the stuff that I see on the general menus I’ve seen given to the patients (one family member was in hospital over a course of several weeks) because of diet problems. So I presume I would just have to get a menu catered specifically for me if I were to go in there for maternity?

    3
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Cliodhna O'Sullivan
    Favourite Cliodhna O'Sullivan
    Report
    Jan 16th 2013, 4:02 PM

    When you go for your booking visit to the obstetrician or midwife you explain your dietary requirements then. When your admitted you can tell the midwife and any requirements will be met. That’s what happens in limerick anyway. We do aim to please and look after the women in our care all we want is for you to have a positive experience at one of the happiest times of your life.

    9
    See 2 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Sarah
    Favourite Sarah
    Report
    Jan 16th 2013, 4:13 PM

    Thanks again for the info Cliodhna. :)

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Cliodhna O'Sullivan
    Favourite Cliodhna O'Sullivan
    Report
    Jan 16th 2013, 4:20 PM

    Your welcome Sarah :o)

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Lorna Carr
    Favourite Lorna Carr
    Report
    Jan 16th 2013, 2:16 PM

    God hope this improves before May! Not exactly what you would expect after giving birth!

    3
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Cliodhna O'Sullivan
    Favourite Cliodhna O'Sullivan
    Report
    Jan 16th 2013, 3:04 PM

    Lorna you’ll decide what you eat so don’t worry if you don’t want sausage roll and wedges don’t choose it.

    5
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Pemi Pocket
    Favourite Pemi Pocket
    Report
    Jan 16th 2013, 8:57 PM

    All hospitals are the same-unbelievably unhealthy food-had a similar situation in Lourdes,Drogheda recently. Am allergic to wheat and was give 2 slices white bread at every single meal plus sugary deserts, NO protein and over cooked veg. I was so sick leaving the hospital. Only for my family and friends who brought me healthy food I don’t know where I’d be

    3
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Colette Mullins
    Favourite Colette Mullins
    Report
    Jan 16th 2013, 9:11 PM

    I had my three children in the CUMH. The staff were excellent but the food was just not good enough. White bread only. 1 miserable bowl of cereal for breakfast, Fish was deep fried in batter. Beans with sausages. These are just what I can remember but come on mothers who are about to deliver or have just delivered and this food is not acceptable.
    Someone suggested they must aim to satisfy the people who prefer this type of food but why not offer healthy food and leave the people with a desire for rubbish be the ones who have to get their husbands bring in food?

    3
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Cliodhna O'Sullivan
    Favourite Cliodhna O'Sullivan
    Report
    Jan 17th 2013, 6:19 AM

    Colette read my post further up we do offer healthy choices they sometimes aren’t availed of.

    3
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Sarah
    Favourite Sarah
    Report
    Jan 16th 2013, 2:42 PM

    Anyone know what the options are like for people with special dietary requirements? I’ve seen the menus in my local hospital and everything seems to be potatoes of some sort, dairy and white bread, do they accommodate people who can’t eat such things?

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Rob Morgan
    Favourite Rob Morgan
    Report
    Jan 16th 2013, 5:33 PM

    I’m lactose intolerant and had huge difficulty in Vincent’s. They said they were happy to accommodate (and I did get soya milk and non dairy spread), but I had to ask at every meal. To complicate things, you were being served by catering staff who barely had enough English to understand the word Milk, let alone lactose intolerant. All very easy for the dieticians to say they’d accommodate you, but the message never got to those who mattered in a language they understood.

    5
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Zarafinna
    Favourite Zarafinna
    Report
    Jan 17th 2013, 10:33 AM

    Yes. There are options for dietary or religious requirements — vegetarian, pescatarian, Hindu, Muslim, coeliac, etc.

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Debbie McKenna
    Favourite Debbie McKenna
    Report
    Jan 16th 2013, 9:42 PM

    Disgraceful
    Disgusting
    And deplorable
    … would not give that to an animal never mind someone in hospital recovering…… idiots. HSE!!!

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Mary Kavanagh
    Favourite Mary Kavanagh
    Report
    Jan 16th 2013, 11:56 PM

    It’s not on to offer this sort of rubbish food and then say there’s a choice of a salad if you don’t like it, particularly in winter. I’d say the salads would be no great shakes either. Really disgraceful especially for women who are supposed to be breastfeeding babies.

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Fiona Ferguson
    Favourite Fiona Ferguson
    Report
    Jan 16th 2013, 8:52 PM

    I was given spicy wedges and cocktail sausages for an evening meal for my 11 month old in a paediatric ward when she was in over night after a fall, I thought they were just having an off day, obviously not!

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Liam John Bradshaw
    Favourite Liam John Bradshaw
    Report
    Jan 16th 2013, 4:38 PM

    There will be big changes after this event, They’ll be sending a buyer to the Horse Fare!

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Cliodhna O'Sullivan
    Favourite Cliodhna O'Sullivan
    Report
    Jan 16th 2013, 4:55 PM

    Cahermee will be busier than normal this year watch out Buttevant

    3
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Tracey Griffin Benson
    Favourite Tracey Griffin Benson
    Report
    Jan 17th 2013, 1:00 PM

    Would they eat that themselves .. Bet they would cause murder and put it in the bin …

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Bernadette Mcewan
    Favourite Bernadette Mcewan
    Report
    Apr 7th 2013, 12:06 PM

    That could not have been served last week. That same meal was on the internet last year! Served in some other hospital??!!

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Joseph Molloy
    Favourite Joseph Molloy
    Report
    Jan 17th 2013, 8:08 AM

    As we can observe, The governmenr over the last two years have been trying to get rid of elderly through cutting support services and allowances. The youth and children through reduction in child care benefit cuts and eliminating services for those children and youth with learning or physical difficulties. Students through higher fees and removal of BTEA. Now if we get past all these obsticles we’re faced with burnt offerings by catering establishments hired through HSE, again nominated by minister of health…… to make us not want to avail of hospital services. At least Horses for burgers where killed humanily for Tesco’s and Dunnes…

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Joanie Hutchinson
    Favourite Joanie Hutchinson
    Report
    Jan 16th 2013, 4:04 PM

    Does anybody know if this is breakfast, lunch, dinner, snack????

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Elizabeth Gleeson
    Favourite Elizabeth Gleeson
    Report
    Jan 16th 2013, 9:36 PM

    Similar in Tallaght children’s hospital. My little lads are vegetarians so their dinner would look like the above, minus the sausage roll! had to have all their food brought into them any time they were admitted, only way to get fruit and healthy food into my sick kids:( If they were well enough, I’d wheel them to the staff canteen where the food was lovely.

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute John Reidy
    Favourite John Reidy
    Report
    Jan 16th 2013, 10:14 AM

    Elaine McGowan could offer some good advice.

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Jun Stone
    Favourite Jun Stone
    Report
    Feb 9th 2017, 9:02 PM

    Nothing new here, I was very ill as a child back in the 60′s/70′s in what was then Harcourt St Hospital and later in Crumlin, we were not a well off family but the food was absolutely vomit inducing, my mum used to bring me in food to eat it was so bad, still have vivid memories of it

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Peter O'Halloran
    Favourite Peter O'Halloran
    Report
    Jan 16th 2013, 2:35 PM

    Comfort food.

    1
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.
JournalTv
News in 60 seconds