Inadequate hospital food in Ireland: A call to improve nutrition
A worrying fact is that hospital patients across Ireland are complaining of inadequate food provision. Reports of “air-chilled mushrooms”, expired or half-used yoghurts, cold tea and water shortages have surfaced at the Health Information and Quality Agency (Hiqa). These complaints were made public through a freedom of information request to the Irish Independent.
Unsatisfactory hospital dining experience
Although hospital food standards have improved, many patients still endure an unsatisfactory dining experience. One patient was denied hot food because the kitchen was closed. Another person went almost the whole day without water. There have been reports of people being served unintended meals, being served uncooked food upon returning from a scan, and receiving opened or half-eaten yoghurt.
The need for better nutritional support
Irish Society of Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (Illuspen) emphasized the importance of improved nutritional support. They note that one in four of her inpatients may require additional nutrition. Efforts to improve food quality and menus are bearing fruit, along with mandatory malnutrition risk testing. However, challenges persist, particularly due to the shortage of nutritionists.
Responding to problems
Niamh Rice, consultant nutritionist and director of IrSPEN, acknowledged the progress and stressed the need to maintain a constant focus on nutrition. In response, the HSE said hospitals had a duty to manage their school lunch budgets and provide adequate meals to patients. However, the recent wave of complaints demonstrates the urgent need to address these issues more effectively.