An independent report into the running of the catering department in a Co Clare hospital has uncovered inadequate procedures and practices.
The report was commissioned by St Joseph's Geriatric Hospital in Ennis after union personnel and staff expressed concerns about catering staffing levels.
The document highlights "poor repetitive menus and inappropriate cooking methods" and says the "day-to-day application of the adherence to quality control protocols is sadly lacking".
The catering department at St Joseph's provides meals and beverages each day for about 500 patients, most of whom are elderly, as well as about 50 staff. The hospital also provides meals for several units managed by the HSE's psychiatric services around Ennis.
The consultants reported that staffing levels in the catering department were sufficient and that no additional staff were needed, but one of their key recommendations is the appointment of a catering officer. "The menu currently provided would be considered basic with an excess reliance on convenience foods."
The report warns that this practice can be "detrimental in nutritional terms and contrary to best catering practice in ensuring a healthy eating regime for vulnerable elderly recipients of this service. Observations over the course of time spent on site raised concerns regarding the standard of food safety and compliance with HACCP/food safety legislation."
The team noted poor work practices ranging from "foods being prepared far too far in advance of requirement [ the number one factor recognised as a leading contributor to food poisoning incidents] to less than satisfactory cooking skills applied in the preparation of food".
Although the report was commissioned by the hospital itself, management has effectively been blamed for the problems.
"The absence of direct management controls has resulted in day- to-day operations being subject to a degree of imbalance in terms of appropriate staff scheduling, which is exacerbated by high personnel absences through sickness/leave etc."
Concern meanwhile has been expressed about proposals to close the kitchens at Ennis General Hospital and relocate them to St Joseph's later this year. These plans will most likely be shelved by the HSE until the problems at St Joseph's have been resolved.