Invercargill Mayor and Deputy Mayor join fight for Real Meals in southern hospitals

Invercargill Mayor, Tim Shadbolt and Deputy Mayor, Darren Ludlow are supporting the Real Meals Coalition fighting to reinstate in-house food services at Southern DHB hospitals.

Commercial provider, Compass has a 15 year contract to provide ready-made meals, which opponents have criticised as disgusting and inedible.

A coalition of community groups, trade unions, and political parties is calling on the DHB to ditch Compass and restore healthy, locally-made meals for hospitals and Meals on Wheels.

Deputy Mayor, Darren Ludlow says, “People just want to get well and to do that, they need good, proper food.”

He says when food is produced locally, patients are assured of quality.

“At the moment, we have no idea of its origins. It’s not a criticism of the healthcare people receive, but part of a speedy recovery is good, healthy food.”

Real Meals Coalition spokesperson Anna Huffstutler says having these local high-profile politicians on board shows that the community is rallying behind the coalition.

“We’ve got the momentum and the message is clear: no more hospital slop. People want palatable, healthy food in their hospitals.”

The Coalition includes Grey Power Southland, Unions Otago, Unions Southland, Labour, the Green Party, New Zealand First, and other local organisations which accuse the DHB of cost-cutting at the expense of patients.

There are also concerns about the nutritional value of the food and the loss of business for local food suppliers.

A public meeting will be held on Monday May 2, at the Corinthian rooms, Invercargill Working Men's Club. 12 - 1pm.

ENDS

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