Media release
20 April 2016

Compass meals: community unites against hospital slop

Community groups, workers’ unions and Opposition parties are all calling on Southern District Health Board to bring food services back in-house and release commercial provider Compass from their 15-year contract.

The newly-formed Real Meals Coalition includes Grey Power Southland, Unions Otago, Unions Southland, Labour, the Green Party, New Zealand First, and other local organisations that are sick of the DHB cost-cutting at the expense of yummy, healthy, locally made meals for hospitals and meals on wheels.

Real Meals Coalition spokesperson Anna Huffstutler says enough is enough.

“The meals are disgusting,” says Anna. “Patients and families are constantly complaining that the new food tastes and looks awful.

“Being in hospital is hard enough for anyone as it is. Patients don’t need the extra slap in the face being served meals that they wouldn’t even feed to their pets.”

People are also concerned about the nutritional value of the meals, and the impact on the local economy.

“Making food in-house was great for our community. It meant that fresh food was coming from local suppliers. It kept local people employed doing jobs that they love, making food and looking after the community.

“Meals on wheels volunteers are leaving, no longer wanting to help a DHB that’s failing our communities. Some patients just aren’t eating as much as they should, which is seriously concerning. It’s just a nightmare.”

All organisations involved in this campaign made submissions while Compass’ proposal was being considered.

“We knew this would never work, and now the proof of the pudding is in the fact no one’s eating it – because it’s unpalatable.”

A protest will be held outside Dunedin Hospital on 29 April at 12 noon

ENDS

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