The poor quality of patient meals has become a ‘‘staff safety issue'' in mental health wards in Dunedin and Invercargill, N.Z., and some patients have lashed out causing property damage, according to an article on the Otago Daily Times website.
A memo from the mental health, addictions and intellectual disability leadership team said patients are now not accepting staff responses to their complaints and there is concern that patients may take their frustrations out on staff.
‘‘This is not about meals looking pretty on a plate. This is a health issue, and a mental health issue,'' a hospital official said.
Compass food service has been under fire over the quality of meals being served in general wards, also. Under a 15-year outsourcing deal approved last year, Compass is providing patient meals, staff meals, and meals on wheels.
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