CATERING
MEALTIMES
The hospital operates a protected mealtime policy to ensure that patient comfort and nutrition comes first. For your benefit visitors will be asked not to disturb you during your mealtimes.
In collaboration with the Senior Dietitian, great emphasis is placed on the nutritional content of patient food. A robust and effective HACCP system is in place to ensure food safety and quality. We aim to cater for all therapeutic diets. Please discuss with nursing staff on admission if you have any food allergies/intolerances or specific dietary needs.
Meals are approximately at the following times:
- Breakfast: 08.30 Morning tea: 10.00
- Lunch time: 12.30 - 13.15 Afternoon Tea: 14.00
- Tea Time: 17.05 - 17.35 Evening Tea: 19.00
The hospital catering department proudly boasts:
The Food Safety Assurance Award- awarded by the Food Safety professionals Association, Ireland’s national food safety experts.
The Happy Heart at Work Award- awarded by the Irish Heart Foundation to catering establishments which meet their guidelines for healthy eating.
We endeavour to meet all the individual food requirements. These may be therapeutic and special diets for patients or dishes required by nationality or religion.
To help us ensure both patient and food safety, please do not bring in food to patients you are visiting. Although well meaning, this food may pose a risk to our patients and their treatment plans.
THE SHOP
The hospital shop is situated to the right of the main entrance. It is open seven days a week and the opening hours are on the door. The shop has an assortment of supplies which include such items as ice creams, drinks, books, newspapers, magazines, cards, gift items, toiletries. Shop staff provide a daily round to ward areas providing newspapers, magazines, toiletries etc.
THE ORATORY
The Oratory is located on the ground floor to the right of the main reception area as you enter the hospital. It is open throughout the day, seven days a week and you are welcome to use it during opening hours. It provides a tranquil setting for meditation, prayer and quiet contemplation away from the busy ward areas.
Chaplaincy Services
The Chaplaincy Department works with other disciplines in providing a holistic inter-denominational service that is geared to total patient care and ministry to the family. Chaplaincy ministry is about expressing respect and care, about listening in an empathetic way and helping to create a space which recognises the spiritual needs of the patient and family. The hospital chaplain visits once a week, usually on Mondays. If you wish to speak with the chaplain please inform a member of staff looking after you.
Roman Catholic Services
Ministers of the Eucharist distribute Holy Communion to the wards daily. Mass is celebrated on Sundays at 10.30am and is usually held on Holy Days at 15.00 hours, check with ward staff to confirm.
Prayers are said most Monday afternoons in the Oratory at 15.00 hours. Other services are also organised from time to time, details of services are placed on the Oratory entrance or information can be provided by the hospital chaplain or ward staff.
Church of Ireland Services
The Church of Ireland Minister is available on a regular basis. If you wish to contact the Minister please ask nursing staff on the ward or the hospital chaplain.
Methodist Services
The Methodist Minister is available on a regular basis. If you wish to contact the Minister please ask nursing staff on the ward or the hospital chaplain.
Presbyterian Services
The Presbyterian Minister is available on a regular basis. If you wish to contact the Minister please ask nursing staff on the ward or the hospital chaplain.
HAIRDRESSING & BARBER SERVICE
The hospital hairdresser visits the hospital on a regular basis. Check with the Ward Clerk and you can leave your name if you wish to have your hair done.
The hairdresser provides services to both women and men and there is a copy of the services and prices on each ward.
CHIROPODIST
The Chiropodist visits the hospital once a month on a Saturday, you can leave your name with the nursing staff looking after you. The hospital does not cover this charge. There is a standard charge of €25 per visit per patient.
