Manx Care says its management team removed a notice that told staff they could not eat food that was to be thrown away was taken down after being alerted to it some time ago.
Earlier today we were told by staff of the poster which said outlined that ward staff are not allowed to use any food items in the ward kitchen for their own use.
However, a spokesperson for the island’s health provider said that the notice (see below) was placed “without the required authorisation from Manx Care senior management and was removed from ward areas several weeks ago after its content was alerted to a member of the executive team”.
The spokesperson also indicated that, where operational pressures exist and as long as infection procedures are adhered to staff can make good use of the food.
They said: “Manx Care acknowledge that, although patients are a priority, the welfare of their staff is paramount.
“Manx Care are aware that ward staff are, sometimes, unable to leave the ward due to operational pressures and high patient acuity and it is therefore, a practical solution for ward staff to make good use of any food which has not been used and is being disposed of.
“In doing this, Manx Care would remind all staff that infection prevention and control policy and procedures should be adhered to.
Not a Sackable Offence
The person who contacted us said that they and their colleagues had been told it was a potential sackable offence to eat the food.
However, the spokesperson said: “Manx Care would like to reiterate that no communication has been circulated informing staff that this is a “sackable offence”.
“A key priority for Manx Care is to improve the culture of our organisation and we realise that such messages to staff run counter to this objective.
“Therefore we apologise for any offence caused to staff members resulting in this unauthorised action.”
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