FURIOUS medics at Glasgow’s flagship hospital have labelled the decision to cut the provision of hot food for night shift staff as ‘shameful’.
Health bosses say they were forced to close the Night Cafe at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Govan due to inflation and increased running costs.
Now thousands of supporters have signed an online petition backing calls from hard-working doctors and nurses in a bid to get the decision reversed.
Dr. Stuart McEwan, a Radiology Registrar who launched the petition on change.org, said: “The Night Cafe has been operating ever since the pandemic and it's an absolute lifeline for staff who are working in Scotland's biggest hospital. It was closed without any discussion with staff leaving people understandably devastated
“The range of hot food and the ability to have a fresh coffee made in the middle of the night has certainly improved my mood on shifts over the past few years. We are asking people to support the petition in the hope that the decision will be reconsidered by management.”
The Glasgow Times understands that vending machines will be used throughout the hospital for those working through the night
She said: “It’s nothing but another shameful cost-cutting measure that will put even more strain on stressed staff working nights.
“It's unfortunately another sad example of what we often see in the NHS these days - a vocal group of managerial staff going on about how important staff welfare is but in reality, they are minimising the services we need and use the most.”
READ MORE: Over 800 sign petition to halt closure of ward at Paisley's RAH
The petition has already gathered almost 3000 signatures and dozens of supportive comments from staff and users of the cafe.
Dr Lucas O’Donnell, Co-Deputy Chair of BMA Scottish Resident Doctors Committee, said: "Absolute disgrace of a decision by the hospital. Cutting the provision of hot food to NHS staff on night shifts in the biggest hospital campus in Europe is ridiculous. The BMA will also do what it can to prevent this."
However, NHS bosses said the service was operating at a loss and was under-utilised.
A spokesperson for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde added: “Following a period of careful consideration and despite our best efforts to sustain the Night Café at QEUH, we have regretfully informed staff that it will permanently close.
“The Night Café originally opened in April 2020 as a temporary measure in response to the needs of staff at QEUH and the RHC during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Due to the effects of inflation, cost increases and the café being under-utilised, it is now operating at a significant loss, and we have been left with no option but to make this difficult decision.
“This decision was made following engagement with staff and trade unions, and the proposal was taken through the appropriate Partnership forums.
“The café’s last day of operation was Sunday 3rd November.
“We understand that some staff will have benefitted from the café and appreciate the difficulties this closure may cause.
“Alternative provision, including vending machines offering hot food and tea and coffee, remain available."
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