University Hospital of North Staffordshire cafe damaged by vandals
A HOSPITAL was forced to shut its flagship restaurant and throw away large quantities of food after it was attacked by vandals.
The newly-opened Moment to Eat centre at the University Hospital of North Staffordshire (UHNS) stayed closed for nearly three hours yesterday as it was cleaned in depth after police hunted for clues.
Hungry patients, visitors and staff were greeted by metal grills across the entrance and a note saying it was closed due to "unforeseen circumstances".
Instead they were offered snacks sold from trolleys at several locations throughout the complex.
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A promotional photo-shoot of the cafe by the The Sentinel had to be cancelled yesterday.
It had been planned ahead of the scheduled official opening by former England rugby star Matt Dawson on October 8.
Police and hospital managers confirmed they were looking into an incident of criminal damage – but refused to give any details of what had happened.
The restaurant was opened in June as part of the trust's £400 million superhospital development.
From its first-floor location, it looks out over the complex's atrium and reception area and offers views of surrounding countryside.
Police were called in at 9.30am when a member of the hospital staff reported the criminal damage.
Scores of meals prepared for the morning were binned and staff were put on stand-by to issue apologies to the public. The restaurant re-opened just before mid-day.
The facility is run by international catering giant Sodexo under the private finance initiative behind the new hospital which opened in March.
A hospital spokesman: "As a precaution, the produce that had been prepared was disposed of and the area has been cleaned thoroughly.
"We would like to apologise to our visitors for the resulting temporary closure of the restaurant while this cleaning took place.
"We will offer Staffordshire Police any assistance that is required while they carry out their inquiries."
A Sodexo spokesman said: "A police investigation is under way so it would be inappropriate for us to comment on this incident.
"However, we can confirm that we worked in partnership with the trust to maintain a catering service for patients, visitors and staff."
A Costa Coffee snack bar, in the main reception, remained open yesterday.
A police spokesman said: "Officers were called to the hospital shortly before 9.30am following a report of criminal damage in the restaurant.
"We are carrying out inquiries into the incident and liaising with staff at the site."
Witnesses should call 101, quoting incident number 131.
Comments
by melpowell1983
Friday, September 21 2012, 8:57AM
“I take it the food isn't fresh then?”
by audiegregory
Thursday, September 20 2012, 8:12AM
“I have eaten in this cafe and found it adequate and the prices are ok, e.g. 2 toast and egg 95p it has been very popular - Audrey”
by Jolyteddy
Wednesday, September 19 2012, 7:38PM
“When I was in the old maternity hospital, in 1978, the food was quite pleasant, if a little lacking in quantity. Then in 1983, the rot was setting in and when my son was in paediatrics in 1985 the food was aweful. Children were served soggy chips and a slice of fatty brisket that would make a school dinner look luxurious.”
by LeighinHanley
Wednesday, September 19 2012, 7:32PM
“Bring back the WRVS!!!”
by dusty2011
Wednesday, September 19 2012, 5:09PM
“I think it was someone who had a stay at the hospital and had to eat the disgusting mess they serve as food. After a lengthy stay in the hospital last year I lost two stone in weight because the food was inedible to say the least, you wouldn't server it to a dog. I would have thought that the New Hospital would have taken the opportunity to kick Sodexo into touch after the food they have served up over the the last however many years. I would like to know how many complaints the hospital has had over the years and still they have awarded them the contract. Makes you wonder who's in who's pocket.”
by stokiebird82
Wednesday, September 19 2012, 2:26PM
“I wouldnt be suprised if it was a disgruntled employee at the hospital who got sick to death of eating the s**t that they serve and manage to charge the earth for. Mark my words, Sodexo will be the end of North Staffs hospital - and not just because they run the restaurant. They run the hospital like a business - which its isnt. Give it 12 months and the hospital will end up in all of the papers in the same way that Stafford hospital was...”
by yamahaman
Wednesday, September 19 2012, 12:32PM
“I suppose it will be some bored idiot, low life idiot, or other general dross in this world that we seem to be supporting through their life with free handouts. If they had a more productive life they may think twice before carying out such acts but Iam not holding my breath.”