The Western Health and Social Care Trust has shortened the operating hours of the main restaurant at South West Acute Hospital. The facility now closes at 6pm each day. This adjustment started on April 8 and will continue until further notice.

The Trust implemented the change to address catering staffing shortages and ensure priority for patient feeding. Full hot food service remains available through lunchtime. After lunch, the restaurant offers sandwiches, salads, hot and cold drinks, and other cold snacks until closing.

Recruitment continues for open catering positions at the hospital, including a Head Cook role with a salary up to £30,162 per year in Band 4.

Campaign group Save Our Acute Services expressed disappointment over the reduced hours. The group noted the service supported hospital staff, patients, and relatives. Staff working 12-hour shifts contacted the group, concerned about limited meal options during later shifts and potential impacts on breaks.

Save Our Acute Services questioned if breakfast and lunch hot food suffice for staff on long and night shifts.