The Southern Trust will replace the canteen at South Tyrone Hospital in Dungannon with a coffee bar in the main foyer.

The current dining room records an average of 155 daily users and does not cover its operating costs.

The new coffee bar will open at the end of August 2026 and offer hot and cold snacks, beverages and takeaway items from Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 4.30pm.

Part of the dining room will stay as a staff rest area with hot meal vending, microwave and hot water facilities.

The remaining space will become bookable meeting rooms.

No redundancies are planned for the six catering staff, though some re-banding and rota changes will occur.

DUP Councillor Clement Cuthbertson said the change represents a reduction in services and expressed concern over the loss of hot meal provision.