HSE seeks big fee for details of foodbudget ‘overheads’

The HSE has refused to explain how much of its hospital food budget is spent on “overheads”, such as staff, storage and electricity — and, as such, what remains for patient meal ingredients — unless a significant fee is paid.

In July, the Irish Examiner revealed hospitals are spending as little as €2.03 per meal on ingredients for patient food.

This was based on HSE Freedom of Information Act details showing ingredient spend and patient levels for each hospital since 2006.