NUPE Is Misinformed

7 February 2005

NUPE Is Misinformed

The National Union of Public Employees (Nupe) has misinformed both the public and its members when it states that the Hillmorton cafeteria will be closed on weekends. The cafeteria has not been closed. However the shop attached to the cafeteria will close during the weekends because of the drop off in cigarette sales.

Mental Health Services Manager for the CDHB Diana Grice said the cafeteria is a facility well used by staff, patients and visitors during the week. At the weekend it has always been open for two hours (1pm to3pm) Saturdays and Sundays as a place to socialise and have a cup of tea. That facility remains open as before. However, the decision has been made to shut the shop facility during the weekend period because of a lack of sales.

‘It makes sense to stop operating a service that is not being patronised,’ she said. ‘We talked it over with our coordinating consumer advisor and other staff before making the decision.’

Mrs Grice said in addition to the cafeteria facilities remaining open, the contractor had been asked to install a vending machine for cold drinks and a small food range as well.

ENDS

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