Fianna Fáil has slammed the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) after employees at Mayo University Hospital were ordered to bring their own water to work following a boil water notice in the area.

TD for Mayo Lisa Chambers also confirmed staff from the catering department were sent out to buy bottled water for patients and were specifically told that it was not for staff consumption.

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Deputy Chambers said: "They were then told that they would have to buy their own water. This is not only an added expense; it could also pose a contamination risk for patients if bottles are being left around the hospital.

"Staff at Mayo University Hospital already go above and beyond their duties. The fact that management is now telling them to buy their own water is mean and petty and will do nothing to improve morale among front line workers. I would urge the HSE to reconsider this decision and begin providing water for staff as well as patients."

(CD)