The kitchen staff has gone back to work at the biggest hospital network in Kingston, Victoria, but patients may have to be given take away instead of reheated hospital meals, according to an article on the Herald Sun website.

The union said any meals prepared in the kitchen will have to be thrown out because they were left unattended for three hours during the stoppage, well outside the 90 minutes allowed under safe handling regulations.

Health Workers Union members returned to the Monash Health’s kitchen after 2 p.m., having walked out on the at lunch time, claiming they have “serious health and safety concerns” over the Kingston facility.

The walkout meant about 9000 meals being prepared would not be available to patients.

“All food preparations ceased for an extended period today. A large amount of food will need to be thrown out to avoid contamination and patient illness,” union officals said.

“It may mean thousands of patients could have to order Big Macs tomorrow.”

Read the article.