Mater Dei Hospital’s catering and cleaning bill was €3.4 million more than projected in 2013, while the car park is costing the taxpayer more than €1 million every year, according to the Auditor General. 

Cleaning costs shot up after private contractors had to be roped in to make up for cleaners who had been transferred and had retired. 45,000 cleaning hours were billed by the contractor in 2013. 

The car park cost the coffers in excess of €4.6 million over the past four years, despite being leased out to a private operator. Fees were slashed from €6.50 for four hours to some €4 back in December 2007 following complaints from usersl.  

Furthermore, it transpires that the hospital forks out for the car park’s electricity bill despite the fact that it is run by a third party.  

Part of the parking complex stopped generating profit when it was handed over to staff after pressure from a union. The €1 million annual car park deficit excludes the purchase of new car park equipment and maintenance.

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