Staff at East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust (ELHT) will receive a complimentary Christmas dinner this year, thanks to funding from their official charity, ELHT&Me.
All NHS employees at Royal Blackburn and Burnley General Teaching Hospitals, Accrington Victoria, Pendle and Clitheroe Community Hospitals, as well as staff based at the Trust’s community sites, will be able to claim a hot or cold Christmas dinner option, completely free of charge. This gesture has been made possible with grant funding from NHS Charities Together – who have been receiving donations from the fundraisers, business and organisations, and the public, throughout the pandemic, to share with NHS charities across the country.
“After such a challenging year, a free Christmas dinner seemed like the perfect way to thank our staff for their hard work, and spread a little festive spirit!”, said Denise Gee, Charity Manager.
“We’re so pleased that some of the grant funding we’ve received from NHS Charities Together has meant that ELHT&Me could fully-fund a Christmas meal for every member of Trust staff. It’s a show of appreciation from our fundraisers in the local community who have all gone above and beyond to support our NHS heroes.”
Staff will have the option to choose from a full, hot Christmas dinner, or a Christmas sandwich and snacks, with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options available too. Senior staff and members of the Executive Team will support the Trust’s Catering Team to serve the meals, giving them another opportunity to thank staff personally for their dedication and commitment during the pandemic.
“The Catering Team have worked hard to produce a menu that’s inclusive of everyone and provides some Christmas cheer, as staff have worked so hard in such challenging circumstances”, said Tim Radcliffe, Facilities Manager at the Trust.
“We’re really looking forward to bringing some smiles to staff faces as we serve these complimentary Christmas dinners!”
For more information on the Trust’s charity, and the work it does to enhance the environment and experience for patients and staff, visit www.elht.nhs.uk/charity.
