HOSPITAL workers will receive a gift of Christmas cheer after a year like no other.

This is thanks to East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust’s official charity ELHT&Me which will be providing every member of staff at the trust’s hospitals with a free Christmas dinner.

The free dinners have been made possible thanks to funding from NHS Charities Together, which has been receiving donations from fundraisers, business and organisations, and the public, throughout the pandemic, to share with NHS charities across the country.

Charity manager Denise Gee said: “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!”

She added: “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.”

The Trust encompasses the Royal Blackburn and Burnley General Teaching Hospitals, Accrington Victoria, Pendle and Clitheroe Community Hospitals, as well as local community sites.

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.

Meanwhile 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 for their dedication and commitment during the pandemic.

Radcliffe facilities manager Tim Radcliffe said: “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.”

“We’re really looking forward to bringing some smiles to staff faces as we serve these complimentary Christmas dinners!”

To find out more, visit www.elht.nhs.uk/charity.