NHS staff at Newham University Hospital who will be working over the Christmas season surprised with a Christmas dinner served by John Torode and One4all Gift Cards
The initiative is part of a One4all Gift Cards campaign to celebrate those who miss Christmas Day with their loved ones due to work or helping others
Staff at a major London hospital received a fine-dining take on hospital food, when a celebrity chef took to the kitchen to serve Christmas dinner for those who will be working over the Christmas period.
One of the UK’s best-known chefs John Torode took over the canteen at Newham University Hospital in East London on Friday 22 November, as part of a campaign by One4all Gift Cards to reward those who miss out on Christmas dinner with their families to work or help others.
Employees from the hospital, including doctors, nurses, healthcare assistants and support staff were surprised with a two-course Christmas dinner designed and prepared by Torode and a festive makeover of the canteen.
Hardworking staff spent their lunchbreak enjoying Torode’s take on Turkey Wellington with all the trimmings, followed by poached pears and frangipane for dessert.
During the meal, staff chatted with the celebrity chef and received One4all Gift Cards as presents.
The news comes as many NHS staff throughout the UK are preparing to work over the Christmas period this year.
Nina Ives, Junior Sister at Newham University Hospital, 45 from South Woodford, London comments: “I’ve worked the past two Christmases, over both Christmas Day and Boxing Day. I work in the Infection Prevention department caring for patients throughout the whole hospital so it really is a year-round job. It was such a treat to meet John Torode and enjoy a meal specially prepared by him. It was a lovely reminder that the time we sacrifice with our own friends and family at Christmas isn’t taken for granted and helps motivate staff at this time of year.”
John Torode comments; “While most of us clock off for Christmas Day to spend quality time celebrating with our loved ones, not everyone gets to enjoy this – whether it’s because they are working or because they are sacrificing their day to help others.
As part of the campaign, the hospital received Christmas trees and decorations provided by One4all Gift Cards, to help maintain Christmas spirit over the festive period.
“Christmas is all about giving, so I couldn’t be happier to partner with One4all Gift Cards to give something back to the remarkable NHS staff at Newham University Hospital who will be dedicating their time to those in hospital or receiving medical care over Christmas.”
Aoife Davey, Group Marketing Director at One4all Gift Cards comments; “We’re delighted to offer this small gesture to the team at Newham University Hospital, as part of our campaign to give back to those who dedicate their time to helping others at Christmas. While this won’t replace a Christmas Day spent with friends and family, we do hope it’s gives these hardworking NHS workers a unique Christmas experience they remember fondly in years to come.”
The #One4allThisXmas campaign from One4all Gift Cards, the UK’s leading multi-retailer gift card, which celebrates and gives back to those workers who miss Christmas Day with their families due to work or helping others.
WATCH John in action HERE.
The One4all Gift Card can be spent in more than 55,000 outlets across the UK and is available to buy from Post Offices, gift card stands in Tesco stores nationwide and online at www.one4all.com.
With thanks to Jeff Moore for all photography.
