West Suffolk Hospital in Bury St Edmunds cooks up big festive lunch for staff and patients

A massive festive lunch at a Suffolk hospital got under way last week – and it was seven months in the making.

The award-winning catering staff at West Suffolk Hospital, in Bury St Edmunds, had been busy preparing and freezing mince pies, menu planning, dish sampling and making pre-orders with suppliers ready for the big day.

Staff served up the succulent Christmas dinner, with all the trimmings, to over 350 hungry members of staff. The meal included cooking over 100kg of turkey.

Staff will once again be putting on their aprons when they cook for patients and staff working the Christmas shift on Christmas Day. The catering team will be starting up their ovens early in the morning ready to cook the big meal which will include 240 kg of British turkey, 500 pigs in blankets and 80kg of carrots.

Head chef Luke Nobbs said: "The hospital environment can be exceptionally stressful for patients, particularly during the Christmas season. Our goal is to enhance their experience throughout the festive period, and a well-prepared Christmas dinner plays a significant role in achieving that aim.

"While many people will be relaxing with loved ones this Christmas, our dedicated staff will be working to deliver high quality care to those who need it most.

"I take immense pride in our catering service, by offering high-quality, delectable food I believe we contribute to easing any hospital stay, not just during Christmas. This effort extends to supporting our hardworking staff with the sustenance they need during their demanding shifts."

Craig Black, executive director of resources, said: "We understand that the festive season can be a challenging time for many, especially those who find themselves away from home and unable to celebrate with loved ones in a more traditional way.

"That's why this year, as we do during any other, we wanted to create something special for our staff and patients, offering them a festive meal to bring a bit of cheer.

“The remarkable efforts of our catering team in making this happen deserve a huge thank you, and I express my sincere appreciation to each and every one of them."