Festive fare for patients on Christmas Day

Festive fare for patients on Christmas Day

If you thought planning and cooking a Christmas meal for the whanau was a big undertaking, spare a thought for Canterbury DHB’s WellFood team who are busy prepping today for the 1100 Christmas meals they’ll be plating up for patients who find themselves in one of Canterbury’s hospitals on Christmas Day.

The team are also busy preparing over 50 ‘meals on wheels’ that will be served throughout the community tomorrow.

The Christmas menu across our hospitals is going to be a cracker. Patients can choose from two very special lunch and evening menus that will include celebration Christmas ham, succulent roast chicken with cranberry sauce and gravy, roast beef, and a selection of gourmet veges.

The festive fare doesn’t stop there with an assortment of delectable desserts on offer that will include Christmas pudding with brandy sauce, strawberry mousse with whipped cream and a Christmas classic – meringue with fruit salad, custard and whipped cream.

“The festive season is a very special time and it can be hard for patients and their families being away from home on Christmas,” says WellFood Service Manager Neville Patrick.

“That’s why our teams across Canterbury have worked to create a very special menu for patients that will taste and feel just a little bit like home.”

Neville says there will be around 130 staff working in the kitchens, as well as the catering assistants who take orders and serve the food on the hospital wards, and those working in our cafes.

“The service we provide continues 365 days per year, without any let up in demand.”

“We haven’t forgotten the staff either. As a 24/7 service, many of our staff will be at work while their families are celebrating Christmas, so we have some special treats planned for them as well,” says Neville.

ENDS

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