Catering staff at the Trust have teamed up with Age UK to run a series of lunch clubs for people who like good food and even better company.
The clubs offer an opportunity to enjoy a social lunch of award-winning food, provided by caterers at Darlington Memorial Hospital. Last year the hospital - which has won 12 awards for its food in recent years - was commended by supporters of the Campaign for Better Hospital Food after glowing reports from patients.
Stuart Wray, head of catering at the Trust, said: "We are pleased to be able to offer people in the community a taste of our locally sourced food as well as a chance to make new friends and connect with like-minded people. This is the first of many events we hope to run in partnership with Age UK and we're proud to be able to help out in any way we can."
The Friends Lunch Club is on the second Tuesday of each month, with the first event on 13 May from 12pm - 2pm at Elm Ridge Methodist Church, Darlington. People who attend can purchase lunch of soup and a sandwich for £3.
"We are all very excited about the launch of the Lunch Clubs at Elm Ridge and are hoping it will be the first of many such clubs' said Gillian Peel, CEO at Age UK Darlington. 'We are hoping that older people will pop along and have a nutritious meal amongst friends."
For more information please call 01325 282491 or 01325 362832.
'I would like to thank all the staff for my treatment and their professionalism.'
Patient, Cardiology Department, Bishop Auckland Hospital