A quarter century of Christmas kindness: hospital caterer marks 25th Christmas day at work

A dedicated hospital caterer at North Tyneside General Hospital is celebrating a remarkable milestone this Christmas, having worked every Christmas Day for the past 25 years to ensure patients, visitors and frontline staff are cared for during one of the most important days of the year.

Kim Ashcroft began her career at North Tyneside General Hospital in 1999 as a catering assistant and now works as a catering supervisor for Northumbria Healthcare Facilities Management, the estates and facilities subsidiary of Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust.

For a quarter of a century, she has played a vital role in keeping essential catering services running on Christmas Day — providing hot meals, comfort and a sense of normality for those who cannot be at home.

Hospital catering teams work behind the scenes throughout the festive period, ensuring clinical staff working long and demanding shifts have access to food and refreshments, and that patients continue to receive nutritious meals. Kim’s commitment has helped support the hospital’s ability to deliver safe, compassionate care 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Reflecting on this milestone, Kim said: “Working Christmas Day is incredibly important. Our clinical colleagues are here caring for patients around the clock, and they need to be supported. Having the restaurant open means staff can take a proper break and refuel, which is so important for patient care.

“For patients and visitors who are spending Christmas in hospital, a warm meal and a friendly face can make a huge difference. It can be a difficult and emotional time of year, and catering staff play a small but meaningful role in bringing comfort and kindness.”

On Christmas morning, Kim will be serving breakfast to staff, patients and visitors until 11am before heading home to prepare her own Christmas dinner. She will then spend time catching up with her son, who lives in America, via FaceTime.

Wayne Roper, kitchen superintendent and Kim’s line manager, praised her dedication saying; “Kim’s role highlights just how essential hospital catering staff are, particularly on Christmas Day. Her commitment, compassion and reliability ensure our teams are supported and our patients are cared for, even on the most challenging days.”

Media contact 

Emily Lavin, marketing and communications officer 

emily.lavin@northumbria-healthcare.nhs.uk