A big thank you to the Hartlepool hospital cafe which has stayed open throughout the pandemic

The Wilbers team, Alison Swales; Lorraine Casey, Dawn Harthill, Lynne Crowe.

The team in Café Wilbers at the University Hospital of Hartlepool have been thanked for the support they have given since the outbreak of COVID-19.

While other businesses in the town had to close due to social distancing guidelines, the service has remained open.

It has provided drinks and snacks to key workers and visitors.They have also run a pop-up shop with fresh fruit and vegetables meaning staff can stock up on essential supplies without needing to make a trip to the shops.The team in the hospital’s assisted reproduction unit bought the staff some flowers and chocolates as a gesture of thanks.

Debbie Hanley, healthcare assistant in the assisted reproduction unit, said: “Throughout this whole period the team in catering have been performing an amazing role, day in day out, for staff and for visitors.

“They have always provided a first class, professional and friendly service at a time when people needed it the most.

“The new pop-up shop has also provided an easy and convenient way for staff to collect all of their essential items before they go home.

“We wanted to let them know how much we appreciate them for everything they have done at such a challenging time.

“The flowers and chocolates are our small way of saying a huge thank you from everyone in the assisted reproduction unit and the whole of the hospital.”

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