STAFF at East Lancashire’s community hospitals marked Nutrition and Hydration Week by passing on ‘good eating and drinking’ tips to patients.

Yesterday, patients and carers were served tea and cake within community wards at Burnley General Hospital, Pendle Community Hospital, Clitheroe Community Hospital and Accrington Victoria Community Hospital, while staff spoke of the benefits of protected mealtimes.

Adele Thornburn, community hospitals manager, said: “The tea party is a lovely way to demonstrate that eating can be a pleasant, sociable experience rather than a necessary chore.

“Some may not feel like cooking for themselves, and the death of a partner or spouse can lead to people with no experience of cooking having to start.”.