HeartSWell Lodge in Plymouth held its first open lunch for hospital staff and volunteers on Tuesday, August 5.
More than 30 members of staff from Derriford and Nuffield Hospitals called in to the lodge for a guided tour, buffet lunch and takeaway goodie bag.
The event was held by HeartSWell South West to raise the profile of the charity and its work.
The lodge is owned by the charity and provides self-catering accommodation for relatives of patients receiving treatment at Derriford and other hospitals in the area.
It was built and paid for entirely by the fundraising efforts of local people and opened in 2001 with the intention of providing high quality accommodation at low prices for relatives of cardiac patients.
However, as Derriford Hospital has grown and treats people from all over the South West, the lodge has grown with it and will accommodate relatives of any patient.
It was refurbished in 2007 and the lunch was a chance to show off the facilities on offer, including twin and single bedded rooms with televisions, fully equipped kitchen, dining area and lounge as well as extensive gardens with views over Plymouth.
Guests draw support from one another as they all have relatives in hospital.
More details are available at http://www.heartswell.org.uk">www.heartswell.org.uk or from Sarah on 01752 315929.