Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS FT & Royal Primary Care

Hospital Ring Road: Partial Closure

A reminder that from today, Monday 2 September, there will be a set of temporary traffic lights on site, which may cause delays on the Trust’s main ring road.

This is due to the new Derbyshire Mental Health Care Derwent Unit development and is essential to allow for the required access and engineering works as part of the build, which will replace the Hartington Unit.

The Trust, and wider system, are very supportive of the build which is a modern purpose-built facility and will provide additional beds for inpatients, improving patients’ experience.

The temporary traffic lights are highlighted on the map for two different phases – phase 1 from today (taking four weeks) and phase 2 likely around 23 September (taking five weeks). This will potentially impact on anyone who travels to the back of the hospital site and we appreciate everybody’s patience during this time for any delays experienced.

To help support the flow of traffic across the site, please consider:
- Encouraging the use of public transport
- Allowing additional time for travelling across the site and parking
- Being dropped off at the site

We'd really appreciate your help in sharing the information with friends and family to support the Trust during this development.

Thank you.

This week is week.

Did you know that getting a blood pressure check is often the first step in preventing heart attacks and strokes? High blood pressure can be a major cause of these diseases but has no symptoms which is why its known as the ‘silent killer’.

Taking the time to know your numbers can mean that you can begin making any healthy lifestyle changes or take medication if needed to bring your blood pressure down to a healthy level.

During week you can have your numbers checked for free at a local community pharmacy. Find out which pharmacy offers this service here: https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/pharmacies/find-a-pharmacy-that-offers-free-blood-pressure-checks/

You to manage your blood pressure.

You can read more here: https://www.bloodpressureuk.org/your-blood-pressure/

🏥Become a Trust Member and help shape the future of your hospital and services.

✅Receive a monthly update, including the latest news and updates.

🗳️Vote or put yourself forward in our upcoming Governor Elections.

📝Sign up here: https://secure.membra.co.uk/Join/ChesterfieldRoyal

𝗢𝘂𝗿 #𝗪𝗵𝗼𝗪𝗲𝗔𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 #𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁𝗪𝗲𝗗𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝗶𝘀 𝗮 𝗰𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗴𝘂𝗲 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽𝘀 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗧𝗿𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝘂𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗹𝘆 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘄𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗱𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁.

✅Rachel Walker is a Patient Experience Advisor in the Quality Governance team. Her role involves collating and analysing all patient feedback for the Trust, which is instrumental in improving the care we provide to our patients and communities. Rachel gathers feedback via many routes, including the national Friends and Family Test (FFT) and Care Opinion.

🏩Rachel’s NHS career started in 2008 as an Administrative Assistant in Medicine. After her involvement in setting up the Trust’s Stroke Rehabilitation Unit, she was successful in a secondment opportunity in the Patient Advice and Liaison Service in 2011. Following this secondment, Rachel became a Complaints Advisor, and then in 2021, she started in her present role as a Patient Experience Advisor.

✏️On average, Rachel and her team receive 5,000 pieces of feedback per month! Once analysed and segmented into divisions and departments, it is shared across the organisation for teams to make local changes. Rachel uses the data to spot trends and themes that can be built into changes and improvements across the whole Trust – showing how every bit of insight can positively change patient experiences.

💬She also engages with local Patient Participation Groups to gather insight into our Royal Primary Care GP surgeries, manages the Trust’s Interpreting and Translation Service, coordinates regional and CQC national surveys for our patients and supports patient stories and public engagement.

🥰Rachel says, "I love my job, and I am so proud to work at the Trust. After all the years I’ve been here, it really does feel like a second home!

❤️“I feel really privileged to work with amazing colleagues who deliver exceptional patient care every day, and in my role, I truly get to see the impact of this in the feedback we receive and the improvements we make for our patients.”

Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust’s Chief Nurse Extends Congratulations to Respected Interim Director of Midwifery Awarded Honorary Doctorate.

Dotty Watkins OBE received the accolade from Sheffield Hallam University.

Krishna Kallianpur, Chief Nurse, said: “I am incredibly proud to extend heartfelt congratulations to Dotty Watkins OBE, our Interim Director of Midwifery, on being awarded an honorary doctorate in recognition of her exceptional contributions to the field of midwifery. This prestigious honour is a testament to her unwavering dedication, expertise, and leadership in advancing the quality of care for mothers and babies across not only this Trust but also across the region.

“Dotty is inspiring and empowers countless individuals through her passion for midwifery. Her kindness, commitment to excellence, combined with her depth of knowledge and innovative approach, has significantly impacted the lives of many families and sets a high standard for the profession and indeed the Trust. Dotty was pivotal in the Trust achieving CQC good for maternity services and was singled out for her exemplary leadership.

“As we celebrate this well-deserved accolade, on behalf of everybody across Chesterfield, I commend Dotty for her outstanding achievements and remarkable career in midwifery spanning over 40 years. Her relentless pursuit of excellence and advocacy for women's health serves as a shining example for all healthcare professionals. We have been privileged to have Dotty as a valued member of our team and when Dotty does eventually retire she leaves a great legacy which our newly appointed Director of Midwifery will continue. We’ll be issuing more details on start dates in the coming weeks.

“Please join us in congratulating Dotty on this remarkable achievement and in recognising her as a true pioneer in the field of midwifery.”

📺 As seen on TV… Again!

ℹ️ Our strong stand against violence and aggression shown to staff has been featured ITV Calendar tonight - and will also feature on Central ITV in the coming days.

🎦 The crew filmed at the hospital today, on the back of information we issued last week about violence and aggression and what action the Trust is taking to combat this and the consequences for the perpetrators.

📈 We have seen an increase in the numbers of colleagues experiencing such behaviours (reported through our Staff Survey) and there is a big focus on ensuring that all acts are reported.

💙 We are appealing to patients and the public to treat our NHS colleagues with respect; however, we recognise that some patients can lack capacity for their actions (dementia etc) and in this situation there is training available for staff to appropriately deal with this and to deescalate. If needed our security team can support too.

🏥 We know that it is a minority of patients who offend, but we want to make it clear that action will be taken against those who do – such as withholding treatment or prison time.

📺 ITV filmed with three colleagues this morning - from our Emergency Department and Markham Ward – all of which have experience of violent and aggressive behaviour. Dr Hal Spencer, Chief Executive, was also interviewed.

✅ We’re really grateful for colleagues’ support in this filming.

Thank you.

Catch up on ITV Calendar (South) from Thursday August 29th - Latest From ITV News Watch the latest from ITV News - Catch up: Watch the most recent edition of ITV News Calendar (South)

The countdown to our Annual Members' Meeting has begun!

We have had so much happen at the Trust this year, and with what a good time we had last year, why don't you join us?

You don't need to book a place, and we've got free parking! How much easier could it be?

To learn more, please have a look on our website: https://www.chesterfieldroyal.nhs.uk/latest-news/annual-members-meeting-2024

𝘿𝙞𝙙 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬... at our Community Diagnostic Centres you may be able to have multiple tests in one appointment?

This could include 🩸blood tests, ultrasound, 🩻scans and 🧪point-of-care testing.

ℹ️More information about services can be found here: https://bit.ly/CRHCDCs

✅When making your appointment, ask to visit a CDC!

GP's surgeries remain closed today, Bank Holiday Monday (26 August)

A range of conditions and illnesses, including broken bones, cuts and gashes, minor eye infections, some wounds and infections can be treated at one of Derbyshire's Urgent Treatment Centres (UTCs).

These are open 8am-8pm seven days a week, including all bank holidays.

Find out more: https://bit.ly/crhftrs

⚠️Please 'Think Which Service' you need during this long weekend.
🩹Self care
💊Pharmacy
🩺GP
🚑Emergency Department or 999
Find out what service to use when, here: https://bit.ly/crhftrs

Congratulations to eight colleagues who recently graduated as Nursing Associates.
They had studied for their qualification - a foundation degree - at University of Derby’s St Helena Campus in Chesterfield over two years, working full time on our wards and areas during this time, as well as attending university for one day a week.

All have now received their nursing pin and will continue to work on our wards and areas and have the opportunity to study further to become a registered nurse through a top up degree.

Anna Wild had also been awarded a Chief Nurse Award from Dame Ruth May, Chief Nursing Officer at NHSE whilst studying for her commitment to quality of care.

Congratulations also to Keeley McNally - Lowe who is not pictured here.

Maxine Simmons, Head of Practice and Professional Development said: “Well done to all our newly qualified Nursing Associates who have recently graduated. The Nursing Associate role provides career opportunities for our Health Care Support Workers to progress whilst they learn new skills and responsibilities and requires a lot of hard work and commitment. The support our student Nursing Associates receive from their ward/department colleagues and Amy Booker/ Saiphy Nijo (clinical educators) is key in helping our colleagues to develop their skills and confidence in their new practise. I wish them all the best in transitioning to an NMC registered Nursing Associate.”

⭐️ Our and this week is a colleague who helps to make our ED services run smoothly and makes sure that everything is in place - in terms of staffing and resources - to ensure that patients are seen as quickly as possible.

🏥 Amanda Fox is Assistant Service Manager for our Acute Service Unit, and her busy and wide-ranging role ensures that patients who need our help or services when they have an emergency or life-threatening condition are treated as quickly as possible in our ED.

💫 Amanda joined the Trust just over two years ago, beginning work as a Care Coordinator our Acute Care Unit in January 2022, before becoming Assistant Service Manager in January 2023.

💙 Her NHS career began at the Royal Hallamshire in Sheffield, where she oversaw the outpatient bookings in cardiovascular and renal services. It was a total change for Amanda who had previously worked as a restaurant manager before moving to the NHS to make a difference during the pandemic.

🚑 No two days are ever the same for Amanda, her role is very operational, and on any given day could involve supporting where there are staffing issues or in ED, sorting trolleys, or meeting ambulances at the door to ensure that they handover patients as quickly as possible so they can receive care.

📈 Data is another part of her role, though Amanda and her team never forget that the numbers and figures are not just a performance metric but represent a patient and their journey.

⭐️ Whilst Amanda may come to work with a plan, that often goes out of the window as the day unfolds.

🕰️ If you are visiting us please note that, over the Bank Holiday period, the opening and closing times of our retail and food outlets may change.

💙 Please see the attached graphic for more information.

𝘿𝙞𝙙 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬...

💙 At our Community Diagnostic Centres you may be able to have multiple tests in one appointment?

This could include🩸blood tests, ultrasound, 🩻scans and 🧪point-of-care testing.

ℹ️ More information about services can be found here: https://bit.ly/CRHCDCs

✅ When making your appointment, ask to visit a CDC!

🗓️ It’s August Bank Holiday this weekend, and though we hope no one is poorly over the next few days, we are sharing details of how to get the right care, in the right place if you do need help.

🏥 Our ED remains open and should be used for life threatening or emergency conditions only.

💙 If you are unsure about whether you need medical help, then please call NHS111 who have fully trained advisors on hand to make sure you get the care you need as quickly as possible.

⭐️ GP surgeries will be closed over the weekend, and on Monday.

🩹 Community pharmacists will be open over the weekend, and more details can be found here: https://joinedupcarederbyshire.co.uk/your-services/pharmacy/.

✅ Did you know that if you have a break or sprain, or a bad cut, then our Urgent Treatment Centres are open locally and you can find out more information here: Urgent treatment centres (dchs.nhs.uk)

✅ For minor illnesses such as colds and flu there are things you can do to help us and yourself. Ensure your medication cabinet is stocked up so that basic medicines such as paracetamol, ibuprofen, and dressings are on hand if you need them.

🦷 If you need urgent dental care over the weekend, please contact your dentist – if you don’t have one then please call NHS111 who will be able to source an urgent appointment with an out of hours emergency dentist for you.

🤔If you've picked up your GCSE results this morning and are thinking about the next step, have you considered an apprenticeship?

👩‍💻An apprenticeship, which must last for a minimum of 12 months, combines hands-on work with the opportunity to train and obtain qualifications.

🧑‍💼It’s also a paid position, so you earn while you learn. At least 6 hours per week is set aside for learning, usually at a college, university or training provider. The rest of your time is spent applying your knowledge and skills in the actual workplace, doing the job that you set out to get.

👨‍🎓At the end of it, you’ll gain official certification, which will be equivalent to traditional qualifications.

‼We currently have over 200 apprentices on over 40 different apprenticeships in areas such as nursing, admin, digital and estates*.

You can check our opportunities and find out more: https://www.chesterfieldroyal.nhs.uk/work-us/learning-and-development/apprenticeships

https://www.jobs.nhs.uk/candidate

*Some apprenticeships (such as estates) are offered thorough DSFS, who provide support services to the Trust

🤞Good luck to local students who are picking up their GCSE results this morning at schools and colleges throughout the area.

🩺 Have you thought about working for the NHS? We have over 350 rewarding careers and you could make a difference to the lives of people everyday.

👀 https://t.ly/957jV

If you are unsure what to do next, would work experience or volunteering help you decide?

You can read about these opportunities here: https://www.chesterfieldroyal.nhs.uk/work-us/learning-and-development/work-experience
https://www.chesterfieldroyal.nhs.uk/work-us/volunteering

𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗔𝗿𝗲 𝗙𝗲𝗹𝘁: 𝗛𝗼𝘀𝗽𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲𝘀 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗔𝗴𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘀𝘁 𝗩𝗶𝗼𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗔𝗴𝗴𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗳𝗳

Chesterfield Royal Hospital bosses are sending a strong message that any violence or aggression towards staff will result in serious consequences.

Last year* there were 14 incidents of violence and aggression in the Trust that resulted in Police and legal action; ranging from community service to referral to drug rehabilitation and even prison sentences.

The most extreme sentence was for one patient who was sentenced to six months in prison for Public Order offences for sexually inappropriate and verbal aggression against ward staff. Another had treatment withheld for 12 months for assaulting a member of the Security Team.

Dr Hal Spencer, Chief Executive of Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We know that the majority of our patients and visitors are kind and appreciative of the care they receive - but there is sadly a minority who need to understand it will not be tolerated. We want our colleagues to feel safe and we will do what we need to, to make this happen.”

The results from the last Staff Survey revealed that 19% of Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust colleagues had experienced physical violence at work from patients, service users, their relatives or other members of the public. This was an increase on the year before.

Hal added: “We took this feedback seriously and we have taken clear action on this. We understand that there are situations where people lack capacity for their actions due to conditions like dementia etc and our staff are aware of this. However, when people are abusive or violent to our staff and they have capacity then we will take action.

“Our colleagues work very hard, and they deserve to be treated with the upmost respect – as we expect them to give to their patients. It is important that we all take a stand against bad behaviour because not only can it negatively impact on staff, but it can delay care for those who need it the most.”

Hospital colleagues are given ongoing training and support to help them deal with any abusive patients and to recognise where patients may lack capacity for their actions and how to deal with this. If needed, a team of 12 security colleagues are also on hand to protect colleagues and deal with any more serious incidents.

Ged Holland, Facilities Manager said: “Violence towards NHS colleagues can have a devastating and lasting effect on their health and wellbeing. We should all feel safe coming to work but a small minority of people don’t respect the experts looking after them. These people will feel the full force of the law where appropriate, as this is not something we will tolerate. I am sure the majority of patients and the public would agree that our staff deserve kindness and respect for the challenging job that they do and the brilliant level of care they provide!”

Please 'Think Which Service' you need!⚠️

🩹Self care
💊Pharmacy
🩺GP
🚑Emergency Department or 999

Find out what service to use when, here: https://bit.ly/crhftrs

With the bank holiday coming up, don't forget to order repeat prescriptions in advance.

For bank holiday pharmacy opening times visit: https://www.england.nhs.uk/midlands/nhs-england-and-nhs-improvement-midlands-work/bank-holiday-pharmacy-opening%20times/

𝐘𝐞𝐞𝐞𝐞𝐞𝐞𝐡𝐚𝐰! 𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐛𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬 𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐬 £𝟕𝟓 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐢𝐞𝐥𝐝 𝐑𝐨𝐲𝐚𝐥 𝐇𝐨𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲🤠

Last week, Chesterfield Royal Hospital hosted their first ever Charity Line Dancing Class from within the Health and Wellbeing Hub – our onsite support facility for colleagues.

Tracy Forester, Sister on Ridgeway Ward, had the brilliant idea of bringing this class to her colleagues as she had been enjoying line dancing classes off site for a few months.

Her local instructor, Amy Ward, was happy to get involved and spread some of her rootin’ tootin’ routines with colleagues at .

Colleagues who wanted to attend then purchased tickets (selling out in less than a week!) – with proceeds set to go to Chesterfield Royal Hospital Trust Charity.

Tracy said: “Obviously exercise isn’t always enjoyable, but we’re all keen to keep healthy. I thought line dancing would be good for everybody as it’s so fun to do.

“Loads of people loved it and want to do it again – so I look forward to arranging more in the future!”

Abbie Foster, Health and Wellbeing Lead, added: “It was amazing to see so many of our colleagues join together and enjoy the session.

“A huge thank you to Tracy for organising this event and to Amy for instructing. I hope to make this class a regular occurrence going forward.”

𝘿𝙞𝙙 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬... at our Community Diagnostic Centres, you may be able to have multiple tests in one appointment?

This could include 🩸blood tests, ultrasound, 🩻 scans and 🧪point-of-care testing.

ℹ️More information about services can be found here: https://bit.ly/CRHCDCs

✅When making your appointment, ask to visit a CDC!

🏥Become a Trust Member and help shape the future of your hospital and services.

✅Receive a monthly update on the latest Trust news and how you can get involved.

🗳️Plus, our Governor Elections are coming soon! Become a Member to vote or put yourself forward.

📝Sign up here: https://secure.membra.co.uk/Join/ChesterfieldRoyal

⭐️ Our and this week is a colleague who began her NHS career at the age of 60 and who ensures that we care for more than just the patient, understanding that families and loved ones are often a vital part of any patient journey.

💙 Sheila has been with Royal Primary Care (RPC) for seven years and this is her first role within the NHS. She’s a busy lady, with three roles across RPC- Carer’s Champion, Receptionist and Administrator in the recalls team.

🔝Her role as Carer’s Champion involves supporting carers - the people who have a caring responsibility for RPC patients, such as people looking after members of their family or friends.

👍 “When someone lets us know, or we can identify that someone is a carer, then it is part of my role to reach out to them to find out more about their needs and the needs of the person or people they support. I make sure they are aware of any helpful services that available to them and their loved ones, let them know about what RPC can offer and put them in touch with other support services.”

🎀A very special wedding day on Markham ward

💝 A huge congratulations from everyone at the Trust to Dennis and Janet Haigh (71 and 73 years old), who got married recently on Markham Ward.

💍Sadly, Janet has been receiving end of life care at the hospital due to liver disease and diabetes complications, and the couple who have been together for 14 years after meeting on a dating site decided that now was the time for them to tie the knot.

🥰 Dennis said: “Janet is the most fantastic, caring person. She will help anyone with anything, and she is always smiling. She is still smiling despite being on end-of-life care – nothing gets her down – even now. Janet was always keen to get married. I used to say to her ‘you don’t fix what’s not broken’ but we felt that now was the right time.

🎊 “The wedding was very special. We were surrounded by our family which was lovely. Staff on the ward had sorted the room out with fairy lights and Mr and Mrs decorations to make it look nice. The nurses were excited, and everyone made a fuss of us.”

🗣 Dennis added: “I can’t fault the care that Janet has received and the way they have looked after us as a family. I’ve been with her every day, and they let me stay with her overnight. She wanted to go home, and the hospital have worked hard to make this happen for her. I can’t thank them enough.”

🐶Janet is now receiving end of life care at home and is surrounded by friends and family who have all rallied together to support the couple who live in Chesterfield with their much-loved pet huskies Echo and Luna.

🙏We want to thank Dennis for sharing his and Janet’s story at this challenging time and we send them our love.

Chesterfield Royal Hospital Trust Charity Funded ‘Distraction Kits’ to Support Patients

Chesterfield Royal Hospital Trust Charity has generously funded 136 Patient Support Kits – designed to support patients and provide welcome distractions and comfort during potentially stressful times and treatments.

You can read more on our website: https://www.chesterfieldroyal.nhs.uk/latest-news/chesterfield-royal-hospital-trust-charity-funded-distraction-kits-support-patients

🚦Please note that across the hospital site from 27 August into Autumn there will be a set of temporary traffic lights, which may cause delays on the Trust’s main ring road.

💙 This is due to the new Derbyshire Mental Health Care Derwent Unit development and is essential to allow for the required access and engineering works as part of the build, which will replace the Hartington Unit.

👍 The Trust, and wider system, are very supportive of the build which is a modern purpose-built facility and will provide additional beds for inpatients, improving patients’ experience.

🚦The temporary traffic lights are highlighted on the map for two different phases – phase 1 from 27 August (taking four weeks) and phase 2 from 23 September (taking five weeks). This will potentially impact on anyone who travels to the back of the hospital site.

🙏 We appreciate everybody’s patience during this time for any delays experienced.

To help support the flow of traffic across the site, please consider:

✅ Encouraging the use of public transport
✅ Allowing additional time for travelling across the site and parking
✅ Being dropped off at the site

ℹ️ You can help by sharing the information with friends and family to support the Trust during this development.

Thank you.

✉️Congratulations to everyone receiving their A level, T level or BTec results today.

❓ Have you considered a career in the NHS? We have over 350 professions to choose from, and every one of these make a huge difference to the lives of our colleagues and our community.

👀 You can take a look here at what's on offer: https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/

🤔 Did you know that here at Chesterfield Royal Hospital we have an award winning Apprenticeship team who can support you to begin your journey in healthcare as part of ?

👋 You can read about it here: https://www.chesterfieldroyal.nhs.uk/work-us/learning-and-development/apprenticeships