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LATEST NEWS FROM OUR LOCAL HOSPITALS AND MEDICAL SERVICES

6 Tips To Improve Your Mental Agility

Tuesday 30th August 2022 Exercise is usually associated with sport, however, this concept can encompass many other things.

We should not only focus on the physical body and taking care of it, but also on our brain in order to stimulate it and keep our mental agility and vitality intact. That is why it is very important to know how to exercise it.

First of all, you should know that the brain is made up of millions of neurons that enable us to reason and feel. These nerve cells have the ability to connect with each other and, in doing so, strengthen our memory and our ability to... READ MORE...

Three Easy Ways To Improve Your Self-Care This Spring

Friday 25th March 2022 Self-care is one of those buzzy phrases that we hear a lot these days.

A lot of people have the idea that self-care is an activity that requires a full-blown spa day with fluffy robes someone giving you a deep tissue massage.

While there is certainly nothing wrong with doing this, and in fact we would actively encourage it, self-care does not need to be a weekend away activity, and you don’t need to spend a lot of money to achieve it.

Self-care is about doing the little things to make yourself feel better and to look after yourself as you deserve. Here are a few tips to help you care for yourself a little better as we head into the spring... READ MORE...

How Chesterfield Is Combating Smoking

Wednesday 12th January 2022 Stopping smoking is very difficult, but it doesn't make it any less worthwhile. Instead of treating quitting smoking as a one-time event, think of it as a long-term goal and prepare accordingly.

Consider the timing of your quit attempt to increase your chances of success. Every year, Chesterfield participates in Stoptober which is the NHS and Public Health England's annual challenge to quit smoking in October.

The Stoptober challenge encourages smokers to abstain from smoking for a period of 28 days. Many smokers try to quit each year, making it the largest national quit smoking challenge. READ MORE...

CBD Oil In Chesterfield

Wednesday 12th February 2020 Chesterfield and its surrounding areas, have really woken up to the whole CBD extravaganza that has engulfed the whole of the UK since its legalisation.

Not only are people educating themselves and avoiding many of the rogue traders and poor quality products, but also creating imaginative ways of taking CBD oils.

The Chesterfield CBD market is thought to be worth around £2 million annually. "Ahhh", you say, "it is just a fad!" Well, that doesn’t seem to be the case as predictions, in Chesterfield alone, see that number hitting around... READ MORE...

"Treat People Kindly" Call Ahead Of Alzheimers Event

Wednesday 18th September 2019 A Speaker at a Derbyshire event aimed at raising awareness of dementia has called for greater understanding and patience among the public.

Tim Benson, a retired community psychiatric nurse and now a community engagement volunteer for the Alzheimer's Society, will address the "Taking Care of a Loved One with Alzheimer's" event at the Market Hall in Chesterfield, on Tuesday, September 24th, 2019.

During his years as nurse, much of Tim's time was spent working... READ MORE...

Choosing A Medical Specialty - Some Career Advice

Wednesday 20th September 2017
When you are choosing a medical specialty for your Medical Career, what is there to know?

For anyone looking to study for a career in Medicine, choosing a medical specialty is something that has a profound impact on the rest of your medical career.

It is best if you get your decision right the first time around so that the rest of your career goes smoothly and is dedicated towards everything else that goes into mastering the subject you have chosen to study... READ MORE...

Farmer Eileen Marks Her 100th Birthday With Care Home Party

Thursday 10th August 2017 Lifelong Chesterfield resident Eileen Reed celebrated her 100th birthday with family and friends at Holmewood Care Home.

The centenarian was joined by her sons, grandchildren and great grandchildren for the day, as staff at the home hosted a party to mark the milestone.

Eileen moved to Holmewood Care Home, on Barnfield Close, in 2014, after living on The Hill, Glapwell, her entire married life.

Born on 27th July 1917, she met John Reed at a dance... READ MORE...

Nominations Open To Be Your Community's Voice At NHS

Wednesday 3rd August 2017 Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Foundation Trust has opened nominations for elections to fill 11 public posts on its governing body.

Interested members of the public who live in the constituency areas in Derbyshire are invited to put themselves forward for election to the Trust's Council of Governors before nominations close on 15th August 2017.

The vacancies, which have arisen because the terms of offices of current post-holders are coming to an end, are in the following areas... READ MORE...

Patient Recall Starts At Royal After Doctor Diagnosed With HIV

Wednesday 3rd May 2017 A total of 120 Chesterfield Royal Hospital patients have been sent letters this week inviting them to go in for a precautionary blood test following the revelation that a former Orthopaedic and A & E doctor had been diagnosed with HIV.

Only patients who receive a letter are affected by the recall, which is part of a patient safety exercise co-ordinated nationally by NHS England, Public Health England and NHS Improvement. Working in partnership with them, Chesterfield Royal Hospital has identified patients who were treated by a doctor who previously worked there in Orthopaedics and the Emergency Department... READ MORE...

Road Named In Honour Of Chesterfield FC Legend Ernie Moss

Tuesday 25th April 2017 Anyone who's anyone in Chesterfield knows the name Ernie Moss! Spireite legend, family man and all round good guy. Today, that went a step further as the legendary player attended the unveiling of a road named after him.

It took Ernie Moss three periods with Chesterfield FC to become their all-time leading goalscorer. He notched 162 strikes from his 469 appearances that ended in 1986. That total remains a record to this day and ensured that Ernie became much more than a fans favourite. He became a local hero as a mark of respect for his achievements - but also because he has always been... READ MORE & AUDIO...

Chesterfield Nurse's Charity Event After Losing Son To Suicide

Tuesday 11th April 2017 A Chesterfield Mental Health nurse, who supports people in mental health crisis, is helping to organise a fundraising weekend in aid of suicide prevention charity Papyrus after losing her son to suicide.

Jade Holland, who works for Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust in the Crisis Resolution and Home Treatment team, will join family and friends in taking part in a 'Tough Mudder' military-style endurance event on 13th May, before co-hosting a family fun day in the village of Holmewood, North East Derbyshire.

Just under three years ago, Jade's son Keaton died by suicide... READ MORE...

Meadow View Care Centre Shortlisted For Prestigious Award

Tuesday 4th April 2017 A £10m specialist community care centre developed and run by Derbyshire County Council has been shortlisted for a prestigious national design award.

Meadow View Community Care Centre in Darley Dale has been shortlisted in this year's Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) East Midlands awards.

The annual awards celebrate the best in British architecture and focus on designs that aim to improve or enhance people’s lives. The county-council run care home has been shortlisted along with eight other buildings in the... READ MORE...

Football4Autism Walk To Finish At Proact Stadium

Thursday 2nd March 2017 A 'Football4Autism' walk to raise awareness of autism, which will see walkers complete their marathon trek at the Proact Stadium, is taking place in April.

The 21-mile walk will start at Rotherham United's New York Stadium on Tuesday, April 21st and take in both Sheffield clubs before finishing at the Proact.

Chesterfield-based Ray Watts, whose seven-year-old son Jake is autistic, came up with the idea after speaking to the club's head of media and communications, Nick Johnson and Community Trust chief, John Croot... READ MORE & AUDIO...

The Launch Of The 'Royal Rider'

Tuesday 18th October 2016 Visitors to the Royal who may struggle with their mobility will be able to get around the hospital with ease and in style thanks to the launch of their new Royal Rider service.

Thanks to investment from the Chesterfield Royal Hospital Charitable Funds, the Trust has been able to buy two buggies which will be used to transport visitors to the hospital anywhere on the ground floor.

The riders will be driven by volunteers and can be called for at the main reception or 'hailed' on the way around the hospital, when it's free... READ MORE & VIDEO...

Derbyshire NHS Trust Shortlisted For Prestigious Award

Friday 16th September 2016 Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Foundation Trust has been shortlisted as NHS trust of the year in prestigious awards run by the Health Service Journal.

Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Foundation Trust is one of the largest providers of specialist community health services in Britain, with nearly 1.5 million patient contacts each year.

Its 4,500 staff care for patients across a wide range of services, delivered from 11 community hospitals, 30 health centres and increasingly, in... READ MORE...

"It's OK To Talk" On World Suicide Prevention Day

Saturday 10th September 2016

For today's World Suicide Prevention Day, 70 organisations in England are joining together in a big national push to reduce deaths by suicide.

The organisations, who together form the National Suicide Prevention Alliance (NSPA), are working with Andy's Man Clubs - a self-help initiative set up by Halifax rugby player Luke Ambler after the suicide of his brother-in-law Andy Roberts - to let men all over the country know that 'It's okay to talk' and to get help before problems become overwhelming... READ MORE, VIDEO & AUDIO...

DLRAA Issue Warning After TV's 30 Year Casualty Episode

Sunday 28th August 2016 SPOILER ALERT!!...

Local air ambulance DLRAA has issued a list of safety tips for the public after TV programme Casualty screened a helicopter crash at a hospital.

The BBC One drama marked its 30th anniversary with a feature length episode which was screened on Saturday August 27th.

It features a major accident which involves an air ambulance - a drone strikes the tail rotor of the helicopter which then crashes at the hospital... READ MORE...

Support For Disabled & Carers To Strengthen In The County

Saturday 11th June 2016
Dozens of people are set to benefit from the expansion of a Derbyshire County Council initiative called Local Area Coordination (LAC) that is now up and running in two areas of Bolsover.

People with disabilities or mental ill health, older and younger adults, their families and carers are all set to benefit from the scheme.

LAC helps people to help themselves and will support them in the short or long term to build a better life... READ MORE...

DLRAA Air Ambulance Completes 25,000 Missions

Saturday 11th June 2016 Our local air ambulance, covering Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland has completed its 25,000th mission this week.

The call out on Thursday night marked a huge milestone in the charity's history.

The 25,000th mission is a combined total for call outs by Warwickshire & Northamptonshire Air Ambulance and its sister service Derbyshire, Leicestershire & Rutland Air Ambulance.

The Critical Care Team carried out the mission by road in the... READ MORE...

1,795 First Aiders Break World Record At The Proact

Saturday 21st May 2016 A World Record attempt for the most people at one time learning simple, life saving first aid skills has been a resounding success.

1,795 school children and local residents took part in a World Record attempt and undertook a first aid lesson at the Proact Stadium in Chesterfield, at the same time.

The previous World Record was held by Emirates Transport in Abu Dhabi on 27th April 2013 and saw 1700 participants take part.

The World Record attempt was organised by the... READ MORE & AUDIO...

DLR Air Ambulance In Duckmanton After Industrial Accident

Friday 20th May 2016 The Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland Air Ambulance were called to Duckmanton in Derbyshire on Tuesday 17th May, after a man was involved in an industrial accident.

The air ambulance was activated at 12.14pm and was on-scene at 12.27pm.

The patient, who was in his 20s, had sustained a severe injury to his foot after it became caught in machinery.

The air ambulance crew worked with East Midlands... READ MORE...

'Twiddle Muffs' Are Comforting Elderly Living With Dementia

Tuesday 10th May 2016 'Twiddle Muffs' are providing a "calming and relaxing influence" for elderly residents living with dementia at Barnfield Care Home, in Chesterfield.

The furry hand warmers have been adorned with ribbons, buttons and textured fabrics for residents to twiddle in their hands.

The creations have been a hit - as those living with dementia often have restless hands and respond well to keeping them occupied, according to Barnfield's home manager Andrea Broadhead... READ MORE...

Action To Ensure Safety During All-Out Junior Doctors Strike

Monday 25th April 2016 As junior doctors across the country prepare to strike tomorrow, Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is reassuring local residents that it has put in place a robust range of actions to ensure patient safety comes first, that critical services are protected and that disruption is minimised.

The full strike, which involves juniors not providing ANY cover - from 08.00hrs to 17:00hrs on both Tuesday, April 26th and Wednesday, April 27th - means that the hospital's senior medical, nursing and allied health professional teams, along with their support staff, will focus on keeping key services running... READ MORE...

EMAS Chief Executive Sue Noyes Leaves

Thursday 17th March 2016 East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) recently announced that Chief Executive Sue Noyes will be leaving EMAS for personal family reasons - a decision Sue did not make lightly.

The original intention was for Sue to stay until June 2016, however her personal circumstances have changed and she needs to leave earlier than planned, therefore Sue's last working day at EMAS is Thursday 17 March 2016.

Pauline Tagg, Chairman of EMAS said: "I had already started discussions with NHS Improvement about our future leadership arrangements and..." READ MORE...

Irwin Michell Instructed To Investigate Mesothelioma Appeal

Wednesday 9th March 2016 The family of a former electrician and engineer worker, who died of an asbestos-related cancer are appealing for his former colleagues to come forward and provide any information which will support their search for answers regarding his death.

Norman Rhodes, from Chesterfield, died at the age of 87 in 2015. It wasn't until after his death that his family discovered he had been suffering with mesothelioma - a cancer of the lining of the lung caused by asbestos exposure decades ago.

In the time before his death Norman suffered from regular chest... READ MORE...

World Record First Aid Lesson Attempt At The Proact

Tuesday 9th February 2016 Do YOU know how to save a life? That's the question asked by a local organisation - CSALS - as they, in partnership with Bolsover District Council, launched a world record attempt for 'The World's Biggest First Aid Lesson' on Friday 5th Feb.

The record is currently held by Emirates Airlines, with 1,600 in attendance, but the effort on May 20th at the Proact Stadium at 10am, hopes to attract over 3,000 participants of all ages - every one of whom will leave with vital life saving skills.

Dignitaries, including The Mayor and Mayoress of... READ MORE & AUDIO...

The Stroke Association Launches New Project In Derbyshire

Monday 16th January 2016
The Stroke Association is inviting people affected by stroke in North Derbyshire to attend a series of new Mindfulness sessions, to help improve their mental wellbeing.

Learning and practising mindfulness has become a popular way to manage a number of physical, emotional and social challenges, which can be caused by a stroke. Research suggests that practising the technique can help people to better understand their emotions, boost attention and concentration and improve post-stroke fatigue, anxiety, depression and relationships... READ MORE...

Emergency And Essential Services Protected During Strike

Tuesday 12th January 2016 Emergency and essential services at Chesterfield Royal Hospital are protected and will not be affected by the 24-hour strike action planned by junior doctors in England today (08.00hrs January 12th to 08.00hrs January 13th 2016).

Junior doctors are planning to strike over conditions and pay but the Royal's Medical Director, Dr Gail Collins has assured patients that the right cover will be in place to provide safe care: "We are protecting our Emergency Department and the critical services in our hospital, including children's and maternity care," she comments. "These will not be affected by any strike action..." READ MORE...

Whittington Moor Needle Little Help From Their Friends

Monday 21st December 2015 In October, Whittington Moor Surgery were recognised as a 'dementia friendly' GP practice by the Alzheimer's Society and as part of their commitment to being dementia friendly, they have started knitting 'twiddlemuffs' - soft knitted muffs which contain strands of textured ribbons, beads and various fabrics attached both inside and outside - to support dementia patients - but now the demand is so great, they are looking for volunteers to help them.

Dr Taylor, GP at Whittington Moor Surgery, explains the benefit of twiddlemuffs to patients with dementia: "Twiddlemuffs might sound like something..." READ MORE...

Specialist Elderly And Dementia Care Home Opens In Dronfield

Thursday 17th December 2015 A new state of the art elderly and dementia care home has opened its doors in Dronfield thanks to funding support from Royal Bank of Scotland.

The Green Nursing Homes Limited, has developed a new 39 en-suite bedroom facility on land adjacent to their existing residential home 'The Green' in Dronfield. Called 'The Callywhite' the property is presented over three floors with facilities including three lounge areas, three dining rooms, library, music room and hairdressing salon.  There is also a large secure balcony on first floor, which looks out onto a secluded outdoor courtyard with developing sensory garden... READ MORE...

Teenage Student Ready To Save Lives

Tuesday 8th December 2015 A young Derbyshire student who helped to teach his peers about the dangers of careless driving is now ready to help save lives in his local community.

Teenager Alex Waring attends Chesterfield College but volunteers with East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) as part of the Chesterfield Community First Responder group.

At only 19, he has successfully undertaken training so he can perform lifesaving treatment at medical emergencies such as heart attacks and... READ MORE...

Work Begins On Chesterfield Royal's New Cancer Care Centre

Saturday 28th November 2015 "This is about so much more than a building!" That was Chesterfield Royal Hospital's Chair of Trust, Helen Phillips, as she spoke to assembled guests including the Mayor and Mayoress of Chesterfield, at the turf cutting event for the new Chesterfield Royal's MacMillan Cancer Centre on Friday 27th November.

The £9 million state-of-the-art facility will see improved services for cancer patients and their families, with specialists and hospital executives promising a more 'holistic' approach to the disease, which sadly will affect all of us directly or indirectly at some point during our lives. READ MORE & AUDIO...

Chesterfield Royal Supports World Prematurity Day

Tuesday 17th November 2015 In what will be a unique, and emotional sight tonight, Chesterfield Royal Hospital and the Borough Council have joined together to turn the crooked spire purple.

The Royal's Neonatal team, along with Chesterfield Borough Council, Church of St Mary's and All Saints and D.O.R Electrical, have organised for the spire to be bathed in purple light on Tuesday November 17th.

The colour is associated with the day, organised by Bliss, designed to raise awareness of the 15 million babies born prematurely across... READ MORE...

First Air Ambulance Week Is A Soaring Success

Tuesday 10th November 2015 Derbyshire, Leicestershire & Rutland Air Ambulance's (DLRAA) first ever 'Air Ambulance Week', has raised over £25,000 towards the vital services of them and their sister service, Warwickshire & Northamptonshire Air Ambulance (WNAA).

Collections across Derbyshire raised a grand total of £5,189.15 for their air ambulance thanks to the hard work of volunteers and the support of the local community.

The week at the end of September saw hundreds of supporters... READ MORE...

Redevelopment Of Walton Hospital Begins

Friday 6th November 2015 Contractors have moved onto the Walton Hospital site in Chesterfield this week (2 November), to begin the redevelopment of healthcare facilities.

It marks the start of an extensive programme of work, managed by Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Foundation Trust which runs the site, to go on throughout the winter and into the spring of next year.

This redevelopment work is the latest stage in previously agreed plans to continue to modernise Walton Hospital as an ongoing base for local... READ MORE...

Local Man Honoured For 'Outstanding Contribution' To Charity

Thursday 29th October 2015 A local devoted father, who helped rebuild his son's life following a devastating brain injury, has been shortlisted for a national award for his dedication to helping other families affected.

Peter Shaw, 78 and from Chesterfield, is one of just three people from across the UK to be recognised at an national awards ceremony for The Stephen McAleese Outstanding Contribution to Headway Award for devoting 14 years service to local brain injury charity, Headway North Derbyshire.

Peter was introduced to the local charity three years after his... READ MORE...

College Raises Cash For New Macmillan Cancer Care Centre

Friday 2nd October 2015 Staff and students at Chesterfield College took part in Macmillan's world’s biggest coffee morning this week, raising over £2,000 towards Chesterfield's planned Cancer Care Centre at the Royal Hospital.

The day started with a 5km fun run leaving from the college's Heartspace at the Infirmary Road Campus, along the canal and back to college, then continued with cake and a croquembouche over 6ft tall!

Aside from the traditional cake sale, many departments across college got on board to bring in the cash for this important cause with activities like... READ MORE...

Support Highlighted As Council Backs Sexual Health Week

Friday 18th September 2015 It's Sexual Health Week and Derbyshire County Council is highlighting the range of advice and support services it offers to keep residents safe and well.

The annual campaign is running this week with a focus on sexual wellbeing, staying safe, confidence and self-esteem.

The rate of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in Derbyshire is significantly below the national average with latest figures showing a rate of 553 per 100,000 population compared to 838 in England. READ MORE...

Cheque Presentation In Honour Of Alderman Jim McManus

Tuesday 15th September 2015 A presentation of a cheque for £1,000 has been made to Macmillian Cancer Support in memory of Alderman Jim McManus.

Donations were received in lieu of flowers at Jim's funeral last month in aid of the new Chesterfield Royal Macmillan Cancer Centre.

Jim was a councillor from 1987 until retiring at the local elections earlier this year.

He served as the borough's mayor in 2001 to 2002 and was the council's executive member for housing from 2011 until 2015. READ MORE...

A 10k Walk, Carry And Push For Multiple Sclerosis Society

Monday 31st August 2015 On Sunday 27th September, 2015, three generations of females in a Chesterfield family will be walking 10 kilometers across London to raise funds for the Multiple Sclerosis Society.

That said, that's not quite the whole truth! Just one generation, Emma Tooley, will be walking - whilst pushing Mum (Sylvia Tooley) in her wheelchair and carrying daughter (Philippa Tooley-Brown) in a backpack.

The day of the walk will be when Philippa is 356 days old - so nine days short of her first birthday - with the weight of Pippa and her harness the... READ MORE...

Nappy Sack Suffocation Warning As 2 Babies Die In 14 Months

Friday 28th August 2015 Parents are being warned about the dangers of babies suffocating on nappy sacks following two deaths in Derbyshire in just over a year.

Both deaths were caused by babies obtaining one of the thin plastic sacks used for nappy disposal and putting it over or into their mouths.

Derbyshire County Council and Derby City Council are now backing the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents' (RoSPA) campaign to raise awareness about nappy sack dangers nationally. READ MORE...

University Education Coming To Chesterfield Welcomed By MP

Tuesday 28th July 2015 Chesterfield's MP has welcomed the investment, both financially and educationally, which will be created when Derby University moves into one of the town's most iconic buildings next year.

Toby Perkins MP visited the site of the former St Helena's Girls' Grammar School on Sheffield Road, to hear about The University of Derby's plans to sympathetically re-develop the site and bring the old school back to active life.

The University will run engineering and nursing courses at the campus, building on the town's industrial heritage and Derby's existing strong... READ MORE & AUDIO...

Derventio Housing Trust Seek Senior Healthy Futures Worker

Monday 22nd June 2015 Derventio Housing Trust are looking for an individual to provide direct intensive support to service users, with a history of poor health and frequent hospital admissions, working closely and strategically with health partners to ensure appropriate discharge from hospital and a coordinated after service.

The Senior Healthy Futures Worker position is for 40 hours per week - Possible Job Share Available. Fixed term FROM 1ST September 2015 UNTIL 31ST MARCH 2016 (secondments considered with current employer's approval), salary band £20,000 to £22,500 pa based on experience and qualifications. READ MORE...

An Invite To The Spinney Care Home Open Day 'Tea Party'

Monday 15th June 2015

You are personally invited to attend a free open day event, at The Spinney Care Home in Brimington.

They are having a tea party, tea and cakes will be available from 1pm to 3.30pm on Friday 19th June.

The Spinney Care Home is located at Woodlands, Lansdowne road, Brimington S43 1BE. For more information please call: (01629) 537530

Race For Life Chesterfield Returns To Raise Vital Funds

Tuesday 9th June 2015 More than 1,600 people are expected to walk, jog and run through Chesterfield town centre on Sunday (14th June) for Cancer Research's Race for Life.

As in previous years, some car parks and roads will be closed for periods of the day while the race takes place in the town centre.

To enable the event to run smoothly, Chesterfield Borough Council will temporarily close: Queens Park North car park, Rose Hill car park and Albion Road car park. In addition, Soresby Street car park will open only for... READ MORE...

With A Little Help From Our Friends...

Thursday 4th June 2015 The Chesterfield Royal Hospital is marking National Volunteering Week by thanking all of its volunteers and widening its recruitment campaign.

The Trust re-launched its volunteering programme in 2014 and welcomed the first wave of new volunteers onto our wards and departments late last year after its complement fell to just eleven in a number of different areas of the hospital.

But this has changed with a new volunteer service introduced that has seen the complement rise to 80 alongside 37 more from voluntary groups... READ MORE...

Council Highlights Support For Dementia Awareness Week

Tuesday 19th May 2015 Events to raise awareness and share information about dementia will be taking place from today as Derbyshire County Council supports Dementia Awareness Week 2015.

The council is a member of Derbyshire Dementia Action Alliance which is committed to improving the lives of residents living with the condition and their carers to create a more dementia-friendly county.

The authority is also part of Dementia Friends - a national initiative aiming to create dementia-friendly communities by improving understanding... READ MORE...

Chesterfield Royal Macmillan Cancer Care Centre Update

Friday 15th May 2015 As we reported last month, the Chesterfield Royal Macmillan Cancer Centre is an exciting new development that will mean that people with cancer in North and North East Derbyshire will be able to receive vital treatment, care and support in one purpose-built centre providing joined up services closer to home.

The new centre has been designed to provide vital support for local people affected by cancer. Currently cancer care and treatment is provided in different locations across the hospital site, the chemotherapy unit is too small for the number of patients it sees and there is no information and support service... READ MORE & VIDEO...

Derbyshire Health Leaders Solution For Holywell Patients

Wednesday 13th May 2015 Health leaders in Derbyshire have announced that from Friday 15th May, Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (CRHFT), in the form of Royal Primary Care, will be responsible for providing GP services to all patients registered with the Holywell Medical Group in Chesterfield and Staveley.

Exceptional circumstances mean that Holywell Medical Group will no longer be able to provide GP services after Thursday 14th May.

This is an unexpected development and to ensure a safe and... READ MORE...

Major Incident Declared After Crash on M1

Tuesday 5th May 2015 A major incident has been declared at Chesterfield Royal Hospital this afternoon, following a collision between a coach and a lorry at junction 28/29 of the M1.

Derbyshire Police say they were alerted at 12 25pm and the incident involved a coach - believed to be a National Express - and several other vehicles. The Ambulance Service and Fire Service were also in attendance along with the Helimed service.

The Southbound carriageway is expected to be closed for a... READ MORE...

Help Build The Chesterfield Royal Macmillan Cancer Centre

Wednesday 15th April 2015 Plans for a brand new state-of-the-art cancer centre at Chesterfield Royal Hospital have been given the go-ahead sparking a £2.5million fundraising appeal by Macmillan.

The Chesterfield Royal Macmillan Cancer Centre is a joint venture between Macmillan and the Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust to bring vital cancer treatment, care and support together in one purpose built facility.

This exciting new £8.9 million development, due to open in Autumn 2016, will mean that more people with cancer in North Derbyshire will be able... READ MORE...

'Nominate A Nurse' Day At Mark Leeson

Sunday 12th April 2015 Award-winning hairdresser Mark Leeson has launched a campaign to give a fantastic pampering prize at his luxurious salon, Mark Leeson in Chesterfield, to the wonderful nurses and carers who work so hard in the local hospitals and community.

The campaign runs from now until Saturday 25th April and invites nominations from those who know of a nurse or carer who has made a difference to their lives, or to someone close to them.

Eight lucky nurses will be selected from a draw and invited to... READ MORE...

Royal Hospital's Annual Service Of Remembrance

Wednesday 1st April 2015 The Chesterfield Royal Hospital is holding its annual service of remembrance for parents who have lost their children.

The service is organised and led by the Chesterfield Birth Centre co-ordinators, paediatrics, the neonatal unit, women's health unit and the hospital chaplain as part of the ongoing support for families who have lost babies and children through miscarriage, stillbirth, illness or accident.

The service has been running each year since the early 90s and always takes place on the Sunday after the Easter weekend, falling this year... READ MORE...

Walton Hospital Main Entrance & Outpatient Clinics Relocated

Tuesday 31st March 2015 The main staffed reception desk and outpatient clinics for Walton Hospital, Chesterfield are being relocated within the site from Monday 30th March.

Visitors and patients arriving for outpatient appointments need to be aware that the main entrance into the hospital will now be easier to access from the hospital's south car park. Signs will be up to direct people to the most appropriate car park once they are on site.

The current main entrance will remain as an access point into the... READ MORE...

Eye Cancer Teen Cuts Ribbon To Open New Vision Express

Tuesday 10th March 2015 Vision Express has officially opened its new Chesterfield store with a local eye cancer survivor, who is a budding Olympian, cutting the ribbon.

Thomas Greig from Chesterfield joined the Vision Express team, led by store partners Katie Thorpe and Craig Farquhar, to unveil the new premises on Packer's Row - the opening of which brings together two store teams who have been trading within Chesterfield from separate locations - Vicar Lane Shopping Centre and Low Pavement - for a combined period of 25 years. 13-year-old Thomas and his family are ambassadors for the Childhood Eye Cancer Trust (CHECT)... READ MORE...

Chesterfield Royal Backs Hydration Campaign

Friday 27th February 2015 The Chesterfield Royal Hospital is making sure we're all kept watered to raise awareness of the importance of hydration.

The Trust held an awareness week last week to give people tips and advice about staying hydrated, the importance of taking in enough fluids and the dangers of dehydration.

Kelly Robinson is a Dietitian at the Royal, and says: "Dehydration can affect us at any age from young children, teenagers, adults and the elderly, but the reasons for this can be very different. We often hear that people..." READ MORE & AUDIO...

Council Issues Advice About Scarlet Fever As Cases Increase

Thursday 26th February 2015 Public health officials from Derbyshire County Council are warning parents to look out for the symptoms of scarlet fever in their children as the number of local cases increases.

More cases are usually reported between March and April each year but there has been a 77% increase in Derbyshire so far this year with 39 cases compared to 22 in 2014. The previous year's increase was 22%.

To help prevent the spread of the disease, which most commonly occurs in children aged between two and eight, public health officers have published... READ MORE...

Time To Talk About Mental Health

Friday 13th February 2015 A campaign to encourage people to speak openly about mental health issues is being supported by NHS Hardwick Clinical Commissioning Group and Chesterfield Football Club Community Trust.

'Time to Talk' encourages people across the nation to take five minutes to have a conversation about mental health. It's all part of an an anti-stigma initiative set up by Mind and Rethink Mental Illness. One in four people experience mental health problems and many of those face stigma and discrimination as a result.

Chesterfield Football Club are dedicating their match against... READ MORE...

Chesterfield Family Going To Parliament To Tell Their Story

Thursday 5th February 2015 On Monday 9th February, a local family from Chesterfield will get the chance to speak to politicians, charity organisers and NHS policy makers, in Parliament, about the importance of children's organ donation.

Freya Bingham, 5 from Newbold, was born with a rare heart condition and required a transplant.  Due to a shortage of registered donors her family faced an agonising two month wait whilst a suitable donor was found.

Fortunately, following a successful transplant, Freya is on the... READ MORE...

Paramedic Gives A 'Thank You' To Brimington Residents

Tuesday 3rd February 2015 A Chesterfield paramedic has contacted The Chesterfield Post to ask for his heartfelt thanks to be passed on to a group of, "Very kind residents" who helped him and a colleague after their ambulance, which was transporting a poorly patient to hospital, got stuck in last week's snow.

The Paramedic, employed by East Midlands Ambulance Service, wrote to us expressing his gratitude for this act of kindness - which took place on the near Brimington on Thursday 29th January 2015 - saying that, without the assistance , the crew would have faced real difficulties. READ MORE...

Air Ambulance Patient Helps The Charity Open It's 30th Shop

Tuesday 20th January 2015 A former patient of Derbyshire, Leicestershire & Rutland Air Ambulance was on hand to cut the ribbon at the grand opening of The Air Ambulance Service's (TAAS's) 30th Charity shop.

TAAS, the parent DLRAA and Warwickshire & Northamptonshire Air Ambulance (WNAA), opened their new Charity shop at number 22 on Burlington Street in Chesterfield. It will be their first Charity shop in the Chesterfield area.

Mark Graham, who was rescued by DLRAA, performed the ribbon cutting ceremony at the shop on Burlington Street. READ MORE...

Urgent Appeal To Give Blood In Chesterfield This January

Wednesday 7th January 2015 This January, NHS Blood And Transplant have an urgent appeal for donors to come forward and help them maintain healthy blood stocks.

All blood types are needed, but particularly 'O' Groups to maintain life saving supplies. With heavy demand for blood and many people taking extended holidays over this Christmas and New Year period, they say that they have seen falling stock levels. 

It's a sobering thought but, every day, hospitals in England and... READ MORE...

New Cancer Centre Planned For Chesterfield

Friday 19th December 2014 Macmillan Cancer Support and Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust have just submitted plans for a new state-of-the art cancer centre to be built at Chesterfield Royal Hospital.

This exciting new development will mean that people with cancer in North Derbyshire will be able to receive their vital treatment, care and support in one purpose-built facility - providing joined up services closer to home.

The Chesterfield Royal Macmillan Cancer Centre has been designed to improve local services and facilities - offering the same high-quality care in... READ MORE...

A Ho-Ho-Hospital Visit From Chesterfield Players

Friday 19th December 2014
Chesterfield Manager Paul Cook and his players brought an early Christmas surprise to young patients in the Nightingale Ward of the Chesterfield Royal Hospital at Calow yesterday.

The Spireite players also took along some Christmas cheer as they greeted the youngsters at their bedsides and handed out goodie bags packed full of gifts, bought after the players and management team had a private collection before their morning training session, which was then passed on to the Community Trust team, allowing the goodie bags to be filled with even more treats for the... READ MORE...

Local Charity Funds Life-Saving Treatment For 9 Year Old Boy

Tuesday 25th November 2014 A Chesterfield charity has come to rescue of a nine-year-old boy from Berkshire to help him receive lifesaving proton treatment in America.

Funding from specialist national charity Kids 'n' Cancer has enabled Liam Vollrath and his family to travel to the ProCure Proton Therapy Centre in Oklahoma, where he has begun immediate treatment against medulloblastoma, a type of cancerous brain tumour.

Kids 'n' Cancer is one of the country's leading organisations... READ MORE...

Winning Partnership Is A Breath Of Fresh Air For Patients

Friday 21st November 2014 Patients with lung conditions are celebrating having their lives radically transformed by a health initiative launched 12 months ago by NHS Hardwick Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and the British Lung Foundation.

The scheme is also being supported by Chesterfield Football Club, which hosted the first anniversary event.

Over 100 patients diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), have benefited from the scheme which has resulted in dramatic... READ MORE...

North Derbyshire CCG Pledges Support For Carers

Thursday 16th October 2014 Health leaders at North Derbyshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) have pledged their support to improve the quality of life for local carers.

The CCG together with over 20 GP practices is supporting a Carers Pledge that businesses and organisations can sign up to demonstrate their support.

The Pledge has been designed by Derbyshire Carers Association to give carers a voice by improving two-way communication and support enabling them to continue in their caring role. Derbyshire County Cricket Club, Chesterfield... READ MORE...

Chesterfield GPs Switch On Electronic Prescriptions

Wednesday 15th October 2014 GPs in Chesterfield are making the switch to the NHS Electronic Prescription Service - making it easier and quicker for local patients to get their medication.

Four GP practices in Chesterfield have gone live with the timesaving electronic service and can now digitally send prescriptions direct to pharmacies, without the need for the traditional paper slip. It is designed to speed up the process and gives patients access to new services.

One of the new options is the NHS Repeat Prescription Service... READ MORE...

NHS Trust's Living Wage Pledge Earns National Recognition

Thursday 9th october 2014 Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Trust has been shortlisted for the national Living Wage Champions Awards in recognition of its commitment to support the lowest paid members of its staff.

Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Trust, which employs around 4,400 people, is one of only three NHS trusts nationally to be included in the shortlist and one of only six employers in the East Midlands to be recognised in this way.

The Living Wage Foundation (www.livingwage.org.uk) believes that work should be the surest way out of poverty. Organisations which sign up... READ MORE...

Patients Protected From Possible Strike Action Says Hospital

Wednesday 8th October 2014 Advice from the Chesterfield Royal today is, "Industrial action will not impact services or safety!"

Patients attending Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust on Monday, October 13th 2014 will be protected from any planned industrial action - thanks to a co-operative approach designed to minimise disruption and safeguard patient care.

Several unions, including UNISON, UNITE and the ROYAL COLLEGE OF MIDWIVES, have already indicated that on the day their members will be taking part in a four-hour strike from 7am to 11am. READ MORE...

DLRAA Attend An Industrial Incident In Chesterfield

Tuesday 23rd September 2014 On Saturday 20th September, Derbyshire, Leicestershire & Rutland Air Ambulance (DLRAA) was called to an industrial incident in Calow, Chesterfield.

At 13:55, the Air Ambulance crew were called to help a 51-year old male who had accidentally lacerated his left arm whilst operating machinery. The patient suffered significant bleeding.

When the DLRAA doctor and critical care paramedics arrived on scene, just 15 minutes after the emergency call had been received... READ MORE...

Emergency Bed Loan Gives Zach Somewhere Safe To Sleep

Friday 19th September 2014 The rising number of calls for help from families of disabled and terminally ill children in Derbyshire, has prompted a leading UK charity to recruit an Awareness and Fundraising Manager specifically for the region.

The new role is vital to the work of Newlife Foundation for Disabled Children to help ensure continued support for families of vulnerable children such as three-year-old Zach Blackburn from Chesterfield.

Zach has a diagnosis of Autism, Global Developmental Delay... READ MORE...

Chesterfield Royal & Partners Aim For Patients 'Perfect Week'

Tuesday 9th September 2014
In partnership with more than sixty health and social care organisations across North Derbyshire, Chesterfield Royal Hospital is aiming to provide patients with a 'perfect week', as part of an exciting project that aims to make sure patients get home from hospital, with the support and care they need, as soon as they are medically fit to leave.

Speaking about 'Peak Flow 1', the Royal's Chief Executive, Gavin Boyle comments: "This is about improving care, working together differently and making the partnerships we talk about real and tangible..." READ MORE...

First Electric Car For Visiting NHS Patients In Derbyshire

Thursday 28th August 2014 A new Nissan Leaf electric car - the first of its kind delivered this week to Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Trust - is reducing the environmental impact of NHS workers travelling across the county.

The electric car is a new addition to the pool of 10 low emission Toyota Aygo cars which have proved so popular since the pool car scheme launched almost two years ago, primarily for the benefit of health workers travelling to remote parts of the county.

Mark Armstrong-Read from Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Trust, led on the pool car scheme and now, the introduction of the... READ MORE...

Teaching Award For Holywell Medical Group's Senior Partner

Thursday 28th August 2014 The senior partner at Holywell Medical Group, which runs GP practices in Chesterfield and Staveley, has been presented with a clinical teaching award by the University of Sheffield.

Dr Nadine Kale is part of the community-based teaching team supporting undergraduate medical students from the University who shadow GPs at HMG surgeries in Rectory Road, Staveley; Inkersall; Barrow Hill; and at Grange Family Medical Centre and Holywell House in Chesterfield.

The award was made following a vote from students and cites... READ MORE...

Chesterfield's Andrew Davies Joins Inspirational Sailing Trip

Thursday 28th August 2014 15 year old Andrew Davies from Chesterfield has taken part in an inspirational sailing trip with the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust, along with 29 other young people between the age of 8 -18 in recovery from cancer.

Andrew joined the crew of one of five yachts to sail around the Solent from the 11th - 14th August, in a four-day yacht adventure.

Andrew, who finished treatment in January 2013 for Acute Myeloid Leukaemia at Sheffield Children's Hospital, was excited about the trip... READ MORE...

Holywell Medical Updates Patients On Development Plans

Wednesday 20th August 2014 Around 40 patients with Holywell Medical Group (HMG) in the Staveley and Chesterfield areas, attended a meeting on Thursday, August 14th, to hear more about the development plans underway to improve access to the practice's health services.

The meeting was chaired by Dr Greg Place, chair of the Nottinghamshire Local Medical Committee (LMC), and attended by staff from HMG, the group's Patient Participation Group, Derbyshire LMC and NHS England.

Holywell Medical Group Project Manager Pat Colclough... READ MORE...

Chesterfield Royal Confirms No-one Hurt Following Fire Scare

Wednesday 30th July 2014 Chesterfield Royal Hospital has said this morning that their Accident and Emergency is now running normally after two fire alarms triggered evacuations last night.

A statement last evening (Tuesday 29th July) on the hospital's Facebook page confirmed that no patients were hurt after their Emergency Department had to be evacuated.

It read, "Patients in the Emergency Department were moved to a safe area earlier this evening as a precautionary measure - following sparks in one..." READ MORE...

Rectory Rd Surgery To Remain Part Of Holywell Medical Group

Thursday 3rd July 2014 NHS England (Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire) has said today that it has written to patients registered with Holywell Medical Group regarding the primary care services provided by the practice.

In the letter, Deputy Head of Commissioning Jonathan Rycroft says: "As you may be aware, since last autumn, NHS England (Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire) and other NHS organisations have been working with Holywell Medical Group to address issues that have affected the services you receive.

"An independent review by Collingham Healthcare Education..." READ MORE...

Full Marks Maternity Unit All Set For A Bright Future

Thursday 12th June 2014
Chesterfield MP Toby Perkins visited the Chesterfield Birth Centre to congratulate staff on an unprecedented 50 out of 50 score on a national 'safety check' assessment, which confirmed the unit's place as one of the safest in the region, and to see the brand new computer system which is helping the ward stride ever onwards in terms of efficiency and high standards.

Toby said "To score full marks on this assessment is nearly unheard of and fantastic news. It's clear the staff have been working incredibly hard to make this happen, and the score reflects the excellent standards of care that..." READ MORE...

Man Airlifted To Hospital After Motor Trike Collision In Staveley

Friday 6th June 2014 A motorcyclist has been airlifted to hospital with serious injuries following a collision near Staveley, Derbyshire.

The 57-year old man was thrown from a motor trike after hitting a fence earlier today (6th June). He sustained head and spinal injuries in the incident.

Warwickshire & Northamptonshire Air Ambulance (WNAA) was tasked to the incident and landed on the road near to the incident at around 11:16am.

On the crew's arrival, a crew from East Midlands Ambulance... READ MORE...

Project Manager Joins Holywell Medical Group

Friday 6th June 2014 Holywell Medical Group has announced this morning that it has appointed a new Project Manager to drive forward improvements at its five surgeries in Chesterfield and Staveley.

Pat Colclough will also work closely with NHS England on the consultation for the proposed splitting off of the Group's Rectory Road surgery from the rest of the group, which also includes Grange Family Health Centre, Holywell House, Inkersall Medical Centre and Barrow Hill surgery.

Mrs Colclough joins Holywell with ten years' experience in... READ MORE...

Teddy Bears Picnic For Opening Of Baby Memorial Garden

Tuesday 3rd June 2014
Residents are invited to come along and take part in a teddy bear's picnic to celebrate the opening of a baby memorial garden.

The event takes place this Sunday, 8th June, at Boythorpe Cemetery, owned and maintained by Chesterfield Borough Council.

The council's bereavement services staff, based at Chesterfield and District Crematorium, have joined with members of Chesterfield Sands, the stillbirth and neo-natal death charity, in raising money to fund the garden. READ MORE...

"Let's Talk About Stress And Anxiety" Say Expert Therapists

Thursday 29th May 2014 Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust's talking therapies service, Talking Mental Health Derbyshire, is offering local people to speak out about their experiences of anxiety and stress at a free event in Chesterfield this May, starting TODAY.

Talking Mental Health Derbyshire will be holding a free seven week 'Talking About Anxiety and Stress' session which starts today, Thursday 29th May, from 2pm - 4pm at Stonegravels Parish Centre, 91 Sheffield Road, Chesterfield S41 7JH.

The course will look at what anxiety and stress are, the signs and... READ MORE...

Derbyshire NHS Chosen To Champion Equality & Diversity

Friday 23rd May 2014 Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust will be showcasing its approach to engagement and inclusion with health professionals across the country. after becoming one of only a small number of organisations selected for a national NHS scheme to promote equality and diversity.

As part of the culmination of last week's Equality and Diversity Week, the Trust has been named by NHS Employers as one of their Equality and Diversity Partners for 2014/15 - one of only 21 Trusts across the country to be selected for the accolade.

NHS Employers will now support the Trust as it finds even more... READ MORE...

Health Regulator Reports Improvements At Local Surgeries

Thursday 22nd May 2014 GP surgeries in the Chesterfield and Staveley areas - which are part of Holywell Medical Group - have made key improvements in the service they provide for patients, according to an inspection report published this week.

Inspectors from health regulation body, the Care Quality Commission, re-visited the five surgeries in the group in March 2014 and have published their report online.

This followed a previous inspection in September 2013 of the surgeries - Grange Family Health Centre, Holywell House, Inkersall Medical... READ MORE...

Are You Dying 2 Drive?

Thursday 15th May 2014 Several young students were involved in a two collision outside Chesterfield College on Infirmary Road on Monday morning.

Sadly, one lost his life - whilst others were treated for their injuries at the scene, with Fire crews, Police and Ambulance personnel battling in the dreadful weather conditions to free the teenagers for over half an hour. One arrest was made by police officers attending.

Actually, there was an accident on Monday morning but thankfully, it was an exercise staged by the College, in partnership with... READ MORE, AUDIO & VIDEO...

A Lifetime Of Caring! Chesterfield Nurse's 52 Year Career

Wednesday 14th May 2014 Fifty-two years after taking up nursing, Kath Cowan, Ward Manager at Linacre Ward, Walton Hospital, is retiring from the career she loves.

Grandmother Kath has devoted much of her working life to the care of elderly people, including time at Bolsover and Clay Cross Hospitals before joining Linacre Ward in 2006.

"I've been very fortunate to do something so rewarding that I've always enjoyed," said Kath, who will attend the Queen's garden party in June in... READ MORE...

Hoarding Awareness Week - The Hidden Dangers Of Hoarding

Monday 12th May 2014 Compulsive hoarding is a debilitating psychological condition that is only just beginning to be recognised and one that can lead to issues regarding the health, wellbeing and fire safety of all occupants of a hoarding property.

As part of the UK's first ever Hoarding Awareness Week, Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service has joined forces with partners from Telecare, Derby Homes, Derby City Council, NHS, Environment Protection, Housing Standards, Healthy Housing, Social Services and AGE UK to hold the countries first ever Hoarding Awareness Event on the 16th May 2014, from 10am until 3pm, at the... READ MORE...

Local Patients Switch On To iPads

Thursday 8th May 2014 iPads are proving to be a fantastic aid in the care of our patients with dementia since they were introduced recently.

Melbourne Ward at Walton Hospital is among those pioneering the use of iPads as a way of engaging and stimulating patients.

Wendy Tipper, Ward Manager, said: "It's worked so well. Patients are more alert and they interact more with the staff. The mood is noticeably lifted on the ward."

Playing games like draughts and chess, keeping up with... READ MORE...

Annual Service Of Remembrance At Chesterfield Royal

Wednesday 23rd April 2014 The Chesterfield Royal Hospital is holding its annual service of remembrance for parents who have lost their children.

The service is organised and led by the Chesterfield Birth Centre co-ordinators, paediatrics, the neonatal unit, women's health unit and the hospital chaplain as part of the ongoing support for families who have lost babies and children through miscarriage, stillbirth, illness or accident.

The service has been running each year since the early 90s and always takes place on the Sunday after the Easter weekend, falling this year on Sunday April 27th. READ MORE...

Concerns Aired About Local Medical Group At Public Meeting

Thursday 10th April 2014
"The NHS is a treasured institution - we all pay for it, and we all have a right to expect to be served by it. It is disgusting that anyone should have to go through what they have to be treated."

That was Chesterfield MP Toby Perkins, speaking to a packed hall at Staveley's Springwell college tonight, as he, and a panel of health professionals, heard local residents voice their concerns about Holywell Medical Group - and in particular, concerns raised by residents of Inkersall and Staveley in respect of practices at Rectory Road and Crich Road, Inkersall. READ MORE & AUDIO...

Leading Doctor Visits Chesterfield's Kids 'n' Cancer HQ

Thursday 10th April 2014 An eminent paediatric physician from Oklahoma visited Chesterfield yesterday, to meet the founder of Kids 'n' Cancer- Mike Hyman - and see for himself the 'behind the scenes' work that goes into supporting families of children needing treatment in the USA.

Proton Therapy, explained Dr Andrew Chang, Paediatric Radiation Oncologist, means a less invasive treatment for children with some cancers and is not yet widely available in the UK, "I see a lot of patients from all over the world, a great number come from the UK. Mike plays a part in helping these patients come over to see us so, as part of my trip here, I wanted to come by and..." READ MORE & AUDIO...

Inspirational Derbyshire Teenager Wins Communication Award

Tuesday 8th April 2014 Aidan Baker, aged 18 from Derbyshire, is celebrating after being crowned Young Person of the Year at the 2013/2014 Shine a Light Awards, for the difference he has made to the lives of children and young people with speech, language and communication needs (SLCN).

The Awards, held in London on Thursday 3rd April and hosted by Broadcaster and Health Campaigner, Anne Diamond, are run by Pearson Assessment in partnership with The Communication Trust, to honour individuals, teams, campaigns, communication friendly settings and communities that have excelled in their support of children and young people’s communication. READ MORE...

Fundraising Launched To Support Youngster's Treatment

Monday 7th April 2014 Chesterfield based charity Kids 'n' Cancer is at the forefront of efforts to help a 12-year old boy raise £10,000 to support his specialist life-saving treatment in America against an extremely rare cancer.

Adrian Secareanu from Overslade in Rugby, has been diagnosed with Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma - a tumour which is located in his neck and jaw and following several operations to remove it, he is having Proton Therapy to prevent it returning in a more aggressive form.

Adrian is set to travel to the University of Florida Proton... READ MORE...

Air Ambulance Called To Mastin Moor Road Collision

Monday 24th March 2014 On Saturday 22nd March, Derbyshire, Leicestershire & Rutland Air Ambulance (DLRAA) were called out to a road traffic collision in Mastin Moor, Derbyshire, where three people were injured and three cars involved.

DLRAA were called out at approximately 11:20am and landed at the scene at around 11:36am. Each of the patients were assessed for their injuries by the crew and East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS).

One of the patients, a 60-year old man, was still trapped in his... READ MORE...

A New Approach To Community Pharmacy Launches

Wednesday 12th March 2014 Led by pharmacy manager, Lesley Howard, the team at LloydsPharmacy, Chesterfield, officially opened its new concept in pharmacy on Thursday, March 6th.

The Chesterfield team will now offer LloydsPharmacy's new approach to community health, which has been developed to improve access to healthcare information and support. The ribbon was cut by Thomas Gill, a long-standing customer of the store.

As part of the transformation, the pharmacy now offers free, enhanced services for a range of conditions including skin health and pain management. READ MORE...

Royal's Maternity Services Praised In National Safety Check

Monday 10th March 2014 A national 'safety check' of maternity services at Chesterfield Royal Hospital last week (March 6th), has singled the Trust out as 'the only one in the Midlands' to achieve top marks.

Assessors from the Clinical Negligence Scheme for Trusts (CNST) looked at the general clinical care mums-to-be, new mums and their babies receive, how women with high-risk pregnancy conditions are looked after, how staff communicate with patients and how services and care are organised.

While an assessment normally takes two days, the team... READ MORE...

County Council Issue Advice About Scarlet Fever For Parents

Thursday 6th March 2014 Public health officials from Derbyshire County Council are warning parents to look out for the symptoms of scarlet fever in their children.

This year there has been a higher number of reports of the illness, which most commonly occurs in children aged between two and eight.

To help prevent the spread of the disease, public health officials have published guidance about how to spot signs of infection and are advising parents to take children with suspected symptoms to their GP. READ MORE...

Pensioner Denied Chance To Die At Home Beside His Brother

Monday 3rd March 2014 The Parlimentary and Health Service Ombudsman and Local Government Ombudsman, have upheld a complaint by a man who had requested that his brother was allowed to die at home.

A report, published this morning after an investigation, says that a retired South Yorkshire miner was prevented from going home to die beside the brother he had lived with his whole life, because of a string of errors by the five organisations tasked with looking after him.

The man, 77, who was unable to walk and who suffered from... READ MORE...

8 Minutes To Get To The Scene, 12 Minutes To Save A Life!

Tuesday 25th February 2014 Following on from news of the Chesterfield Royal being featured on BBC1's 'Operation Hospital Food' this week, it's now the turn of the East Midlands Ambuilance Service (EMAS) to grab some limelight!

Nine University of Northampton Paramedic Students are followed as they embark on their first work placements with East Midlands Ambulance Service mentors.

A BBC Three award-winning production team who were behind the 'Junior Doctors:- your life in their hands' programme, have worked with The University of Northampton and EMAS to produce 'Junior Paramedics'... READ MORE...

Chesterfield Royal Hospital Featuring In Hit BBC1 Series

Monday 24th February 2014 An innovative idea - aimed at helping elderly patients going home from hospital and who live alone - is to be featured in the new series of BBC1's 'Operation Hospital Food'.

Hosted by celebrity chef James Martin, the third series of the hit TV show will focus on several projects from hospitals across the country, including the Royal, and is due to air on BBC1 at 9.15am every morning from Monday 24th to Friday 28th February.

The Royal's project involves an initiative from the retail and health side of the Trust, along with the British Red Cross - with made to order... READ MORE...

Care At Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Trust?

Thursday 20th February 2014 England's Chief Inspector of Hospitals is urging people in Derbyshire to tell CQC what they think of services run by Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Trust. 

Their views and experiences will help inspectors decide what to look at when they inspect the service.

The community health service is being inspected under radical changes being introduced by the Care Quality Commission. The formal inspection, by a team including clinical experts and people who have experience of... READ MORE...

Most Sunbeds Fail Safety Test In County Council Survey

Friday 31st January 2014 Six out of ten sunbeds tested in a Derbyshire County Council survey were found to emit dangerously high levels of ultraviolet (UV) rays.

Tanning lamps are restricted to a certain power - by law and the legal limit across Europe - of 0.3 watts per square metre. This was adopted in 2009 because of growing health concerns.

But even sunbeds operating at this level give off the equivalent UV radiation to an hour's midday sun in Australia! READ MORE...

Norovirus Hits Royal's Durrant Ward - Visitor Advice

Friday 24th January 2014 Chesterfield Royal Hospital has said tonight that, due to an outbreak of Norovirus, enhanced infection control measures are in place on Durrant ward.

They ask that, if you are visiting a loved one on this ward, please ensure that you adhere to the strict hand hygiene measures in place, remain vigilant and clean you hands before entering and leaving the ward.

If you are experiencing the symptoms or have experienced them, please do not go and visit until you have been symptom free for at least 48 hours. READ MORE & VIDEO ADVICE...

From The Bottom Of A Bottle - To The Top Of The World

Thursday 9th January 2014

Celebrated Chesterfield Alcohol Counsellor and former alcoholic, Gary Topley, overcomes his fears to inspire others to tackle their addiction.

On January 1st 2014, Gary Topley celebrated five years of being alcohol free and sober. To celebrate his journey from addiction, Gary, from Chesterfield, is going to Cape Town, South Africa from 19th March 2014, for one week, to undertake wild challenges to conquer his fears and inspire others to overcome their addiction to alcohol. READ MORE...

Royal's Visiting Hours Extended After Trial Voted A Success

Tuesday 7th January 2014 Relatives, friends and carers visiting patients at Chesterfield Royal Hospital, have given the recent trial of a longer visiting day the 'thumbs-up' - for convenience, improved communication and for allowing them to be more involved in their loved-one's care.

For the last three months, a handful of wards have been open throughout various times of day - to see what the impact would be. And over the Christmas holidays, all the general medical, surgical and orthopaedic wards opened their doors to visitors for more hours a day - to help people keep in touch over the festive season.

Both pilots have proved such a success these longer visiting hours are to be extended... READ MORE...

Council Asks Local Residents About Sexual Health Services

Friday 3rd January 2014
Derbyshire Residents are to be asked for their views about sexual health services as part of a Derbyshire County Council review.

The council wants to make sure current services meet local people's needs and will also use feedback to help plan future provision.

Services currently on offer are: Contraception services including emergency contraception; Testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs); Sexual health promotion, information and advice and HIV... READ MORE...

Don't Start 2014 In An Ambulance...

Tuesday 31st December 2013 East Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EMAS), is preparing for New Year's Eve with a plea to those celebrating to start 2014 safe and well.

The traditional party night marks the end of more than a fortnight of seasonal celebrations which puts more demand on ambulances than any other time of the year.

Richard Henderson, Director of Operations said: "Christmas and New Year's Eve celebrations always mean an increase in calls adding pressure to the service, drinking alcohol making people take risks they wouldn't usually..." READ MORE...

Appointment Making To Be Made Easier After Local Merger

Friday 27th December 2013 As Chairman of the recently merged Ashgate & Whittington PPG (Patient Participation Group), Gary McGrogan is taking responsibility of ensuring patients of Ashgate Medical Centre and Whittington Medical Centre understand the implications of the planned merger set to complete in April 2014.

In order to keep the transition as smooth as possible, the PPG have issued a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's) for patients.

The PPG today play an important role in communicating NHS... READ MORE...

Panto Stars Show Support To Local Hospital

Monday 16th December 2013
On Friday (13th December), child patients at Chesterfield Royal Hospital were excited to meet the Chesterfield Theatres Pantomime cast, who made a special visit to the Nightingale Ward.

Stars of the Beauty and the Beast Pantomime, Tina Barrett (Beauty), Jon Moses (Beast & Count), Danny Mills (Madame Fifi), Sarah Whitlock (Witch Hazel), Titus Rowe (Gaston), Rick Gaynor (Pierre) and Maurice Thorogood (Professor Crackpot), showed their support in numbers as they created mischief and havoc within the childrens' ward giving out early Christmas presents. READ MORE...

Mecca Chesterfield's Christmas Cheer With Presents Campaign

Thursday 12th December 2013 Mecca Chesterfield is spreading festive cheer this yuletide season by collecting gifts for Chesterfield Royal Hospital children's unit as part of Mecca's Christmas presents campaign.

Mecca customers and employees are being encouraged to take a gift tag from the club's Christmas tree - and buy an extra present this year, to bring smiles to the faces of children who are spending Christmas in the hospital.

"We'e delighted to be supporting our local hospital and hope to make this Christmas an extra special one for these children," Mecca Chesterfield Operations Manager Tracy Lowth said. READ MORE...

Ground Breaking Ceremony Held At Chesterfield Royal Hospital

Tuesday 10th December 2013
A ground breaking ceremony has marked the start of work on an £11m theatre development at Chesterfield Royal Hospital.

The contract is being carried out by Integrated Health Projects (IHP), a joint venture between VINCI Construction UK and Sir Robert McAlpine.

The event was celebrated by the Royal's consultant and surgical lead Gail Collins, Head of Communications Sarah Turner-Saint, IHP's Project Manager Adrian Leigh and Assistant Site Manager, Phil Worsnip. READ MORE...

More Health Zones Planned For Derbyshire County Council

Thursday 14th November 2013 Getting help to lead a healthier lifestyle is about to get easier thanks to Derbyshire County Council extending health and wellbeing zones to more of its libraries.

Nine libraries will benefit from these dedicated areas thanks to additional funding being made available, in addition to the 18 libraries across the county which already have them.

Health and wellbeing zones are clearly marked areas in a library where people can get their hands on a range of information which can help keep... READ MORE...

Young Mums' Baby Bump Casts On Show

Wednesday 13th November 2013 A unique exhibition of belly casts of young mothers in Chesterfield, will go on display at the Healthy Living Centre in Staveley.

The 14 young mums, partners and family members who attended the belly casting and health workshops organised by Staveley Children's Centre and South Lodge Children's Centre in Chesterfield, are invited to the event on Tuesday 19th November.

The project aims to encourage young women to have positive... READ MORE...

Chesterfield Podiatrists Scoop 2 Awards For Going Extra Mile

Friday 8th November 2013
A team of podiatrists (or foot specialists if you're not sure) working with patients in Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire has scooped two awards for the quality of care they provide to their patients.

The 25-strong members of the Community Podiatry Team, based at Walton Hospital, Chesterfield, were named winners at the Extra Mile Awards 2013.

The Awards are to recognise staff from Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Trust for their outstanding contributions to patient care. READ MORE...

Chesterfield Woman's Plight Raised In Parliament

Wednesday 23rd October 2013
A Chesterfield woman who is living with constant pain was given new hope after her case was raised in Parliament.

Jemma Hill, 25, of Newbold, was told by specialists at Doncaster Royal Infirmary, that she needed a hip arthroscopy operation to cure her painful hip condition.

However, she was left disappointed when her local Clinical Commissioning Group told her that they wouldn't fund the treatment, despite it being available to patients in South Yorkshire. READ MORE...

Derbyshire 'At Risk' Groups Urged To Fight Flu This Winter

Wednesday 23rd October 2013 People who are offered a flu jab are being urged to have the vaccination and protect themselves this winter by Derbyshire County Council.

Key groups include parents of two to three year old children, people aged 65 and over, adults and children with long term health conditions, and pregnant women.  

For the first time, a nasal spray vaccine will be offered to healthy 2 and 3 year old children which marks the first step in an extension to the national flu vaccination programme. It will eventually include yearly vaccination of all... READ MORE...

Student Creates 1st UK Website For Teens With Cerebral Palsy

Monday 21st October 2013 - Other Sports proudly sponsored by CASA Hotel
A Chesterfield teenager with cerebral palsy is using her gap year to help other young people with the condition, by creating the UK's first website dedicated to them.

Ellie Simpson has created 'CPTeensUK' for teenagers with cerebral palsy to get in touch and share their experiences with each other - and has already attracted some famous followers on Twitter. 

The 18-year-old was diagnosed with four-limbed cerebral palsy... READ MORE...

Air Ambulance Called To Road Accident In Ridgeway

Thursday 10th October 2013 Derbyshire, Leicestershire & Rutland Air Ambulance (DLRAA) were yesterday called out to a road traffic collision - their most common cause for call outs - in Ridgeway, Derbyshire.

Called at 10:13, they arrived at the incident scene at 10:35. A 28-year old man was injured when his vehicle rolled over and he was assessed for head and back injuries having already been extricated by the local Fire Service. He was given much needed pain relief, immobilised and given a pelvic splint before being airlifted to Northern General Hospital in Sheffield. The DLRAA also attend horse riding accidents, falls, sporting injuries, and medical emergencies such as heart attacks and strokes.

'Too Beautiful For Earth - Remembering Our Babies' - Sands

Monday 7th October 2013 Chesterfield Sands (the stillbirth and neonatal death charity) is hosting a special service in memory of the 17 babies that are stillborn or die shortly after birth every day in the UK.

The 'Too Beautiful for Earth - Remembering our Babies' service, is taking place on Sunday 13th October 2013 at 2pm at the Brimington crematorium, for anyone in the local community and surrounding areas that has been touched by the loss of a baby, as part of Baby Loss Awareness Week.

Everybody is welcome to join the Chesterfield Sands group... READ MORE...

Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust Fights Flu

Thursday 3rd October 2013 Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust has joined the largest ever NHS staff vaccination campaign with a programme of local flu jab clinics to protect its staff and patients from flu.

The trust aims to make great strides in reducing the spread of flu this season by vaccinating as many of its staff as possible. It is joining the national NHS flu fighter staff vaccination campaign, which supports trusts in England to help them improve staff flu vaccination uptake.

Last year the flu season once again led to more than a hundred deaths in the UK, claiming 107 lives and affecting thousands more. Annual flu-related admissions into intensive care or high dependency... READ MORE...

Air Ambulance (DLRAA) Called To Aid Of Clay Cross Man

Friday 27th September 2013 Derbyshire, Leicestershire & Rutland Air Ambulance (DLRAA) were called out to an incident in Clay Cross, Derbyshire on the evening of Thursday 26th September.

The call was for a 65-year old male who was injured after falling through the roof of his home in the town. East Midlands Ambulance Service were first on the scene, but DLRAA were requested to attend given the clinical nature of the incident and they took off at 6:04pm, arriving at the scene 11 minutes later.

The patient had sustained injuries to his head and arms and was... READ MORE...

Daughter In Plea To Take Up Screening After Father's Death

Friday 27th September 2013 The daughter of a Rotherham man who died from an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is urging men aged 65 and over to sign up for the AAA screening programme and take action against the secret killer.

On March 18th last year, 72 year old Roderick 'Rocky' Hillman, of Bole Hill, Treeton, was visiting his daughter, Alisha, and her family at their home in Calow, Chesterfield.

He left them at 11pm, telling Alisha that he would see her and the rest of the family again the following day - Mother's Day - but when he got back to... READ MORE...

NHS Discovery Day Spotlights Helping People Stay Active

Tuesday 24th September 2013 Free health checks, activity taster sessions and a goal scoring competition - with free Chesterfield match tickets for the fastest shot - will be on offer at an NHS Discovery Day at Chesterfield's Proact Stadium this Thursday, 26th September, from 1pm to 6pm.

The discovery day - organised by Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Trust - brings together healthy activities and information, to help people look after their health and wellbeing and signpost them to NHS services which can help them stay active.

Everyone who registers at the discovery day will be entered into a prize draw to win a Kindle Fire HD. Younger visitors can also take part in a children's health treasure hunt with the winner receiving a free paintballing session for 10 people. READ MORE...

Chesterfield Teen Hails 'Life Saving' Hospital

Tuesday 17th September 2013 A teenager whose life was saved by The Children's Hospital, Sheffield, spoke to hundreds of professionals, to thank them for taking part in a corporate fundraiser that raised more than £146,000 to support young patients like her.

Lucy Hibbert, aged 13, from Chesterfield, joined businessmen and women from more than 70 South Yorkshire companies at The Mistress Cutler's Challenge awards, who have been raising funds for The Children's Hospital Charity.

Lucy was diagnosed with auto immune anaemia, a rare condition... READ MORE...

MP Backs Fairer Benefits Test For Those With Mental Illness

Friday 13th September 2013 Chesterfield MP Toby Perkins has backed a campaign by the national charity Rethink Mental Illness to make the Government's fit-for-work test fair for people with mental illness.

Mr Perkins pledged his support for the campaign after taking part in an event in Westminster on Wednesday (11th September), where the charity's supporters asked MPs to prove they are fit for their jobs.

The event was organised by Rethink Mental Illness to give MPs a deeper insight into the flaws in the Government's fit-for-work benefits tests. READ MORE...

Slimmers Warned About Dangerous Weight Loss Product

Wednesday 28th August 2013 Derbyshire residents are being warned of the dangers of buying slimming products which may contain a dangerous chemical.

Following an alert from the Department of Health, Derbyshire County Council is warning anyone thinking of buying slimming aids like fat burners and food supplements, particularly over the internet, to look out for the chemical DNP (2,4 Dinitrophenol).

In Derbyshire, there are no known medical cases linked to DNP but the substance, which is an industrial chemical not fit for human consumption and illegal to use in foodstuffs, has caused three deaths nationally so far this year. READ MORE...

Synergy Fundraiser For Orchid Male Cancer Charity At Casa

Friday 16th August 2013 A black tie event to be held next month is hoping to help promote and raise awareness of male cancer.

Synergy Sports Academy - in conjunction with Orchid male cancer charity - will be holding the evening at the Casa Hotel in September and is hoping for your support in raising vital funds for a charity that works throughout the year, to support and advise men suffering from the disease.

Synergy Sports Academy continues to work with grass roots football to develop talented young players from around Derbyshire and the... READ MORE...

Test The Kids This Summer To Ensure They're 20/20

Tuesday 13th August 2013
Recent reports by the Eye Care Trust suggest that as many as one In five children has an undetected problem with their vision and risks being at a disadvantage in the classroom.

Chesterfield Specsavers have confirmed this - telling The Chesterfield Post that if a child's eyesight is not in perfect condition, it can often be mistaken for learning difficulties. They say that around 80% of everything a child learns is through their vision, so even a minor problem with a child's sight can mean they suffer huge setbacks in their development at school. READ MORE...

IOSH Staff Games Raise Cash For Air Ambulance

Tuesday 13th August 2013 Staff at a Leicestershire-based health and safety organisation have been competing in a week of sporting activities to raise cash for a life-saving charity.

50 colleagues at the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH), in Wigston, took part in lunch-time games, from skittles and bat and ball to spacehopper racing, and by 2pm on Friday had raised just over £170 for the Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland Air Ambulance.

IOSH Head of Corporate Affairs, Helen Metcalfe said... READ MORE...

Man Airlifted To Sheffield Hospital After Falling From Bridge

Monday 12th August 2013
A man has been airlifted to hospital in Sheffield after falling from a bridge in Chesterfield this afternoon.

Details are still coming in, but it is believed the incident happened at around 3pm and caused severe traffic build up around the Horn's Bridge Island and towards Tesco.

The man is believed to be in a serious condition.

We will have more news as we get it.

Chesterfield Royal 'Needs To Get Better' Says CQC Report

Thursday 8th August 2013 As previously reported in The Chesterfield Post, a recent visit by inspectors to Chesterfield Royal Hospital flagged up some concerns regarding nutrition and care at the Calow site.

The Quality Care Commission report has now been published in full here - www.cqc.org.uk/directory/rfsda - and has identified that standards of providing care, treatment and support that meet people's needs has been given an enforcement action rating.

The hospital had four wards inspected over two days - 5th and 6th June 2013 - and spoke with patients and their representatives, staff and senior managers as part of the visit. READ MORE...

Lack Of Male Bone Marrow Donors Puts Patients At Risk

Tuesday 6th August 2013 A shortage of male bone marrow donors is putting blood cancer patients at risk, says leading blood cancer charity Anthony Nolan.

Male donors are overwhelmingly chosen to donate by transplant centres as many doctors believe that they give patients the best possible outcomes, yet there are only 4,931 young male donors in the East Midlands. This accounts for just 13.8% of all registered donors in the area.

Anthony Nolan uses its register to match potential bone marrow donors to blood cancer patients in desperate need of a bone marrow... READ MORE & VIDEO...

1940's Tea & Cake Party In Aid Of Prostate Cancer Support

Tuesday 6th August 2013 The Chesterfield Prostate Cancer Support Group are having a 1940's themed 'Tea & Cake' celebration on Friday 9th August at Calow Community Centre, raising funds in aid of Prostate Cancer UK.

The 1940s theme came about from Charles Huggins, who in 1941, discovered and developed 'Hormone Therapy' treatment for Prostate cancer. Then in 1945, Terence Millin introduced the retropubic prostatectomy - surgery where the prostate is removed through an incision in the abdomen and both are still used to this day! The Party takes place at Calow Community Centre, Allpits Road, Calow in Chesterfield on Friday August 9th from 11am to 2pm. For more details, call 01246 201366.

Police Warning Over Lost Medication In Chesterfield

Monday 5th August 2013 Police are warning members of the public not to consume medication lost by two separate patients in Chesterfield.

People are also being urged to hand the prescriptions in to a pharmacy or police station immediately if they are found.

A prescription picked up from Peak Pharmacy, in Knifesmithgate, was lost on Thursday, August 1st. The white packet has the words NHS Tims and Parker Peak Pharmacy written on it and contains medication including cimetidine, lamotrigine and risperidone. READ MORE...

Are You A Man, 65+? Take Ten Minutes To Save Your life!

Friday 2nd August 2013 Men aged 65 and over from Derbyshire are being encouraged to come forward for life-saving screening for abdominal aortic aneurysms (also known as AAAs), as part of a national screening programme.

The aim of the NHS AAA Screening Programme is to reduce deaths from the condition by up to 50%, by encouraging men aged 65 and over to come forward for screening for this potentially life threatening condition.

In some men, as they get older, the wall of the aorta, which is the main blood vessel in the abdomen, can become weak. It can then start to... READ MORE & AUDIO...

MP Provides Food For Thought For Hospital

Friday 19th July 2013
After a report identified some weaknesses within Chesterfield Royal Hospital's food service for patients, Chesterfield MP Toby Perkins today went along to see for himself how patients receive their food on wards - and sample a lunch to see the standard of food served.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC), who regulate and inspect GP's surgeries and hospitals, issued a report after visiting the Calow site, served Chesterfield Royal Hospital with a notice to improve after they said that patients were "not fully protected against risks of inadequate nutrition and dehydration". READ MORE & AUDIO...

Pay-As-You-Go Driving Comes To Derbyshire!

Thursday 18th July 2013 Secretary of State and MP for Derby Dales, Patrick McLoughlin, is to attend Co-wheels Car Club launch event at Newholme Hospital, Bakewell on Thursday 25th July at 10.30am.

Co-wheels have contracted with Derbyshire Community Health Services (DCHS) NHS Trust to provide 10 pool cars for use by hospital staff at six sites across the county - Chesterfield, Bakewell, Belper, Clay Cross Hospital, Church View (Clay Cross) and Darley Dale. Outside office hours these cars will be available to the general public. READ MORE...

Jobs Boost In Chesterfield With NHS Recruitment Campaign

Thursday 18th July 2013 The NHS is providing a jobs boost with a major recruitment open day at Chesterfield Football Club organised by Derbyshire Community Health Services (DCHS) NHS Trust.

The recruitment open day on Wednesday, July 24th - from 10.00am until 8pm - will offer scores of job opportunities in the local Chesterfield area to join Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Trust's 5,000 - strong staff, caring for patients across the county.

DCHS NHS Trust is one of only a small number of specialist community Trusts in the country providing a broad range of services from children's and adult care to older people's care and older people's... READ MORE...

Giving Carers Care - Chesterfield 'Angels' Hit 1 Year Mark

Monday 8th July 2013 They are the hidden army within Derbyshire - in fact, throughout the UK. 112,000 people in our county care for someone they love - someone with an illness or a disability, and many of those will be elderly or infirm themselves.

Sadly, many of those will at some point struggle to cope with 'coping', but many will remain too proud to seek help, and become ill themselves. Many of that number are not registered, believing that it is his or her 'duty' to care for someone close.

One year ago, an organisation was set up in Chesterfield to... READ MORE...

'Don't Be Complacent About Your NHS' Campaigners Say

Monday 8th July 2013 As we reported on Friday, it was the 65th birthday of the NHS, and described as an 'Institution' by CEO of Chesterfield Royal Hospital, Gavin Boyle, the service is believed to be as pivotal and relevant to everyday life as it was at its inception in 1948.

However, political views on the NHS remain passionately polarised and there is barely a day that goes by when reforms are not mooted in Parliament.

To mark the milestone day - and to show public support for the ongoing growth of the NHS - local politicians gathered together on the High Street ... READ MORE...

Uplifting Images For CT Patients At The Royal

Sunday 7th July 2013 Young art students have brought a splash of colour to accompany a brand new CT Scanner in the Chesterfield Royal Hospital's Imaging department.

Year five and six pupils from Ashdell School in Broom Hill created three images based on CT scans provided by the Royal's radiographers, that will be hung in the x-ray waiting area.

The pictures arrived just a day after a brand new second scanner was opened to patients that will help cope with demand and ensure a more... READ MORE...

65 - But Not Retiring! Happy Birthday NHS

Friday 5th July 2013 It's nearly seven decades since Labour MP Aneurin Bevan stood in Parliament and spearheaded the birth of the NHS.

The story goes that, when asked by the Treasury how much it would cost, he reassured them that "After we have got rid of TB and sorted out some of the major diseases, don't worry - it won't cost much!"

Ahead of the landmark anniversary, The Chesterfield Post spoke with Gavin Boyle, Chief Executive of Chesterfield Royal Hospital - a man who has 25 years of service within the NHS and who took up his post at the 600 bed capacity site at Calow just short of one year ago. READ MORE & AUDIO...

Chesterfield Doctor Is NHS Hero - And That's Official!

Friday 5th July 2013 A Chesterfield GP has been named an NHS Hero for her exceptional care by one of her patients.

Dr Ann Gedge, a partner in Newbold Surgery, was nominated for the prestigious national award by patient Emma Duffy, after the GP spent hours with Emma and her mother while the patient awaited admission to hospital.

Now, Chesterfield resident Dr Gedge has received a framed certificate from Emma and Dr Ben Milton, Chair of NHS North Derbyshire Clinical Commissioning Group, during a surprise presentation at the Windermere Road... READ MORE...

Mad Pride Comes To Derbyshire

Friday 5th July 2013 Users of mental health services are being encouraged to celebrate mental health survivor culture and explore the positives of madness at events being held across Derbyshire.

Mad Pride is a global mass movement, starting in Toronto, Canada in 1993, which seeks to reclaim terms like 'mad', 'nutter' and 'psycho' from misuse, such as in tabloid newspapers.

The aim of Mad Pride is to re-educate the general public on mental health and the experiences of those that have used the mental health system. READ MORE...

Local MP Toby Perkins Supports Successful Carer Project

Monday 1st July 2013 Chesterfield MP Toby Perkins was invited back to the Derbyshire Carers Association on West Bars centre last week, to celebrate the achievements of its successful Carer liaison project.

A year ago the MP called on GPs to register anyone who takes on a significant care role for a member of their family.

Since then, the project has identified 500 new carers, engaged with 60 carers' champions and made vital strategic links within health settings to encourage carer focus and referrals. READ MORE...

New Car Scheme Gives Patients A Lift

Thursday 20th June 2013 People in the north east of the county needing to get to hospital and health services have been given a lift - thanks to a new car scheme.

Derbyshire County Council has given Clowne and District Community Transport a £7,570 grant to set up a volunteer car scheme to provide 'aCTive travel'.

This is transport to health-related services which in most parts of the county is provided by community transport Dial-a-Ride services and volunteer car schemes. Dial-a-Ride uses wheelchair accessible vehicles and paid drivers, whilst volunteer car schemes use volunteer drivers who drive their own cars. READ MORE...

Nolan Sister 'In The Mood' For Hearing Loss Awards

Friday 14th June 2013 International singing star and actress, Maureen Nolan, is launching a UK-wide campaign to find people who are hard of hearing and have triumphed over adversity - and is bringing the search to Chesterfield.

Maureen has teamed up with Specsavers hearing centre in Chesterfield to urge local residents with hearing loss to enter the annual Sound Barrier Star Awards.

Specsavers' Sound Barrier Star Awards is an initiative aimed at celebrating achievement in people who are deaf or hard of hearing, and seeks to reward individuals for their courage and accomplishments. READ MORE... 

Derbyshire Patients Reassured About 111

Thursday 13th June 2013 Lead GPs in Derbyshire have moved to reassure patients about the 111 service following national concerns about the helpline in other areas of the UK.

Results of an independent survey published by CFEP UK Surveys show that 82% of 206 users of the service surveyed were either satisfied or very satisfied, whilst 93% of people who called the 111 number got through to the call centre first time.

Statistics also just released, have shown that patients from Derbyshire who called the 111 service for non-urgent medical help during the... READ MORE...

No Room For Complacency In Derbyshire's Safe Sex Message

Friday 7th June 2013
Derbyshire has fewer sexually transmitted infections (STIs) per head of population than the East Midlands or England, according to figures from Public Health England.

There were 4,261 diagnoses of STIs across the county last year at a rate of 553 per 100,000 population. The number of recorded cases was lower than the national rate of 804 STIs per 100,000 population and regional rate of 704 per 100,000. The figures were published on Wednesday 5th June and will be used by public health authorities like Derbyshire County Council to plan actions to tackle STIs. READ MORE...

Chesterfield Nurse 'Proud To Develop Her Skills'

Thursday 6th June 2013 A Chesterfield Royal Hospital night matron is among the first to complete a new leadership programme for nurses and midwives.

Sam Wain has been part of the team for four years acting as a senior presence to drive the quality of patient care - something which is central to her work ethic. The course, which has been developed and run by the NHS Leadership Academy, is a frontline leadership programme designed just for nurses and midwives and has been very well attended.

The Academy has now launched its flagship programmes... READ MORE...

On-Going Fire Incident At SCA Hygiene, Chesterfield

Wednesday 5th June 2013 Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service is still in attendance at a fire involving 800 tonnes of waste paper which was being stored in the yard of SCA Hygiene, Goyt Side Road, Chesterfield, however operations have been scaled down considerably since the height of the fire yesterday.

The fire service is working in partnership with site owners SCA Hygiene, to ensure that the fire is extinguished as efficiently and safely as possible. In order to expedite the end to this incident, work has commenced to remove piles of waste paper from the site; unfortunately this may result in some local residents experiencing higher levels of falling ash. READ MORE...

Pledging To End Mental Health Discrimination

Tuesday 4th June 2013 Derbyshire health bosses have publicly committed themselves to tackling mental health stigma and discrimination by signing the 'Time To Change' pledge.

Time To Change is England's largest anti-stigma campaign run by the leading mental health charities Mind and Rethink Mental Illness. Their aim is to change the attitudes and behaviours of 29 million people towards those with mental health issues.

With 1 in 4 people throughout the UK who will suffer from a mental illness at some stage in their lives, it is important that individuals know how... READ MORE...

Improving The Lives Of The Local Chinese Community

Friday 31st May 2013 Hospital bosses have engaged with the local Chinese Welfare Association to help keep individuals physically fit and emotionally well.

Chairman, Alan Baines, and Chief Executive, Steve Trenchard, of Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust took part in the one of the Chinese Associations afternoon sessions to break down barriers for this minority group in accessing healthcare and to raise awareness of mental wellbeing within the Chinese community.

Dr Anne Pang said: "Mental illness still is a taboo subject and so it was important to offer people reassurance that help is accessible if they ever found themselves in difficulty. It was the start of a dialogue with the community about mental health and general health issues which we hope to continue..." READ MORE...

Mum Marches On With Tom's Golden Miles

Tuesday 28th May 2013 Forty seven year-old Gillian Scotford of Dronfield is on the lookout for recruits to join her on Sunday 7th July, for the last seven miles of her way marked Peak District walk 'Tom's Golden Miles' to raise funds for the children's hospice which helps her care for her seventeen year-old severely disabled son Tom.

Caring nurse Gillian gave up her career to look after her three sons as two of them, Tom and Sam both have complex medical needs. Thomas was born with a serious heart defect, is severely brain damaged, has suffered three respiratory arrests and requires 24-hour care so is a regular visitor to... READ MORE...

Health Meeting Open To All In Alfreton

Friday 24th May 2013 NHS bosses from Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Trust are inviting members of the public to join them in Alfreton on Thursday 30th May.

Patients, families, carers and local residents are invited to sit in on the Trust's Board meeting, starting at 9am, at Somerlea Park Centre, Sherwood Street, Leabrooks, Alfreton, DE55 1LB. Light refreshments will be provided.

Discussions will cover quality and performance reports relating to the Trust's community hospitals, health centres and from services... READ MORE...

A "Thank You And Well Done" To The Chesterfield Royal

Thursday 23rd May 2013 After the recent scandals involving the NHS and often-voiced concerns about the state of hospitals, one reader of The Chesterfield Post, Klara Jeynes, contacted us to say that she was impressed with the standards of care she received during a recent stay in Chesterfield Royal and wanted to publicly pay tribute to the staff and their care.

The letter reads: "Dear Editor, Last Friday week, after thinking I was going in for a routine cardiac appointment at Chesterfield Royal, it was decided by the consultant that I should be admitted for tests for a couple of days. I was a little apprehensive and was not very keen as I have previously been in a different hospital and, to say the least, it was not the best experience." READ MORE...

Make A Pledge To Combat Mental Health Stigma

Tuesday 21st May 2013 Businesses across the county are being encouraged to sign Derbyshire's mental health and wellbeing charter to tackle mental health discrimination in the workplace.

With 1 in 4 people throughout the UK who will suffer from a mental illness at some stage in their lives, it is important that our local employers recognise and combat mental health discrimination and understand how they can support those individuals.

Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and the Changing Minds Group are committed to engaging and working closely with local businesses to support them in keeping their employees mentally well. READ MORE...

Warmth Scheme Raises Dementia Awareness In Chesterfield

Tuesday 21st May 2013 To mark Dementia Awareness Week this week, 19th - 25th May, a warmth scheme working with vulnerable people in Chesterfield is raising awareness of the help on hand.

npower Health Through Warmth helps vulnerable homeowners, such as people with dementia, by installing or repairing heating and insulation.

The scheme is encouraging people who have family and friends with the disease to find out more about the support on offer. Since its launch in 2000, npower Health Through Warmth has worked closely with charities and other... READ MORE...

Improved Access For Patients At Local GP Surgery

Tuesday 21st May 2013 Facilities at a local surgery are looking healthier - thanks to funding which has helped improve access to the site at Old Whittington.

The then Mayor of Chesterfield, Councillor Don Parsons, assisted by Mrs Joan Llewellyn, a patient at the Surgery, officially opened the improved access facilities at Whittington Medical Centre a fortnight ago and said he was "delighted to do so".

The work, which was made possible by a grant from the former Derbyshire County PCT, has included hearing loops for those patients with hearing aids and clear colour contrast between the new doors and the frame to assist... READ MORE...

Barlborough NHS Treatment Centre Nurse Celebrates Award

Wednesday 15th May 2013 Colleagues at Barlborough NHS Treatment Centre have presented senior nurse Annette Ferguson with a Nurse of the Year Award for her contribution to improving the patient experience at the Care UK-run centre.

Annette has been caring for outpatients at the centre near Chesterfield for nine years. She was given the award as part of celebrations for International Nurses Day on Sunday 12th May, which commemorates the birth of Florence Nightingale.

Recognised for her ability to empathise with people and... READ MORE...

Barlborough NHS Centre To Mark International Nurses Day

Tuesday 7th May 2013 Nurses at Barlborough NHS Treatment Centre are eagerly anticipating International Nurses Day on Sunday 12th May.

An event this Friday (10th May), will see the centre announce the winner of it's annual Nurse of the Year Award, which is given to the nurse who colleagues vote as having made the biggest difference to the patient experience during the past 12 months.

International Nurses Day commemorates the birth of Florence Nightingale in 1820. This year, the Royal College of Nursing is calling for people to share their stories about what makes nursing special, with a dedicated website... READ MORE...

Derbyshire Parents Urged To Help Keep Measles Cases Low

Friday 26th April 2013 Parents are being urged to help keep the number of measles cases in Derbyshire low by making sure their children get the MMR vaccination.

There have been just two cases of measles in the county this year but public health professionals are urging parents to check their child's vaccination records and take urgent action if they are not up to date.

Derbyshire has a strong MMR vaccination record with 94% of two-year-olds and 93% of five-year-olds vaccinated - comparing well with the national... READ MORE...

Easier Access For Patients At Whittington Medical Centre

Monday 22nd April 2013 Getting in to see a Doctor or Nurse at Whittington Medical Centre has become easier since two ramps were built and automatic doors were installed.

Improving access to the surgery has been funded by a grant - via the former Derbyshire County PCT - made late last year.

On approaching the main entrance up the ramp, which has easy-to-reach rails, the doors automatically open. Once inside, the inner waiting room door opens once you have pressed an easy to reach square 'button'. READ MORE...

EMAS - Recognising The Best In The Service....

Friday 19th April 2013 East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) hosted Awards where nine winners have been crowned, in a ceremony which aimed to recognise ambulance service staff and volunteers who are the pride of the NHS.

East Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust's (EMAS) first ever 'Values and Recognition Awards' were held at the Colwick Hall Hotel, Nottingham, yesterday evening (Thursday 18th April) at 6pm.

The event was made possible by the generosity of local businesses who offered sponsorship and donations, and the EMAS Charitable Trust. READ MORE...

Annual Service Of Remembrance For Bereaved Parents

Wednesday 3rd April 2013 The Chesterfield Royal Hospital is holding its annual service of remembrance for parents who have lost their children.

The service is organised and led by the Chesterfield Birth Centre co-ordinators, paediatrics, the neonatal unit, women's health unit and the hospital chaplain as part of the ongoing support for families who have lost babies and children through miscarriage, stillbirth, illness or accident.

The service has been running each year since the early 90s and always takes place on the Sunday after the Easter weekend, falling this year on Sunday April 7th. READ MORE...

Chesterfield Royal's Triple A Screening Saves Mens Lives

Wednesday 3rd April 2013 The Chesterfield Royal Hospital is urging men to accept a screening invitation that could save their life.

Two general assistants in Imaging have re-trained to lead the Triple A Screening Programme to detect abdominal aortic aneurysms in men. Invitations are sent out when they reach 65 years of age.

Helen Hearnshaw and Brendan Ledward have spearheaded the Royal's involvement in the National Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening Programme, in partnership with the Royal Derby Hospital, since April last year and the programme is due to rolled out nationally this month. Travelling around the whole of North Derbyshire with a portable ultrasound machine, the pair hold clinics in various hospitals and GP... READ MORE...

Celebration Evening To Aid NE Derbys Charity DLRAA Appeal

Wednesday 3rd April 2013 People in North East Derbyshire are being invited to enjoy a fund-raising evening of entertainment next month, in aid of a local air ambulance charity.

Cllr Ken Savidge, Chair of North East Derbyshire District Council, is to host the black tie celebration evening in aid of his 2012/13 charity appeal for the Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland Air Ambulance (DLRAA).

Tickets are still available for the event, which is being held on Friday 3rd May at the Casa Hotel in Chesterfield. READ MORE...

Stagecoach Couple Going The Extra Mile For Cancer Charity

Wednesday 27th March 2013 A Chesterfield couple are getting in gear for a month of fundraising and charity events.

Lesley Grozier and partner Brian Banton, who work for Stagecoach in Chesterfield, will be raising cash for Chesterfield Hospital Cavendish Ward and breast cancer care throughout April.

Lesley, 50, who has worked for the leading bus operator for 34 years, was diagnosed with breast cancer in April 2012 and has been visiting the hospital for chemotherapy and treatment. READ MORE...

£120k Ambulance Service Investment In Life-Saving Machines

Wednesday 20th March 2013
Thousands of pounds have been invested by East Midlands Ambulance Service to purchase and install life-saving machines in the community to help save lives.

AEDs are used when someone has gone into cardiac arrest, i.e. when the heart stops pumping blood around the body. The defibrillator gives the heart an electric shock to allow effective cardiac rhythm to be re-established. The best conditions for defibrillation are present for only one to two minutes of someone going into cardiac arrest, with success rates decreasing from then... READ MORE...

Virtual Heart Prototype To Give Hope To Heart Patients

Tuesday 19th March 2013 A new, award-winning computer system, which assesses heart disease better than the naked eye, could revolutionise the way patients with conditions such angina and heart attack are assessed and treated - saving lives and money.

The brand new prototype technology has been developed and built by doctors and researchers from Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and the University of Sheffield. It is capable of detecting which heart patients need treatment more sensitively and more accurately than the human eye by creating a 3D model of the coronary arteries during an angiogram. READ MORE...

EMAS Brings In More Staff And Vehicles To Improve Care

Monday 18th March 2013 Patients needing an ambulance to deal with their emergency will soon benefit from more frontline staff and vehicles being introduced by East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS).

EMAS provides emergency and urgent care to more than 4.8 million people across the region and is investing in these changes as part of its work to improve response times and the working lives of staff.

Over £2.8 million is being spent to bring 140 emergency care assistants (ECAs) into the service by the end of the summer. READ MORE...

Exhibiton At Walton Hospital Celebrates People's Diversity

Monday 18th March 2013 A photo gallery of inspiring people portraits is brightening the main corridor at Walton Hospital, Chesterfield, and celebrating people in all their diversity.

The exhibition, entitled 'Living my Life', promotes equality in a series of professional and eye-catching images of trans gender people and is open to all until the end of the month.

It has been arranged by Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Trust - which runs Walton Hospital - in partnership with the Centre for HIV... READ MORE...

Cash Boost for Derbyshire Carers Association

Friday 15th March 2013 A successful project set up to help older carers has received an additional cash boost of £40,000, thanks to a grant from People's Health Trust from money raised by HealthCalm through the Health Lottery.

Derbyshire Carers Association, a Network Partner of Carers Trust, the UK's largest carers charity, has already received £40,000 of funding from money raised through the Health Lottery to extend its work with older carers.

Through its project, Derbyshire Carers Association aims to offer carers short breaks from their caring role and improve their confidence as a carer... READ MORE...

Speech Therapy Services Have Plenty To Shout About

Friday 15th March 2013
Derbyshire's community speech and language therapy team have won two awards in recent honours to help spread the word about excellent speech services in the East Midlands.

The Strictly Come Talking Awards were created by De Montfort University to celebrate the difference which speech and language therapists make to the lives of adults and children suffering with communication and swallowing disorders. The awards also highlighted the important role service users and students have in delivering high quality care. READ MORE...

Sainsbury's Reach Half Way In Charity Target

Friday 1st February 2013 Sainsbury's Chesterfield have said they are proud to announce that they have reached the half-way stage into their year-long partnership with Specialist Stroke Services and, thanks to the support of the Chesterfield community, the partnership has achieved great success so far with £6,455 raised for the charity.

Back in June last year, the store announced that Specialist Stroke Services will be their Local Charity partner for the next twelve months, following votes from customers. The charity provides care for survivors of strokes and their families in North Derbyshire. READ MORE...

Royal Leads The Way In Stopping The Clots

Thursday 31st January 2013 The Chesterfield Royal Hospital has been highlighted for the innovative way it deals with preventing potentially deadly blood clots.

Venous Thromboembolism, or VTE for short, is a blood clot that can affect people when they are immobile for long periods of time caused by sluggish circulation and changes in blood composition.

An estimated 25,000 people die from hospital acquired blood clots in England each year, despite being largely preventable, and the Royal has been awarded a Special Commendation Certificate by Lifeblood: The Thrombosis Charity. READ MORE & VIDEO...

Ambulance Service Sign Joint Learning Agreement

Tuesday 29th January 2013

The signing of a Joint Learning Agreement shows a commitment between East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS), Unison, GMB and Royal College of Nursing (RCN) to support staff with their continued learning and development.

Phil Milligan, East Midlands Ambulance Service Chief Executive said: "Our service has faced some challenging times over recent years, and one of the ways to move forward from this is through learning and development. That is why the signing of this Joint Learning Agreement is such a significant step." READ MORE...

The Proof Of The Pudding... Taste Testing At The Royal

Friday 25th January 2013 "For many patients it's the highlight of their day and if we get it wrong, it can really disappoint them" - that's Jethro Pickard, Senior Assistant General Manager at Chesterfield's Royal Hospital, talking about hospital food.

Sadly, food eaten in hospitals, just like school dinners, has over the years had a reputation of being more 'bloomin 'eck' than Blumenthal. However, Chesterfield Royal Hospital sought to change that earlier this week when the food served up to patients on the ward was served to visitors in the Reception Area as part of a taste test exercise. READ MORE...

Shortlist For New Dental Pilot Practices Announced

Wednesday 23rd January 2013

Dental patients in Chesterfield could soon be helping to pave the way to a new era in oral health as dentists sign up to join a pioneering pilot programme.

The Wisdom Dental Clinic is one of 29 sites across the country to be shortlisted by the Department of Health to join the pilot programme which is helping to further shape the new dental contract. The programme started in 2011 with 70 practices - now building on their success, a second stage will be launched in April 2013 so the new practices can develop the work further. READ MORE...

Chesterfield Royal Hospital Weather Disruption Update

Monday 21st January 2013 Chesterfield Royal says that, in view of the weather, there will be disruption to services today, but that they are doing their very best to retain services as much as possible.

They advise that, if patients arrive for out-patient appointments, they will be seen today, but some delays arelikely as they are covering clinics as best they can. There will be no problem though if appointments are rearranged - just ring the number on your card or letter.

They say that they understand that travelling is really difficult and they don't want to put any patients in unnecessary danger.

Ambulance Service 'Snowed' Under With Calls

Monday 21st January 2013 Freezing conditions over the weekend have seen East Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EMAS) deal with 900 more calls than during the same period last year.

Between Thursday January 17th and Sunday January 20th, the 999 service received 6,335 calls, compared to 5,395 over the same dates in 2012.

Of these calls, 1,118 related to falls and 140 to road traffic incidents.

In Derbyshire longstanding links with local Mountain Rescue Teams... READ MORE...

Patients Highly Satisfied With GP Out Of Hours Service

Wednesday 16th January 2013 Patients in Derbyshire have given their out of hours GP service the thumbs-up in an independent national survey published by Ipsos MORI.

Results from the 2012 GP Patient Survey show that patient satisfaction with the Derbyshire GP out of hours service, run by Derbyshire Health United, is higher than the national England average.

Over 74% of patients in Derbyshire County rated their overall experience of the GP out of hours service as 'good' and 78% of patients were impressed with the ease of contacting the out of hours GP service by telephone. A high number (86%) said that they had confidence and trust in their out of hours clinician. READ MORE...

MP Questions Health Minister In Parliamentary Session

Wednesday 16th January 2013 Questions in Parliament yesterday, Tuesday 15th January, saw Natascha Engel, Labour MP for North East Derbyshire, ask the Health Minister if the Government proposed to reduce waiting times for patients through offers of an independent service.

Natascha raised the case of a constituent who had been told he would have to wait 18 weeks to be assessed for minor oral surgery, or to speed things up he could take advantage of an independent service.

Natascha asked: "My 92-year-old constituent, Ron Lewin, was..." READ MORE...

NHS Calls For Chesterfield Residents To Be NHS Governors

Monday 14th January 2013 People living in the Chesterfield and Bolsover areas are being urged to get more involved in their local NHS ahead of this Thursday's (17th January) deadline for nominations for NHS governors at Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Trust.

Nominations opened in December for the first ever Council of Governors to oversee the Trust's patient care as it becomes a new NHS Foundation Trust, but so far only a handful of people have put themselves forward from the North East of the county.

Trust Secretary Kirsteen Farrar said: "We would urge anyone with an interest in their local NHS care to consider getting involved as a governor. It is not too late to put themselves forward." READ MORE...

Care Home Operator Appoints New Operations Director

Monday 7th January 2013 National care home provider Hill Care has appointed a new national Operations Director to its head office in Chesterfield.

Having previously held the same role at Cheshire-based Four Seasons Health Care, Mandy Vernon is responsible for ensuring that the highest standards of staffing, care and resident support are upheld at Hill Care's full portfolio of care homes.

Mandy began her career as a nurse at the Chesterfield and North Derbyshire Royal Hospital, before moving into the care home industry with St Andrews Homes and rising up to Regional Manager and Operations Director... READ MORE...

New Year Celebrations Critical For Ambulance Service

Wednesday 2nd January 2013 As predicted, the New Year brought a challenging time for East Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EMAS), who were busy responding to people who needed help having sustained an injury or falling ill.

Peter Ripley, EMAS Director of Operations said: "In the first four hours of 2013, we received over 1,000 emergency 999 calls. On an average day, we expect to receive around 2,000 calls.

"I pay tribute to our staff who worked in on the frontline - our skilled staff answering calls received in our Emergency Operations Centres and..." READ MORE...

Don't Start 2013 In An Ambulance As New Year Parties Begin

Monday 31st December 2012 East Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EMAS) is preparing for New Year's Eve with a plea to those celebrating to start 2013 safe and well.

The traditional party night marks the end of more than a fortnight of seasonal celebrations which puts more demand on ambulances than any other time of the year.

The last Friday before Christmas (December 21st) was a busy night, with EMAS dealing with 2,384 emergency calls, 457 more than would normally be received on a typical Friday. READ MORE...

Ambulance Service Report Record Call Volumes Last Night

Saturday 22nd December 2012
As the area gets into the Christmas spirit over the next few days there are reminders from Emergency services to be sensible with partying to avoid having to seek medical attention.

We have received information today that suggests the festive season got off to a busy start for East Midlands Ambulance Service and its frontline crews on Friday 21st December when it dealt with 2,384 emergency calls - that's 457 more than would normally be received on a typical Friday. And record call volumes continued into the early hours of the following morning. READ MORE...

Communication Partners Help Combat Stroke Patients' Isolation

Saturday 22nd December 2012 The first group of volunteers trained to work with stroke sufferers with communication problems in the North Derbyshire area met together for the first time this week.

The volunteers - known as communication partners - are a new type of support worker offering a lifeline to people with aphasia, which encompasses problems with speaking and understanding following a stroke.

So far nine people have been enlisted to provide this new type of support across North Derbyshire, using a variety of communication aids... READ MORE...

New Call For Visitors To Avoid Hospital If They Are Unwell

Thursday 20th December 2012 Hospital visitors are being urged to stay away if they begin to feel even slightly unwell, as the NHS seeks to prevent the spread of Norovirus winter vomiting bug in Derbyshire's local community hospitals.

Infection Prevention and Control experts at Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Trust have appealed for visitors to come in only if they feel fine, to minimise the risk of Norovirus to some of the most vulnerable elderly people in the county’s 12 community hospitals.

Matron Sue Dakin, from Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Trust's Infection Prevention and Control Team, said: "We are requesting that people don't come in if they feel unwell or for 48 hours after their symptoms have gone." READ MORE...

It Won't Be Lonely This Christmas For Older People

Wednesday 19th December 2012 Following recent research and national media reports of the increasing problem of loneliness for older people during the Christmas period, Craegmoor has announced it is offering bespoke care packages designed to enable people to join in the festive celebrations, or to give carers a short break at a busy time of year, including short stay and an offer for couples.

Willows Chesterfield care home will be one of those opening its doors to welcome individuals and couples during December and January to help them avoid being alone over Christmas and during the dark, winter days of the early New Year. READ MORE...

Chesterfield Players Just The Tonic For Young Patients

Tuesday 18th December 2012 Chesterfield players spread some festive cheer as they made their now annual visit to Chesterfield Royal Hospital to meet young patients.

The visit, organised by the club's Community Trust, saw players taking time out from their training schedule to hand over official club merchandise and gifts donated by Tesco Distribution Centre to the excited youngsters, and pose for photographs and sign autographs.

Goalkeeper Tommy Lee said he was proud to take part... READ MORE...

Chesterfield Charity Chosen As Film Subject By Top Filmmaker

Monday 17th December 2012 A Chesterfield-based charity has been given the opportunity to tell its story by national communications charity Media Trust, Sainsbury's and Google.

Specialist Stroke Service has been selected for the Untold Stories scheme, which matches small charities with top filmmakers who volunteer their time to create professional films that demonstrate the impact of the charities' work.

Specialist Stroke Service is one of 25 charities selected to take part in the eighth series of Media Trust's Untold Stories scheme, which has produced more than 175 films for small charities working in a wide range of areas including disability, community, race relations, sport, arts and the environment. READ MORE...

EMAS' Three Month 'Being The Best' Consultation Ends Today

Monday 17th December 2012 Three months ago East Midlands Ambulance Service asked its staff, local people and organisations to share their views on proposals to change the future of the service.
 
Proposals have been designed to provide patients with the best service possible, by improving response times and ensuring the correct level of skilled clinician attends their call; and to make the ambulance service more efficient and effective, both now and in the future.Phil Milligan, East Midlands Ambulance Service Chief Executive said: “Since the launch of our consultation we have attended over 150 meetings where we have presented our proposals..." READ MORE...

Derbyshire Fire And Rescue Service Make Every Contact Count

Thursday 13th December 2012

Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service is supporting health and care organisations across Derbyshire as part of the Making Every Contact Count (MECC) initiative.

MECC, an NHS led initiative is about encouraging and helping people to make healthier choices to achieve positive long-term behaviour change. All organisations responsible for health, wellbeing, early years, education and care of the public can train their staff to use every encounter with a member of the public as an opportunity to promote health and wellbeing. READ MORE...

Don't Bring Norovirus Into Hospital Visitors Warned

Friday 7th December 2012 Chocolates, magazines, grapes… whatever you bring into hospital, make sure it's not Norovirus!

Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Trust is asking visitors to its community hospitals to stay away if they or their family members have had diarrhoea, vomiting or 'flu-like' symptoms in the last four days.

The request is designed to help keep 'winter vomiting' or Norovirus, away from vulnerable patients and staff who could pass it on. Symptoms of Norovirus include diarrhoea and vomiting and, just like flu, the virus can seriously affect vulnerable patients. READ MORE...

The Royal Deals With Dementia

Thursday 6th December 2012 Faced with an ageing population, the care of hospital patients with dementia is as important now as it ever has been.

The Chesterfield Royal Hospital has invested in two dementia assessment nurses whose role is to assess every emergency admission over the age of 75, completed within 72 hours, to see if they have signs of dementia. If this triggers an undiagnosed case then a referral is made to the most appropriate service such as older peoples' mental health team, the patients own GP or a geriatrician with an interest in dementia.

Melody Spencer is one of the nurses... READ MORE...

Chesterfield Football Club Backs Blood Donor Drive

Thursday 6th December 2012 People in Chesterfield are being urged to give the gift of life this Christmas - by the town's football club.

NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) is appealing for blood donors to come forward between Christmas and New Year to ensure life-saving stocks are maintained.

Each donation can potentially save the lives of three people.

The Spireites are backing the call, encouraging local residents to attend a session at the club on Thursday 27th December. READ MORE...

Cold Weather Costs Lives GP Warns

Tuesday 4th December 2012 Doctors from North Derbyshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) are appealing to people to take extra precautions as another bout of severe cold weather is predicted this week.

According to the Met Office temperatures in the area are expected to plunge significantly over the coming weeks, with an increased probability of mean temperatures of 2°C or less for a 48 hour period, and overnight lows of -7°C or -8°C forecast for the coming weekend.

The cold weather is a killer - and latest figures... READ MORE...

Chesterfield Charity's Red Carpet Treatment For Sick Children

Thursday 29th November 2012 A Chesterfield based charity, which helps sick children throughout the UK, held a glamorous 'red carpet' themed inaugural ball at the Casa Hotel this weekend.

Kids'n'Cancer was launched in the spring of this year and has already helped several children travel to the USA for revolutionary Proton Therapy treatment, which is currently only available in America but is believed to be more beneficial and less traumatic than conventional treatments for some cancers.

The evening saw guests greeted by Vegas Showgirls... READ MORE...

Derbyshire Speech Therapists Win Third National Award

Thursday 29th November 2012 Speech and language therapists in Derbyshire have won a third national award for their campaign to highlight the value of therapy in helping patients find their voice.

The speech and language therapy team at Derbyshire Community Health Services won the UK-wide Team of the Year at the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists' Giving Voice awards ceremony in London on Tuesday 27th November.

Giving Voice launched in 2010 to demonstrate the life changing value of speech and language therapy services. READ MORE...

New Partnership Creates Innovative Mental Health Project

Thursday 29th November 2012 Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust's Hartington Unit, based on the site of Chesterfield Royal Hospital, is delighted to announce a new partnership with Chesterfield College’s Directorate of Art and Design.

As part of World Mental Health Day, Art and Design students at Chesterfield College were presented with a project brief based on ideas from both college staff and patients from the Hartington Unit themselves. Using the themes of care, health and recovery, students are undertaking project work to produce a piece of art to be displayed within the unit. READ MORE...

Chesterfield MP Visits 'Ground Breaking' Hospital Ward

Wednesday 28th November 2012 Chesterfield MP Toby Perkins has given a pioneering ward at Chesterfield Royal Hospital his seal of approval.

The Transitional Ward - consisting of 21 beds on the Robinson Ward - provides ground-breaking care to vulnerable patients who are considered medically fit, but not suitable for discharge due to provision still being put into place at home by Social Services.

Mr Perkins visited the new facility last week where he met staff and patients to gauge the success of the venture. READ MORE...

'Fatal' Accident On Infirmary Road

Thursday 22nd November 2012 Three young students were killed and one paralysed, after a collision outside Chesterfield College on Infirmary Road.

Another student, the only one to be wearing a seatbelt, did survive the crash, and is back at home recovering.

Fire crews, Police and Ambulance personnel battled at the scene in the dreadful weather conditions to free the teenagers for over half an hour...

Actually, there was an accident yesterday morning but thankfully... READ MORE...

Free Health Day Targets Women Farmers And Farmer's Wives

Tuesday 13th November 2012 Women farmers and farmers' wives across Derbyshire can go along for free health MOT check-ups at a Ladies Health Day at Bakewell Agricultural and Business Centre on Monday 19th November, from 10am until 2pm.

The aim of the Ladies Health Day is to target female farmers and farmers' wives who may not usually take the time to look after their own health as well as they could, or who just want to find out what NHS services are available.

The event - organised by Derbyshire Community Health Services' rural health team - will give women from the farming community the chance to speak to healthcare professionals on a whole range of health issues, including podiatry foot care and continence advice. READ MORE...

A New Look For Women's Services At Chesterfield Royal

Monday 12th November 2012 Two vital services for women that have been upgraded and re-designed as part of a major improvement project at the Chesterfield Royal Hospital, have now opened their doors.

The Women's Health Unit (WHU) has been transformed into a purpose built area, whilst Trinity Ward has been given the treatment to bring the maternity in-patient ward into line with the style and standard of Chesterfield Birth Centre.

The £1.2million development opened to patients during Friday 9th November, following a six-month development that has completely transformed... READ MORE...

Chesterfield Ambulance Service Meeting Re-Arranged

Thursday 8th November 2012 Ambulance chiefs in Derbyshire are urging the 130,000 people who used the service last year to have their say in shaping its future.

More than 133,000 emergency calls were made to East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) by people in the region during 2011/12.

Those who made 999 calls are now being encouraged to get involved with EMAS' 'Being the Best' consultation programme by attending a new public meeting in Chesterfield. READ MORE...

Derbyshire Worst In Region For Bonfire Related Incidents

Thursday 8th November 2012 East Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EMAS) have said that they saw a reduction in the number of calls related to Bonfire Night this year.

Yet the majority of calls which were received came from Derbyshire. In 2011, the service dealt with nine calls across the East Midlands. This year, there were seven calls relating to Bonfire Night, which were received between Saturday November 3rd and Monday November 5th.

Of those seven calls, the majority (three) came from Derbyshire... READ MORE...

Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Trust Appoints New Chief Executive

Wednesday 31st October 2012 A new Chief Executive has been appointed by Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust - with the challenge of making it one of the 'top five' best performers in the country.

Professor Steve Trenchard joins the Trust - which is the largest provider of specialist mental health, substance misuse and children's services in Derbyshire, serving around one million people - from West London Mental Health NHS Trust, where he is currently Executive Director of Nursing and Patient Experience.

His appointment was approved today at an extraordinary meeting... READ MORE...

Ensure Loved Ones Don't Face Isolation In Care Homes

Wednesday 31st October 2012 Action on Hearing Loss is urging people in Chesterfield to ensure elderly relatives with hearing loss don't face a future of unnecessary neglect and devastating isolation in care or nursing homes.

The charity is advising people looking to secure care or nursing home residency for their loved ones to check what procedures are in place to fully support residents with hearing loss. The call follows the publication of Action on Hearing Loss's new report "A World of Silence" which presents the impact of failing to support care home residents with hearing loss - estimated to total 250,000 in England. READ MORE...

Local Paralympian Announced As Bionic Suit Charity Patron

Monday 22nd October 2012

Paralympic basketball player, Ian Sagar has been announced as a patron of Sheffield Hospitals Charity as it launches an appeal to raise funds to buy a revolutionary new bionic suit to help paralysed patients to walk.

The suit would be used by patients from across the region being cared for at the Spinal Cord Injury Centre at the Northern General Hospital, which the Charity supports, along with the Royal Hallamshire, Weston Park, Jessop Wing and Charles Clifford Dental hospitals. READ MORE...

Patients Give Regions GPs Thumbs Up In Annual Survey

Friday 19th October 2012 Family doctors in Chesterfield and North Derbyshire have been given the vote of confidence by patients - with over 90% of patients in the area rating their overall experience at their GP surgery above average.

Most patients said they would recommend their GP surgery to someone who had just moved into the area, found their receptionist helpful and were able to make an appointment at a time that was convenient to them.

And GP practices in Chesterfield and North Derbyshire performed higher than the national average in 10 out of the 11 key areas assessed in the survey - which provides members of the public with the opportunity to have their say on GP services online or by completing a postal questionnaire. READ MORE...

DLRAA Attends Impalement Accident In Dronfield

Friday 19th October 2012
Derbyshire, Leicestershire & Rutland Air Ambulance (DLRAA) attended a dramatic incident yesterday (Thursday 18th October) at approximately 3pm, in the Dronfield area of Derbyshire.

A fifty-year-old male fell six feet from a ladder and impaled himself on a metal railing. The man had already been lifted from the railing by passers-by upon the arrival of DLRAA.The on-board DLRAA doctor administered pain relief to the patient, who was potentially suffering from internal abdominal and pelvis injuries, and he was flown to the major trauma centre at Sheffield Northern General Hospital for urgent treatment.

Be Seen To Be Clean - There's No Excuse!

Wednesday 17th October 2012 Staff, patients and visitors at Chesterfield Royal Hospital now have absolutely no excuse not to clean their hands - thanks to the installation of new hand hygiene stations.

Sinks and hand gel dispensers across the site have been given a bright red makeover. There's even flooring to match, flashing lights and in some areas voice messages reminding people to clean their hands as they pass by.

The hospital has launched a new hand hygiene campaign called 'Be Seen to Be Clean' - highlighting that EVERYONE has a responsibility... READ MORE...

Theatre Wait A More Relaxing Experience At Chesterfield Royal

Tuesday 16th October 2012 A relaxing experience is on the cards for around 25 patients a day who come to Chesterfield Royal Hospital for their planned operations.

Comfortable chairs, welcoming surroundings, large screen TVs and plenty of reading material is the order of the day - with the launch of the new Theatre Admissions Unit from Monday, October 22nd. It will be the first port of call for everyone who is booked in to have routine surgery, followed by a stay on the wards.

All patients for on day, in-patient surgery, come in at 7.30am - to have admission checks carried out and then to meet their surgeon and anaesthetist. READ MORE...

Local Patients Benefit From Specialist Unit Link

Monday 15th October 2012 Chesterfield Royal has announced that it has joined forces with Derby Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust - to form an integrated vascular service for the whole of Derbyshire.

The 50 patients or so who need complex vascular surgical procedures every year will benefit from the new link with a larger, specialist unit. The new service will ensure that patients who need complicated vascular operations (such as abdominal aortic aneurysm repairs) have their surgery carried out by an expert surgical team based in Derby. It will concentrate the specialist skills and back-up in one place - helping to give a 24/7 dedicated and expert service, which will particularly benefit emergency patients. READ MORE...

MP Slams Ambulance 'Consultation'

Wednesday 10th October 2012

A 'public' consultation on plans to shut 53 ambulance stations has been slammed as a "shambles" after not a single member of the public turned up.

Toby Perkins MP, who had attended the meeting briefly, said, "These are important changes that could dramatically change the way our ambulance services are delivered. Yet there was no publicity about the consultation, I only found out by accident, the press notices on the consultation were sent out late and in most cases weren't received. READ MORE...

Quick-Step For Derbyshire Carers

Wednesday 10th October 2012

Fleet-footed Carers from across Derbyshire who have a passion for dancing - are invited to a 'dress to impress' Carers Ball, courtesy of the local Carers Network.

Building on last year's extremely successful event, Derbyshire Carers Association, (DCA), the leading carers organisation for the county, in conjunction with Derbyshire County Council and the Carers Trust, have organised this year's Carers Ball for Friday 19th October, to be held at The Post Mill Centre in South Normanton. The doors open 7.00pm to 11pm. READ MORE...

'Being The Best' Consultation - Chesterfield Meeting Tonight

Tuesday 9th October 2012
The 'Being the Best' public consultation was launched on Monday 17th September and asks the public their views on the changes to the future of East Midlands Ambulance Service.

In addition to local action group meetings which the proposals are being presented at, EMAS is also holding meetings in public and inviting anyone who wants to hear more about Being the Best to attend. Chesterfield gets its chance to take part tonight (Tuesday 9th October) a 7pm start at The Parish Centre, Stonegravels, Chesterfield, S41 7JH. READ MORE...

Sharing Experiences For World Mental Health Day

Monday 8th October 2012 Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (DHCFT) will host its fourth 'human library' event on Wednesday 10th October at Derby University, in partnership with Rethink and Derby University.

This free event, which welcomes members of the public, coincides with World Mental Health Day.

The human library is a space for dialogue and interaction with a twist - as the stories come from people rather than books. Visitors to the human library are given the opportunity to speak informally with 'living books'... READ MORE...

Health Bosses Aim To Reduce Suicide Risks

Thursday 4th October 2012 Health bosses are pledging more support to those most at risk of suicide and their loved ones following the launch of a new suicide prevention strategy.

Research conducted by NHS Derby City and NHS Derbyshire County shows that middle-aged men are now the group at highest risk of dying by suicide in Derby and Derbyshire. The reasons for this are complex, but may be compounded by the current economic climate. This mirrors national trends which show that the number of deaths from suicide is declining in men under the age of 35 over the last decade and increasing in men over 50. READ MORE...

Investment Makes Nurse Count Healthy At Chesterfield Royal

Monday 1st October 2012 The number of qualified nurses working at Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is set to rise by 40 - thanks to almost £1.5 million worth of investment backed by its board of directors.

The move is a direct response to concerns staff raised through the 2011 staff survey. Comments suggested that "some wards at the hospital no longer had sufficient nursing budgets" - and that to provide appropriate staffing levels they were "frequently supporting and topping up with too many agency and temporary workers".

To discover if the comments were justified, a review of every adult in-patient ward in the hospital has been carried out - to assess staffing levels against a host of national standards and best practice... READ MORE...

GPs Offer Whooping Cough Vaccine To Mums-To-Be

Monday 1st October 2012 Local GPs are to begin offering pregnant women in Chesterfield and North Derbyshire the whooping cough vaccine following a sharp rise in the number of young babies who have died from the disease.

The temporary vaccine programme was launched by the Department of Health on Friday, September 28th, and aims to boost the short-term immunity passed on by pregnant women to protect their newborn babies - who normally cannot be vaccinated until two months of age.

Nationally, nine babies have died as a result of whooping cough this year and there have been 302 cases of the disease in children under three months old - more than double the 115 cases reported in the whole of 2011, according to the Health Protection Agency. READ MORE...

Learn How To Save A Life This September

Monday 10th September 2012 St John Ambulance, the nation's leading first aid charity, is again running its 'Save a Life September'.

Launched in 2011, the scheme was hugely successful and over 70,000 people received free first aid guides as part of the campaign. This year the charity wants to reach even more people to equip them with vital first aid skills.

Throughout September, the charity will be giving free demonstrations at locations in Chesterfield. The public will learn how to save a life using five easy to follow techniques and will receive a free pocket-sized first aid guide... READ MORE...

Air Ambulance Doctor On Hand To Treat Man After Ladder Fall

Friday 7th September 2012 A 67-year-old man was airlifted to hospital on Wednesday morning (5th September) after falling 20ft from a ladder.

The incident happened just north of Chesterfield and left the man with a life-threatening head injury.

Derbyshire, Leicestershire & Rutland Air Ambulance (DLRAA) was called to the scene just before 10am.

DLRAA's on board doctor, with assistance from... READ MORE...

Derbyshire NHS Asks Patients To Nominate Their NHS 'Heroes'

Thursday 6th September 2012 Patients in Derbyshire are being invited to nominate their NHS Heroes, as part of a new scheme to recognise the great work that individuals and teams do every day in the NHS.

NHS Heroes was launched in July to coincide with services 64th birthday, and celebrates NHS staff who go the extra mile to improve life for patients - from senior doctors to ancillary staff and managers.

NHS Heroes encourages patients and their families to nominate staff members and teams whose compassion and kindness has made a difference... READ MORE...

NHS 'Healthcare Bus' Stop In Clay Cross

Wednesday 5th September 2012 A FREE 'healthcare bus' is making a special stop in Clay Cross on Wednesday 12th September.

The pale blue 'healthcare' double decker bus will roll into the Tesco Extra car park, between 2pm and 4.30pm, and will be packed with essential tips and advice from the local NHS for better health.

Included on the bus to pick up will be free quitting smoking advice, information on long term illnesses such as asthma and diabetes and simple measures to ensure that local people stay warm and well in winter, whatever their age. READ MORE...

Accessibility For Sport Enthusiasts With Hearing Loss

Thursday 30th August 2012 With many people being inspired by the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics to get fit and more involved in sports, Action on Hearing Loss is urging sports clubs and gymnasiums in Chesterfield to ensure they are fully accessible for people who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Under the Equality Act 2010, services must make 'reasonable adjustments' to be accessible to people with disabilities. This means Managers of sports clubs and gymnasiums must ensure that people who are deaf or hard of hearing can enjoy the same level of service as other customers. READ MORE...

DaleDiva Set To Take Centre Stage At Charity Concert

Thursday 30th August 2012 People are being invited to enjoy an evening of entertainment when the stars of local chorus, DaleDiva, take to the stage for a charity concert in Ashover.

Members of the women's chorus - which shot to fame as winners of the Channel Five TV show, 'Don't Stop Believing' - will be performing at Ashover Village Hall on Saturday, September 8th.

The event is being organised in aid of North East Derbyshire District Council's Chair's Appeal, which is raising funds for... READ MORE...

Derbyshire Health Team In Lapland To Share Ideas

Wednesday 29th August 2012 An award-winning team from Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Trust has been in Lapland at the invitation of Finnish hospital bosses.

They are there to deliver a training programme which has already won widespread recognition for enabling NHS staff to introduce quick, effective improvements in patient care.

The visit to Lapland - which coincides with news that the Department of Health wants to encourage the NHS to generate more links abroad - was organised specifically because of overseas demand for Derbyshire's home-grown Improvement Leaders Capability Programme. READ MORE...

Royal Hospital Patients Give Cancer Services Gold Medal

Monday 20th August 2012 The Chesterfield Royal Hospital's cancer service has been placed in the country's top ten following the results of the latest patient experience survey.

The survey was much bigger than the 2010 survey, also undertaken by Quality Health on behalf of the Department of Health, with respondents from 12 different tumour groups instead of just 4.

The survey asked about all aspects of cancer care, beginning with how rapidly people are seen for their first appointment, whether appropriate explanations were given about tests and results and whether results were given sensitively. READ MORE...

Police To Hold Online Surgery For Hearing Impaired Residents

Friday 17th August 2012 Derbyshire Constabulary is hosting an online surgery aimed at people who are deaf or hard of hearing or those who work with hearing impaired people.

It is hoped that the online question and answer session will attract people who want to discuss issues or concerns the police may be able to help with. People can also find out more about the support Derbyshire Constabulary offers to the deaf and hard of hearing community. The surgery will be hosted by force Outreach Officer, Jane Birkin and a specialist panel. It will be held from 4pm on Wednesday, August 22nd. To take part, visit www.derbyshire.police.uk/virtualsurgeries

Charity Urges TV Viewers To Take Part In Subtitling Survey

Tuesday 31st July 2012 Action on Hearing Loss is calling on television viewers in Chesterfield who rely on subtitles, to take part in a major survey which aims to identify problems within the television network that may affect the quality of subtitling.

Action on Hearing Loss will be passing the results to Ofcom, which is currently addressing the problems that contribute to poor quality subtitling.

Roger Wicks, Director of Policy at Action on Hearing Loss, says: "The quality of subtitling is the issue our members feel most strongly about, so we are delighted that Ofcom recognises quality is an important factor when it comes to the effectiveness of subtitling." READ MORE...

Air Ambulance Called On After Chesterfield RTA

Tuesday 31st July 2012
A man had to be freed from his car on Sunday 29th July after he was trapped following a collision with a tree.

The incident happened in Chesterfield, leaving the casualty suffering from a double fracture to his leg and a head injury.

Derbyshire, Leicestershire & Rutland Air Ambulance (DLRAA) were called to the scene to assist with the extrication of the casualty, as crews have specialist training in freeing trapped casualties. READ MORE...

Police Visit Chesterfield Royal To Cheer Up Poorly Children

Friday 20th July 2012
Safer Neighbourhoods officers visited youngsters at Chesterfield and District Royal Hospital on Tuesday, July 17th.

They gave the children activity books and badges and took their fingerprints for special bookmarks. The young people were also spoken to about the work of the police and allowed to hold different bits of the officers' uniforms.

The visit was arranged by the officers and hospital play specialist team leader, Jennifer Reaney. READ MORE...

Men Urged To Learn From TV Soap And Get Help With Abuse

Friday 20th July 2012 Male victims of domestic abuse are being urged to call a Derbyshire County Council helpline as Coronation Street highlights the issue in a current high-profile storyline.

In recent episodes, viewers have witnessed popular long-standing character Tyrone Dobbs being victimised by his pregnant partner Kirsty. Abuse has escalated from Kirsty's controlling behaviour and verbal outbursts to hitting Tyrone in the face and cutting his lip, throwing objects at him and pushing him against a wall with his arms behind his back.

It is hoped the storyline involving a leading character will prompt local men who may be suffering in the same way to call Derbyshire's Domestic Abuse Helpline. READ MORE...

Diabetics Urged To Take Up 'Sight Saving' Tests

Monday 16th July 2012 More people are being urged to attend vital eye exams after health bosses revealed that one in four diabetics aged over 12 are missing out on sight-saving appointments.

Diabetes is one of the biggest health challenges currently facing the UK, and the number of new cases is predicted to rise dramatically over the next few years due to obesity rates and a growing ageing population, which are closely linked to the disease.

In Derbyshire the number of cases of diabetes in people aged over 12 has shot up - from around 21,000 in 2000 to 50,000 in 2012. This is the equivalent of 15% of the county's population. READ MORE...

MP Honours GPs And Nurses For Vaccine Success

Monday 16th July 2012 Chesterfield MP Toby Perkins has celebrated the outstanding achievements of GPs, nurses and practice staff in protecting more Derbyshire children than ever before from serious diseases.

A special visit, hosted by NHS Derbyshire County and NHS North Derbyshire Clinical Commissioning Group, took place at Holywell House Medical Group’s Grange Surgery on Stubbings Lane on Friday, July 13th.

During the visit, Toby met and greeted patients, saw a baby clinic in action, and spoke to key staff involved in overseeing the childhood vaccination... READ MORE...

Diabetics Action Plan Unveiled

Tuesday 10th July 2012 An action plan helping dozens of diabetics in Chesterfield reduce their risk of serious illnesses, is being drawn up by the new leaders of the NHS in North Eastern Derbyshire.

NHS Hardwick Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) is set to pilot a range of schemes which will help diabetic patients look after their complex needs themselves.

These include a new 'buddy' scheme where patients who have managed to combat many of the risk factors associated with the disease, such as heart disease and kidney failure, team up with newly-diagnosed patients to offer their support in achieving fitness, diet control and weight loss. They will offered to patients in Clay Cross, Grassmoor, Wingerworth and other areas of Chesterfield. READ MORE...

Breast Is Best In Bolsover

Friday 6th July 2012 Bolsover mum Terri Lee was guest of honour at a breastfeeding awareness family day and picnic at Bolsover Castle, organised by Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Trust.

Terri and one year old daughter Jaycie, were invited to give the celebrations some extra lift with the launch of 40 pink balloons, at the family day on Tuesday 26th June, to honour her family's starring role on the home page of a new Breastfeeding Family Online website. Terri, aged 27, from Nether Springs Road, Bolsover, said support was the key to success, "I've had good support from everyone and my partner Stephen has been brilliant, sorting things out at home..." READ MORE...

Chemotherapy Patients Benefit From Local Charity

Wednesday 4th July 2012 Chemotherapy patients at the Chesterfield Royal Hospital may not have to wait as long for their treatment thanks to a Staveley charity fund.

A cheque for £41,631 was presented on behalf of the Stanton Charitable Trust, a non-profit making part of the Staveley works (Saint-Gobain Pam UK Ltd) that was set up in 1987.

Stewart Nicholas Site Director for Saint-Gobain Pam UK was Plant Manager for the Staveley site and Chair of the trust. READ MORE...

DLRAA Use Extrication Techniques To Free 91 Year Old

Tuesday 3rd July 2012 Derbyshire, Leicestershire & Rutland Air Ambulance (DLRAA) were called to assist with the extrication of a 91-year-old female who was trapped in her car following a road traffic collision on the A625 near Chesterfield, where the casualty's car had rolled over and hit a wall, leaving her trapped.

DLRAA who are specially trained in extrication techniques, were called to the scene of the accident, which took place on 30th June at around lunch time. Once extricated, the casualty's injuries were found not to be time critical, and DLRAA therefore handed her over to the land crew for transfer to hospital.

Helping The Nation Hear

Monday 2nd July 2012
Chesterfield Specsavers will be supporting a nationwide campaign to encourage the UK’s citizens to get their hearing checked.

The Sound Check the Nation hearing booth will be making an appearance across the country as part of a pledge by Specsavers hearing centres to carry out one million free hearing checks across the UK by October.

And the residents of Chesterfield are being urged to join in and have their own hearing checked. READ MORE...

Top Position For Chesterfield Royal Manager

Monday 2nd July 2012 It's been announced that The Chesterfield Royal Hospital's Director of Facilities has been chosen to lead and maintain the nation’s healthcare cleaning standards.

Andrew Jones has been appointed president of the Association of Healthcare Cleaning Professionals (AHCP), responsible for managing and delivering cleaning and hygiene services in most NHS, state funded and independent hospitals.

Mr Jones has been a patron of the AHCP for two years after a former president introduced him to the association who were looking for... READ MORE...

Bolsover Health Roadshow To Recruit NHS Trust Governors

Monday 2nd July 2012 A health roadshow will be held in Bolsover Assembly Hall, on Wednesday 4th July, starting at 2pm, to recruit local residents who are interested in becoming the first ever governors of Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Trust's new foundation trust.

It is part of the drive to create a Council of Governors to lead the Trust as it becomes a fully-fledged NHS foundation trust, with a strong local voice, more independence and local accountability to the people it serves.

Health information about sexual health promotion, podiatry and living with children will be on offer as well as street physiotherapy and blood pressure checks. READ MORE...

Double Award For Care Standards For Derbyshire NHS Trust

Thursday 28th June 2012 We're told this morning that Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust's (DHCFT) Core Care Standards project has won two prestigious National Care Programme Approach Association (CPAA) awards.

Core Care Standards website was entered into the 'Excellence in Providing CPA Information for Service Users and/or Carers' and 'Excellence in CPA Policy and Practice Standards' categories of the CPAA Good Practice Awards, and notification of the Trust's success was received on 22nd June 2012.

The Core Care Standards were launched on 2nd April 2012, READ MORE...

Chesterfield Royal Hospital Patients To See Olympic Dream

Thursday 28th June 2012 Patients at Chesterfield Royal Hospital have the chance to see the run-up to the Olympic dream for real - as the Torch relay gets set to pass by the Royal's site during lunchtime on Friday, June 29th, 2012.

Staff have arranged for patients who are well enough - including some youngsters from its Nightingale Children's Ward - to have a 'front row' view, as this once in a lifetime procession makes its way from Bolsover to Chesterfield and on to Matlock.

But whilst the celebrations get underway for the event; behind the scenes, staff have been working hard to ensure appointments can still go ahead... READ MORE...

Breastfeeding Awareness Week's Flying Start In Derbyshire

Wednesday 27th June 2012 Mums, families and community health staff are organising an action packed week of activities and launching a new website and baby photo competition to promote breastfeeding awareness week across Derbyshire.

A new website - called Breastfeeding Family Online - is officially launched by Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Trust to help local mums and families with advice and support for breastfeeding, including comments from other parents about their positive experiences of breastfeeding their babies.

A photo competition to find the most amusing cute baby photo is also being organised by health visitors and breastfeeding champions at DCHS NHS Trust. READ MORE...

Chesterfield Royal Hospital - A Year On From The Fire

Monday 25th June 2012
One year ago today, a major fire destroyed the Chesterfield Royal Hospital's main entrance and the cafe, shop and services inside.

Now the new main entrance has been completed and other repairs/improvements have been made, we take a look back at what happened, along with new videos from the Royal's YouTube channel relating to the fire and the newly completed main entrance.

The fire devastated the Main entrance to the Hospital after a fire was started by a faulty fridge in the shop... READ MORE...

Taxi Driver Injured In Road Accident Airlifted To Hospital

Monday 25th June 2012 A taxi driver was airlifted to hospital on Saturday 23rd June after a road accident which resulted in the taxi leaving the road and coming to a stop in a nearby field.

Derbyshire, Leicestershire & Rutland Air Ambulance were able to land in a field adjacent to the incident, which took place in Chesterfield.

The 52-year-old male was immobilised on a long board stretcher and had a neck collar applied, before being airlifted to Sheffield Northern General Hospital where a trauma team were waiting to provide him with further treatment. READ MORE...

The Chesterfield Royal Goes Toxic For A Testing Morning

Friday 22nd June 2012 The Chesterfield Royal Hospital has put its skills to the test as part of a planning exercise in the event of a chemical emergency.

Areas of the Emergency Department (ED) were cordoned off and a decontamination tent was put up as 'Exercise Olympic Shower' allowed staff to put their emergency training into practice.

The scenario involved an incident at the Royal Oak roundabout where a passenger bus collided with a container lorry that overturned and sprayed passers by with an unknown chemical, some of whom self-presented to the ED. READ MORE...

Majority Of Patients Unaffected By Industrial Action

Wednesday 20th June 2012 With proposed Industrial Action by the BMA due to take place tomorrow, patients throughout Derbyshire are being reassured by NHS Derbyshire County that all emergency and urgent care will continue to be provided across the NHS on Thursday 21st June.

All GP surgeries will be open but some may be providing a reduced service by treating only urgent cases. Patients who need to see a GP urgently should ring the GP surgery for an appointment as usual. Hospitals and GP surgeries should have contacted patients in advance if routine appointments or operations have been cancelled. Any patients in doubt should check their hospital, clinic or surgery website. READ MORE...

Royal Pledges Support To Patients With Learning Disabilities

Wednesday 20th June 2012 Chesterfield Royal Hospital has now signed up to Mencap's 'Getting it right' charter, committing to improving healthcare and treatment for people with a learning disability.

Mencap launched the 'Getting it right' campaign during 2010 to call on healthcare professionals to commit to help ensure people with a learning disability can understand the treatment they will receive and take part in the decision making process.

Alongside the charter, Mencap will work with the Royal to develop... READ MORE...

Carers Week 2012 Theme Is 'In Sickness And In Health'

Tuesday 19th June 2012 Carers Week highlights the vital contribution made by Carers to their families and communities in providing unpaid care for someone who is ill, frail or disabled.
 
By providing unpaid care for someone they know who is ill, frail or disabled, Carers save the economy an incredible £119 billion per year - that's the same cost as running the NHS. Despite this - and the fact that 3 in 5 people will be Carers at some point in their lives - Carers often face a lack of recognition in all areas of their lives.

The theme for Carers Week 2012 is 'In Sickness and in Health'. READ MORE...

Chesterfield's Public Invited To Meet New NHS Leaders

Tuesday 19th June 2012 Patients and the public are invited to the June Board meeting of NHS North Derbyshire Clinical Commissioning Group on Thursday 28th June at their Scarsdale headquarters in Chesterfield at 2.15pm.

The CCG will take on responsibility for health care budgets from April 2013 acting on behalf of over 298,000 patients in North Derbyshire, including in Chesterfield.

Topics for discussion include Locality Plans for 2012/13 and the contract management of Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and Derbyshire Health United. Members of the public have an opportunity to ask questions about items on the agenda at the meeting. READ MORE...

Proposed Strike Action Will Not Harm Patients - Royal Bosses

Monday 18th June 2012 With Doctors planning strike action later this week, Chesterfield Royal Hospital has this morning reassured patients that those due to have routine operations and appointments at Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust on Thursday, June 21st 2012 have been largely protected from the proposed doctors' industrial action - thanks to a co-operative approach designed to minimise disruption and safeguard patient care.

Whilst confirming that it would be 'business as usual' for emergency and critical services - including the 550 patients already on its wards - the trust verified that the majority of surgical procedures planned for the day (around 140) were also set to take place. READ MORE...

Boost Your Bones To Avoid Hidden Dangers Of Falls

Monday 18th June 2012 Advice to elderly people to improve muscle strength and balance and avoid serious injury or death from falls is being issued by NHS Derbyshire County ahead of Falls Awareness Week.

Injuries from falls are the most common cause of death in people aged over 75 in the United Kingdom.

They also have a devastating impact on older people's lives - destroying confidence, taking away much-valued independence and causing loss of mobility. Last year the number of people being admitted to hospital in Derbyshire as a result of a fall cost NHS Derbyshire County over £10 million. READ MORE...

NHS Staff In Step For Workout At Work Day

Monday 18th June 2012 Healthcare staff at Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Trust are being encouraged to think about their own health and wellbeing for national Workout At Work Day - Tuesday 19th June.

A series of Nordic Walking taster sessions are being offered free to the Trust's staff across the county - with events planned by the in-house Occupational Health Team at Ilkeston, Clay Cross, St Oswald's (Ashbourne), Whitworth, Walton (Chesterfield) and Newholme (Bakewell) Hospitals.

Workout At Work Day - organised nationally by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapists - aims to highlight the benefits of having healthy and physically active staff and to encourage individuals to find time to adopt healthy habits at work. READ MORE...

Childhood Vaccination Uptake At Record Level

Thursday 14th June 2012 More children than ever before have been vaccinated from serious illnesses such as measles and meningitis C thanks to NHS Derbyshire County's childhood immunisation programme.

Take-up of the jabs - which start protecting vulnerable children from highly infectious diseases from as young as two months - are on an upward trend, with significant improvements in a number of key areas. These include the percentage of children having the MMR jab, which protects against measles, mumps and rubella and the PCV vaccine, which protects against pneumonia. READ MORE...

1 in 6 Derbyshire Women Are Skipping Cervical Cancer Tests

Wednesday 13th June 2012 NHS Derbyshire County are urging women aged between 25 and 64 to get tested for cervical cancer after new national figures show screening rates have hit a ten-year low.

Health bosses are also highlighting that 1 in 6 women in Derbyshire failed to take advantage of NHS screening tests last year, which have reduced cervical cancer cases by 42% since they were first introduced.

Take-up of the national cervical cancer screening programme has been in decline for the past few years, with NHS Derbyshire County saying that 1,000 fewer women have had the test... READ MORE...

Appeal By Police After Oxygen Tank Theft From Ambulance

Tuesday 12th June 2012
Police are appealing for information after oxygen cylinders were stolen from an ambulance in Eckington.

Between 3am and 4.30am on Saturday, June 9th, thieves stole two large oxygen cylinders from an ambulance parked at the ambulance station, Castle Hill. The cylinders are approximately one metre tall and are black and cream in colour.

Anyone with information about the theft is asked to call Derbyshire police on the non-emergency number 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Health Trust Hosts 2nd Live Equality Impact Assessment Event

Monday 11th June 2012 On 29th May, Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust hosted its second live equality impact assessment (EIA) on diversity event, in partnership with the Southern Derbyshire Voluntary Sector Mental Health Forum.

Members of staff from the Hartington Unit, Chesterfield, and Engagement team joined up to organise the 'Have your say' day.

The unit opened its doors to over 40 people from diverse local communities, voluntary sector mental health groups and partner organisations, to gain new ideas, new ways of working and increase communication. Patients, carer groups and staff also attended the event. READ MORE...

Derbyshire Healthcare Is Pioneer In 'Friends & Family' Test

Monday 11th June 2012 On the 25th May 2012, the Prime Minister announced he would be introducing an NHS performance indicator called the 'friends and family test' with effect from April 2013 on all acute medical wards.

This means patients will be asked a simple question: whether they would recommend hospital wards or accident and emergency units to a friend or relative based on their treatment. READ MORE...

Heartbroken Worksop Couple Inspired To Raise More Than £3k

Wednesday 6th June 2012 A Worksop couple inspired by personal heartache have fundraised more than £3,000 for the maternity unit at Bassetlaw Hospital and Chesterfield Sands, the Stillborn and Neonatal Death charity.

Emma and Matt Pearson, from Gateford, experienced every expectant parent's worst nightmare last September when their twin boys, Noel and James, were born 14 weeks prematurely. Tragically, both boys were born 'asleep'.

Despite their enormous grief, Emma, 30, and Matt, 35, found comfort from the care and support they received from the midwives at Bassetlaw Hospital. READ MORE...

Hay Fever Sufferers Urged To Prepare For Summer

Wednesday 30th May 2012 Hay fever sufferers are being urged by NHS Derbyshire County to talk to their pharmacist for allergy advice and treatments as temperatures have risen.

One in four people in the UK are affected by hay fever at some point in their lives - which are among the highest rates in the world. In 95% of cases hay fever is caused by a reaction to grass pollen, resulting in itchy, red and watery eyes, a blocked and constantly runny nose, itchy throat and palate, wheeze and even difficulty in sleeping.

Studies have shown that it can have a very negative effect on sufferers' lives - forcing thousands to stay indoors, or causing dangerous inflammation around the eyes. READ MORE...

On Site Parking Fees Set To Rise At The Royal

Monday 28th May 2012 The Chesterfield Royal has told us that, for the first time in two years, on site parking fees are to rise in price, the changes coming into force from June 1st 2012.

A statement from the hospital this morning says that income generated from parking fees will continue to support the hospital’s security services, car park maintenance and development, road marking projects and other related building schemes. READ MORE...

Northern Tea Merchants To Hold 'Blooming Great Tea Party'

Friday 25th May 2012
Raising money for a good cause is always more fun when friends are involved, and yesterday, Northern Tea Merchants on Chatsworth Road, joined in the fun and agreed to hold it's very own Blooming Great Tea Party for this excellent cause.

Marie Curie Cancer Care is also asking other people in Chesterfield to hold their own Blooming Great Tea Party this June and July to help raise funds for the charity. It can be as simple as a cuppa with colleagues, a vintage inspired tea party or even a larger party to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee. READ MORE...

Hearing Loss Charity Encourages Jubilee Fundraising Efforts

Wednesday 23rd May 2012 Action on Hearing Loss is urging organisers of Diamond Jubilee parties (2nd - 5th June), in Chesterfield, to make a right royal effort to raise vital funds for the charity's life-changing work for the one in six local people who are deaf or have hearing loss.

The call comes as Action on Hearing Loss - founded on 9th June 1911 - crowns off a year of celebrations marking the charity's centenary. Money raised for Action on Hearing Loss at Diamond Jubilee parties would help pay for the charity's pioneering projects, services and biomedical research improving the everyday lives of people with hearing loss. READ MORE...

Wax On, Wax Off! Tony Will Suffer Gladly For Emily Rose Bell

Monday 21st May 2012 It's for a fantastic cause - but we suspect organiser Tony Bingham isn't looking forward to one particular event during the Fundraising day for young Emily Rose Bell - he's doing a sponsored full body wax leaving just the little hair left on his head and his eyebrows intact! Ouch!

The all-day event, kindly hosted by CMC Motorcycles, Clay Cross on Saturday, June 9th, from 9am to 5:30pm, is to raise funds for Emily Rose Bell - the Derbyshire Times' Child of Courage 2012 Award winner - who was diagnosed with Leukaemia 3 years ago and, although treatment has gone well, is still waiting to find out if she is in remission. READ MORE...

Putting Patients At Heart Of Performance Gives Positive Results

Friday 18th May 2012 Performance at Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust over the past year has been strong and consistent, following a successful first year as a Foundation Trust according to targets set by Monitor, the independent regulator of Foundation Trusts.

Areas in which the Trust has achieved above and beyond its targets are: Seven day follow up, which has a target of 95% and achievement was significantly above that all year ending with 99.24%; CPA review in the last 12 months, has a target of 95% and the Trust achieved 97.35%; Perhaps the most significant achievement was that only 1.38% patients had a delayed discharge, against a Monitor target of 7.5%, demonstrating significant transformation of patient pathways through allocating acute Psychiatrists to relevant areas to contribute to this achievement... READ MORE...

Derbyshire People Invited To Have Their Say On Health Care

Monday 14th May 2012 Derbyshire people have an opportunity to have their say in the shaping of future health services in a public consultation launched by Derbyshire health organisations.

The consultation, which runs until 31st May, is inviting people from all over the county to attend a public meeting or complete a questionnaire online or by post, to agree a set of principles which will inform future decision-making.

The NHS in Derbyshire is faced with major challenges to find better ways of delivering health care, while at the same time meeting new... READ MORE...

Women's Services To Get An Upgrade At Chesterfield Royal

Thursday 10th May 2012 It's been announced today that, after completing the major rebuilding project that was the main entrance facility, two vital services for women will now be the subject of a major improvement project at the Chesterfield Royal Hospital.

The Women's Health Unit (WHU) is being transformed into a purpose built area at the same time as the adjacent maternity ward, Trinity ward, is given an upgrade to bring it into line with the style and workings of the Chesterfield Birth Centre.

The £1.2million development will improve the privacy and dignity of the WHU patients, bring all gynaecology outpatient clinics into one place and provide a shared staff rest room for both areas. READ MORE...

Chesterfield Royal Hospital Shows The Results Of Treatment

Tuesday 8th May 2012 "It's like coming home!" - that was the comment which greeted us from one of the
staff when we arrived at Chesterfield Royal Hospital this morning to see for ourselves the results of the rebuild of the reception area after the horrific fire of last year.

Ten months ago, late on a Saturday June evening, Chesterfield Royal saw their entrance ravaged by a blaze, which had begun as a result of a faulty fridge in the shop. Devastated officials at the Calow facility said it would take a year to rebuild and reopen. It would prove to be no mean feat... READ MORE...

'111' Line Ready For May Day Bank Holiday Advice

Sunday 6th May 2012 Experienced advisers and nurses from Derbyshire's new '111' health line will be ready to help Chesterfield patients needing medical advice when it’s less urgent than '999' this Bank Holiday.

Staff from the locally-run service, which is currently being trialled in North Derbyshire including Chesterfield, Matlock, and the High Peak, took 650 calls over the recent Easter Bank Holiday Monday - almost double the average number of daily calls the hotline has taken since it launched in October.

Available 24 hours a day call handlers and advisers will be on hand... READ MORE...

Chesterfield Students Triumph At WorldSkill UK Caring Awards

Friday 4th May 2012 Two young local students have excelled during an event designed to showcase their skills, Emily Monk and Thomas Wilton, both from Chesterfield FE College, were winners at the North West heat of the WorldSkills UK 2012 Caring Competitions, hosted by Blackpool and The Fylde College of Further and Higher Education on 2nd May.

Emily is 18 and currently studying for a Health Studies Btec. She has also been a carer for her grandmother for three years. Thomas is 19 and in his second year, currently taking a Btec Health Studies course whilst working as a health care assistant at Chesterfield Royal Hospital. READ MORE...

Help For Local Dementia Sufferers Launched

Thursday 3rd May 2012 The new Dementia Support Service has been launched in partnership with the NHS and is also aimed at supporting the families and carers of people with dementia and people coming to terms with a diagnosis of dementia.

There are currently around 3,250 people in Derbyshire who have been diagnosed with dementia and there may be more than 6,000 people living in the county who have dementia but are not diagnosed. By 2015 it is estimated that there will be around 11,000 people living with dementia in Derbyshire. READ MORE...

Cracking Crime In Grassmoor

Wednesday 2nd May 2012 Residents are invited to pick up free security equipment and get the chance to quiz their local police officer at a 'Cracking Crime' event being held in Grassmoor.

North East Derbyshire Community Safety Partnership (NEDCSP) will be running the drop-in event on Tuesday 15th May at Grassmoor Community Centre, running from 1pm to 3pm.

The team will be giving out free equipment to people who attend, including property marking kits and personal attack alarms. READ MORE...

Common Cancer Signs Missed In Third Of Young People

Monday 30th April 2012 This week sees the start of Teenage Cancer Week and as it begins, figures show that two thirds (61%) of young people with cancer visited GPs with at least one of the most common cancer symptoms, yet for a third (28%) GP’s took no action.

A quarter (26%) visited GPs four times or more before their symptoms were taken seriously and they were referred to a specialist.

The research, conducted at Teenage Cancer Trust's 2012 conference for 300 young cancer patients, looked at the experiences of young people... READ MORE...

DAST Celebrate After Government Review Legal Proposals

Monday 30th April 2012 Chesterfield-based campaigners and the local MP have given the Government's Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Bill a mixed reception.

Derbyshire Asbestos Support Team (DAST) are celebrating after the Government was forced to review proposals which would exclude suffers of Mesothelioma, a form of cancer caused by contact with asbestos, from 'no-win, no-fee' legal representation.

The Government wanted to block 'spurious claims', but campaigners, including Chesterfield MP Toby Perkins, forced the government... READ MORE...

Chesterfield Royal Supports Life Saving Awareness Week

Monday 30th April 2012 The Chesterfield Royal Hospital has produced a video as part of efforts to get behind a national campaign to help raise awareness of potentially deadly blood clots.

The tongue-in-cheek video has 'premiered' on YouTube and features members of the pharmacy team chasing a blood clot around the corridors of the hospital, finally catching it before it does any harm.

The video was the brainchild of Anna Braithwaite, Principal Pharmacist and VTE Prevention Lead. READ MORE & VIDEO...

Come And Meet Our Early Intervention Team

Wednesday 25th April 2012 Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust's North Derbyshire Early Intervention team is holding a service user and carer engagement event at the Winding Wheel, Chesterfield on Thursday 26th April from 11am to 2pm.

The Early Intervention team work with young people between 14 and 35 years old, who may be experiencing the early signs/ symptoms of psychosis, which is a recognised mental health problem.

The team includes nurses, doctors, support workers, occupational therapists and clinical psychologists. The aim is to provide young people with a confidential service that helps them get back to their usual self, focussing on people as individuals who may have different needs, and encouraging people to be actively involved in their treatment. READ MORE...

15 Jobs Created As New Healthcare Centre Prepares To Open

Tuesday 24th April 2012 The Craegmoor Group has announced today that it will shortly be creating 15 jobs in Chesterfield following a £900,000 investment in a new specialist healthcare service.

The Birches will be a specialist rehabilitation provision providing support and treatment for up to seven females with mental health and support needs. The jobs available include both management positions and support workers.

The Birches is a former care home, which is being refurbished to ensure the needs of the new client group can be met. It will offer five en-suite single bedrooms and a two bedroomed flat. READ MORE...

From One Tower To Another For Kids 'n' Cancer Charity

Friday 20th April 2012 Twelve intrepid Chesterfield cyclists will be 'on their bikes' shortly as they climb into the saddle for a good cause.

11 men, and 1 woman will be completing a 571 mile endurance ride to raise funds for the Kids n Cancer Charity, launched in Chesterfield at the B2net last week. The journey will see them travel between two landmark towers on either side of the Channel. They will start at Blackpool Tower on the 8th July and travel, via the Tower of London, to reach The Eiffel Tower in Paris, 8 days later on 16th July.

The daring dozen includes Autoworld employees... READ MORE...

National Award For Local Therapists Who Unlock The Silence

Monday 16th April 2012 An innovative campaign in Derbyshire - helping people to communicate when illness or disability robs them of the ability to speak - has been hailed with a national award for the NHS therapists involved.

Andrea Robinson and Ruth Young, speech and language therapists with Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Trust, were named overall winners in the national 2012 Advancing Healthcare Awards.

Under the Giving Voice campaign banner, both have worked tirelessly to raise awareness of how speech and language therapy transforms... READ MORE...

Giving Every Child With Cancer A Chance

Friday 13th April 2012 A new charity that aims to help sick children access revolutionary treatment for cancer has been launched in Chesterfield, at the B2net stadium.

Kids 'n' Cancer is the brainchild of a local businessman and has been set up to enable children with cancer and their families to travel to the US where they can undergo Proton Therapy, which experts believe is far better at reducing tumours and has less side effects than conventional chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Founder Mike Hyman told guests, including the Mayor and Mayoress of Chesterfield, that "Proton Therapy is fantastic - and the latest treatment..." READ MORE...

Norovirus Closes Chesterfield Royal Wards Again

Friday 13th April 2012 The Chesterfield Royal Hospital have informed us that with immediate effect, along with the ASHOVER and PEARSON WARDS - ROBINSON WARD has also now been closed to visitors due to confirmed Norovirus cases amongst patients and staff.

A reminder of why visiting helps to prevent the spread both in hospital and out in the community can be viewed by CLICKING HERE. We will bring further details as we receive them.

MRSA Action UK Urges People To Spread The Word

Tuesday 10th April 2012 MRSA Action UK is urging people to help spread the word about a hospital infection which is becoming increasingly common.

Andrea Jenkyns, who lost her father to the infection last year is now the East Midlands Rep for the Charity and she told the Chesterfield Post how it not only killed her father, but devastated the family he left behind.

This is Andrea's story... On the 15th November 2011, my life changed forever as a result of MRSA. My wonderful Dad, Clifford Jenkyns, passed away on that sad day. In July 2011, my Dad went into hospital for a routine procedure to insert a lung drain. This is where he caught MRSA. READ MORE...

Plea For Teen Girls To Have Cervical Cancer Jab

Tuesday 10th April 2012 Five girls in every Derbyshire school year could unnecessarily die of cervical cancer, with more facing invasive treatment, unless more come forward for the cervical cancer jab.

The shock figures, published by NHS Derbyshire County, are intended to act as a wake-up call to the 2 out of 10 girls living in Derbyshire yet to start their human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine programme - which helps protect them against the second biggest cancer killer of women in their 30s in the UK.

GPs and health bosses are also urging parents to advise their child not to delay in accessing this life saving vaccine. That’s because the HPV vaccine is most effective when it is given to teenage girls before they are exposed to the deadly virus - so that their immune system can build up resistance to it. READ MORE...

Information Station

Friday 6th April 2012 Hopefully no one will get ill over the break, but just in case they do, we have compiled a list of Pharmacies which will be open over the next couple of days and also the rota for buses around Chesterfield over the weekend.

Pharmacies open Good Friday:
Boots, Chesterfield 0900 - 17.30, Tesco, Lockoford Lane 11.00 - 18.00, Peak, Wheatbridge Road 0900 -18.00 (lunch 13.00 - 14.00), Tesco, Clay Cross 11.00 - 18.00, Holmewood, Heath Road 09.45 - 17.30, Inkersall pharmacy 09.00 - 13.00, Lloyds, Whittington Moor 09.00 - 13.00 READ MORE...

Royal's Annual Remembrance Event

Thursday 5th April 2012 The Chesterfield Royal Hospital is holding its annual service of remembrance for parents who have lost their children.

The service is organised and led by the Chesterfield Birth Centre co-ordinators, paediatrics, the neonatal unit, women's health unit and the hospital chaplain as part of the ongoing support for families who have lost babies and children through miscarriage, stillbirth, illness or accident.

The service has been running each year since the early '90s and always takes place on the Sunday after the Easter weekend, falling this year on Sunday April 15th. READ MORE...

Feathered Fabian Ends Chicken Run

Wednesday 4th April 2012 Chicken runner Fabian Cruz has chosen The Children's Hospital Charity as the one to support in his last feathered fundraiser.

Chilean born Fabian, aka 'Super Pollo', has frequently hit the headlines over the years as the caped clucker but due to tendon problems, is likely to hang up his wings following the Sheffield Half Marathon on 27th May.

Fabian, 47, has been taking part in marathons since 1984 and raised thousands for charities along the way. His charity work has seen him invited to Downing Street and be nominated to carry the Olympic Torch... READ MORE...

A Royal Welcome For New Chief

Monday 26th March 2012 Chesterfield Royal has announced today that they have a new Chief Executive at the Hospital and his appointment marks the first change in leadership for ten years. He replaces former Chief Executive Eric Morton who recently stood down after 9 years.

Gavin Boyle, 45, former Chief Executive of Yeovil District Hospital (also an NHS foundation trust), joins the Royal at an exciting but challenging time; and is in no doubt about how the trust needs to tackle the tough economic climate and NHS reforms. "I consider it a real privilege to be given this opportunity," he commented. "The Royal is already a successful hospital ..." READ MORE...

Meeting To Transform Patient Care In North Eastern Derbyshire

Friday 23rd March 2012 A group of GPs and clinicians representing the views of 102,000 patients in North Eastern Derbyshire are inviting members of the public to join them at their Board meeting on Thursday, April 12th.

Due to take place at North Wingfield Community Resource Centre at 2pm, the meeting will be an opportunity for people to come and find out more about the work of Hardwick Health Clinical Commissioning Group - who are set to take charge of local NHS budgets from April 2013 under proposed health and social care reforms. READ MORE...

Royal's Adult In Patient Wards To Re-open To Visitors

Thursday 22nd March 2012 Chesterfield Royal Hospital has announced that the recent 'ban' on visitors to adult in-patient wards, due to the Norovirus outbreak, is set to be lifted tomorrow - FRIDAY, MARCH 23rd 2012.

All adult in-patient wards WITH THE EXCEPTION OF PEARSON (which still has Norovirus cases) will re-open to visitors in time for tomorrow afternoon's 2.30pm - 4.30pm slot. Evening visiting will re-commence at 6.30pm until 8.00pm.

The trust is publicising its visitors code to remind people not to visit if they are ill, not to bring food and drink on to the wards; and to wash hands before entering and leaving. READ MORE...

Hope Gets The Help She Needs From Newlife

Wednesday 21st March 2012 One young Chesterfield girl, recovering at home in Chesterfield after major surgery, is looking forward to getting back to school with her friends - and keeping up with them thanks to her new lightweight wheelchair.

11 year old Hope Heeley has cerebral palsy and needed a lightweight wheelchair, which she can propel herself, to give her more independence and enable her to join in activities with friends. However, at a whopping £3,142, the cost of the lightweight wheelchair prompted her mum, Joanna Heeley, to apply to leading UK children's disability charity, Newlife Foundation for help. READ MORE...

SANDS Bring Out "The Best Of Chesterfield"

Tuesday 20th March 2012
In September, we brought you the story of 7 young girls and their charity walk which, they hoped, would swell the coffers of an appeal to buy a valuable piece of technology that would bring comfort to families across Chesterfield who had suffered the pain of losing a baby at birth.

Archie Hopkinson died after being born at 35 weeks in 2009 and his sisters Bethany and Courtney, along with their friends - all aged just 11 - volunteered to complete a walk in his memory to raise funds. The girls, Charlotte Thompson, Courtney Richards, Bethany Hopkinson, Courtney Hopkinson... READ MORE...

Teenage Pregnancy Is At Lowest Level For Eight Years

Tuesday 20th March 2012 Work to reduce teenage pregnancies in Derbyshire has seen conception numbers fall to their lowest level in eight years.

Latest figures show that the number of 15-17 year olds getting pregnant during 2010 was 441, a reduction of 5.7 per cent on the previous year when there were 477 pregnancies in the age group - and the lowest since 2002.

The number of girls in the age group becoming pregnant during 2010 was 31.4 per 1,000. This was significantly better than the national rate of 35.4 per 1,000 and the East Midlands rate of 34.5 per 1,000. READ MORE...

The Royal Shares The Aid

Tuesday 20th March 2012 The Chesterfield Royal Hospital's audiology department is extending its healing powers to the developing world.

The trust is sending nearly 5,500 old, unwanted or reconditioned hearing aids to under privileged children and adults across the world after answering a plea from registered charity Sound Seekers.

Robert Frear is the Senior Audiologist involved in the scheme, he said: "We got the letter through from Sound Seekers and just happened to have an entire cupboard full of unwanted hearing aids weighing 23 kilos..." READ MORE...

Chesterfield Royal Hospital Norovirus Outbreak Update

Monday 19th March 2012 Chesterfield Royal Hospital has today confirmed that, as it continues to try to contain the norovirus outbreak, it remains closed to visitors on all adult in patient wards.

There are signs of recovery however, with a spokesman for the hospital telling The Chesterfield Post that the decision not to allow visiting to adult in-patient wards over the last week has started to pay off. Norovirus remains 'active' on 4 wards (down from 8), and whilst all wards will remain closed to visitors for the time being, a review will take place on Wednesday, March 21st to determine if there has been further improvement and if the 'ban' should be lifted. READ MORE...

Shocking YouTube Videos Target Those Who 'Like Drinking'

Friday 16th March 2012 Did you know: 1 in 11 children in the UK lives with a parent who misuses alcohol?
 
Derbyshire Drug and Alcohol Action Team (DAAT) have launched a hard hitting new campaign, Like Drinking?, encouraging parents in Derbyshire to consider how much they drink and the effect their drinking habits might have on their children.

'Like Drinking?' centres on a set of online videos, which make clear the potential consequences irresponsible attitudes to alcohol can have; particularly where children are involved. The official videos have now been launched. READ MORE & VIDEO...

Champions Prove They Are Winners In Fighting Infection

Friday 16th March 2012
An award-winning initiative to introduce infection control champions into wards, clinics and other healthcare settings throughout Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Trust, has been highly rated in a World Health Organisation assessment.

The champions' programme - which started three years ago with a handful of staff - now has around 170 members across Derbyshire Community Health Services who have volunteered to play a special role in promoting good infection control practices in their workplace areas. READ MORE...

The Royal Welcomes In The Next Generation Of Builders

Tuesday 13th March 2012 The Chesterfield Royal Hospital has now opened up its main entrance doors for the first time since last year's fire.

And, to mark the occasion, a group of local builders of the future, in the shape of second year BTEC level 3 students, were given a special opportunity to get a first hand look at a major building project in action.

The move re-iterates the Trust's commitment to working with local businesses and the local community - and provided the 17 - 21 year olds with a tantalising glimpse into an industry that they may one day be a part of. READ MORE...

Man Suffers 'Life Changing Injuries' After Horse Is Spooked

Tuesday 13th March 2012 A road in Chesterfield was closed for several hours on Sunday, 11th March, due to an accident involving a horse and cart.

Police were called to the incident on Handley Road, New Whittington at 12.28pm. Eyewitnesses told us that the horse appeared to have been spooked and had bolted.

Police have confirmed that the male driver of the cart sustained what are described as 'life changing injuries' and was taken to hospital. They also told The Chesterfield Post that the horse suffered no injuries.

Chesterfield Royal Closed To Visitors As Norovirus Returns

Monday 12th March 2012 Chesterfield Royal Hospital has told us that once again it has had to take the difficult decision to close wards as 8 have now fallen foul of the norovirus.

They are advising that as of today they are closed to visitors in order to try and prevent the spread of the infection further. They are asking that if you have a relative who is a patient in the hospital, you call the ward and ask for further advice(exceptions may apply in some cases).

The normal running of the hospital is not currently affected and we will keep you up to date with developments as they happen. READ MORE...

Seal Of Approval For The Chesterfield Royal's Cancer Care

Tuesday 6th March 2012 The Chesterfield Royal Hospital has been given a nationally recognised seal of approval for its cancer care services.

The Chemotherapy Unit based on Cavendish suite has been given the Macmillan Quality Environment Mark, designed to assess aspects of cancer care associated with the welcoming nature, privacy and dignity, comfort and how the service meets patients' needs and expectations.

The Royal is the only Trust in the North Trent Cancer Network to have attained the mark. READ MORE...

Badge Of Excellence For NHS Trust Tipped For 2nd Award

Tuesday 6th March 2012 Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Trust will this week receive a prestigious Investors in Excellence standard for the running of its patient services.

The Trust - which looks after patients in 13 community hospitals across Derbyshire in addition to providing services in health centres and other settings - is the only Trust in the NHS currently holding the standard and the first ever Community Trust to meet the rigorous assessment required to achieve the Investors in Excellence standard.

At the same time, the Trust's Improvement Leaders Capability Programme, which empowers staff to introduce new ways of working for the benefit of patients, is a finalist for a specialist award to be announced at the Midlands Excellence Awards Ceremony in Birmingham on Thursday, 8th March. READ MORE...

Taking A Step To A Healthier Lifestyle

Tuesday 6th March 2012 A healthy walking campaign in Chesterfield is adding a new aspect to its programme from the 23rd of March.

Special buggy walks for parents and their children will be introduced to give people the opportunity to meet, socialise and get active at the same time. All the walks on the Healthy Walking programme are free and last between 30 and 90 minutes on flat, easy routes and are led by trained walk leaders.

The initiative is run by Chesterfield Borough Council, with funding from NHS Derbyshire County and support from Active Derbyshire.  READ MORE...

Derbyshire NHS Trust's New IAPT Initiative Launches

Friday 2nd March 2012 Derbyshire Healthcare's innovative new IAPT (Improving Access to Psychological Therapies) service for children and adolescents is launched today (Friday 2nd March 2012) with an event taking place at Pride Park Stadium, Derby.

The Trust has been working collaboratively with a number of other organisations on the project, led by Salford Cognitive Therapy Training Centre at Greater Manchester West Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, to develop a service providing specialised training for clinicians working with children and young people. The successful bid was awarded more than £2.7 million by the Department of Health in November 2011, and this launch event marks the start of the process. READ MORE...

Chesterfield Royal's Murphy Ward Closed To Visitors

Thursday 1st March 2012 Chesterfield Royal has just informed us that it has taken what it calls, 'the difficult decision' to close Murphy ward to all visitors after all bays and rooms on the 27-bedded ward have become affected by Norovirus.

The decision has been taken to protect members of the public as, due to the extremely contagious nature of Norovirus, the risk of the bug spreading into the wider community is too great.

Relatives of patients on Murphy ward have been told about the decision and individual enquiries for visits will be considered depending on the circumstances of the patient (relatives will have the risks explained to them). Please ring the ward between 1.30 - 2.30pm on 01246 512339 for all enquiries. READ MORE...

Spireites' Jamie Lowry Backs Cancer Charity

Tuesday 28th February 2012 Top Chesterfield footballer Jamie Lowry is backing an appeal by a leading cancer charity to help thousands of families affected by the disease to spend more precious time together.

The 'Extra Time' campaign is being launched to celebrate leap day (February 29th) by Weston Park Hospital Cancer Charity, which raises funds to support Weston Park Hospital, one of just four specialist cancer hospitals in England.

'Extra Time'stems from the idea that each leap year we all benefit from an 'extra' day. Thanks to Weston Park Hospital, more cancer patients are being... READ MORE...

Warning Given On Danger Of Using Illegal Tattooists

Tuesday 28th February 2012 Chesterfield Borough Council is warning the public to stay away from unregistered tattooists following an increasing number of complaints.

They say that all registered tattooists in Chesterfield have undergone rigorous inspections by the Council's Health and Safety Officers before they are permitted to trade. They must provide clean and hygienic premises, use infection control techniques in order to kill off the bacteria and viruses which cause infection. Good quality tattooing equipment can be very expensive, therefore unregistered operators are more likely to use cheap tattooing kits... READ MORE...

Charities Urge Local Youth Not To Suffer Self Harm In Silence

Monday 27th February 2012
Research by ChildLine, selfharm.co.uk, YouthNet and YoungMinds to coincide with National Self-Harm Awareness Day on Thursday (1st March) found that, among 1,398 young people surveyed, more than half admitted to hurting themselves on a daily basis or a few times a week.

The survey revealed that 41% of young people who had hurt themselves, had not told anybody about it and those who did, were most likely to tell friends first. However, the large majority felt that this hadn't helped and still went on to hurt themselves as a way of 'coping'. READ MORE & VIDEO...

Local Residents Invited To Join Hearing Loss Charity's Panel

Monday 27th February 2012 Action on Hearing Loss - formerly RNID - is inviting people in Chesterfield who are deaf or have hearing loss or tinnitus to join the charity's new research panel and help influence the organisation's work.

Panellists will have regular opportunities to take part in the charity's research projects by completing short surveys as well as through one-to-one interviews and focus groups. Evidence gathered through the research will inform Action on Hearing Loss's policy, services and campaigning work for a world where hearing loss doesn't limit or label people, tinnitus is silenced and where people value their hearing enough to look after it. READ MORE...

Patients Benefit From Record Levels Of Flu Awareness

Monday 27th February 2012 Fewer lives have been put at risk from flu this winter thanks to a major awareness-raising programme driven by NHS Derby City and NHS Derbyshire County.

The two NHS trusts - who are working together to support the handover of NHS budgets to local GP commissioning groups from April 2013 - smashed national flu targets to hit their best-ever seasonal flu vaccination figures.

In Derbyshire, this resulted in 75.6% of elderly people having the jab, a figure which rose to 76.1% in Derby. Both Trusts beat the Department of Health's required 75% target... READ MORE...

Chesterfield Royal Adult In-Patient Wards Re-Open To Visitors

Thursday 23rd February 2012 After restricting visitors to the hospital for just over a week, Chesterfield Royal Hospital has informed us this morning that from 2.30 pm today (Thursday 23rd Feb), the adult inpatient wards will re-open to visitors.

The development does comes with restrictions for visitors though as some wards still harbour Norovirus cases. Visiting will be at the Ward Matron's discretion and hand washing with soap and water before entering a ward environment will be mandatory, as part of ongoing measures to stop the spread of the bug.

The difficult decision to close was taken on Wednesday 15th February due to the unusually high level of Norovirus cases and they say they have started to see a decline in the number of new cases. READ MORE...

Communities That Work Project Draws To A Close

Wednesday 22nd February 2012

A scheme to help people find work in the Chesterfield area is to wind up at the end of March after a successful, extended six-year term.

Since 2008, the Communities That Work project has been funded by Chesterfield Borough Council and run by Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Trust to help unemployed people facing economic, social and health barriers in their search for work. It was initially started in 2006 under the government-backed Coalfields Regeneration Trust. READ MORE...

Consultation Ahead Of £200m Elderly Care Transformation

Tuesday 21st February 2012 Plans for a £200 million investment to transform residential and community care across Derbyshire have now been approved and announced.

Derbyshire County Council's Cabinet gave the ambitious scheme - to deliver dementia-friendly care and state-of-the-art accommodation to hundreds of older people - the go-ahead at its meeting yesterday, Monday 20th February.

County Council Cabinet Member for Adult Care Councillor Charles Jones described the plans as offering five-star accommodation, care and support services for everyone in Derbyshire... READ MORE...

Local Dementia Group Pilot Success For Derbyshire Healthcare

Tuesday 21st February 2012 Occupational Therapists, including April Saunders and Jenny Gould, from Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust's Community Mental Health team for Older People (North East) recently ran a community group therapy pilot, the 'Killamarsh Tuesday Group', for people with dementia in the local area.

This was following feedback from a local GP that more support was needed for people with dementia.

The group consisted of 12 participants and ran for 12 weeks, every Tuesday for four hours a day. READ MORE...

UPDATE: Chesterfield Royal Hospital Norovirus Outbreak

Monday 20th February 2012 Chesterfield Royal Hospital have told us this morning that unfortunately the situation remains the same at the hospital with visitors still unable to attend adult in patient wards.

The hospital continues to do everything it can to contain the outbreak and stop it spreading further and has produced a video explaining to patients, their families and the community about the precautions taken and why.

The video can be viewed on the hospital's YouTube channel - please follow this link - NOROVIRUS VIDEO

UPDATE: Chesterfield Royal Hospital Norovirus Outbreak

Sunday 19th February 2012 The Chesterfield Royal Hospital continues to be closed to visitors to adult inpatient wards and it remains in the grip of what it calls "the worst outbreak we have known in years".

They say the infection still continues to affect patients and unfortunately, a large number of staff have contracted the virus and are therefore unable to work on the wards until they have been symptom free for 72 hours.

They have told us that they wish to thank everyone in the community for their "Tremendous understanding" at what is proving to be a difficult time - and have produced a video explaining how they are trying to break the cycle of this outbreak. It can be viewed through the hospital website - www.chesterfieldroyal.nhs.uk

More Virus Outbreaks Overnight At Chesterfield Royal Hospital

Friday 17th February 2012 18:15 Chesterfield Royal Hospital has told us today that, despite closing adult in patient wards to visitors, there have been more cases of Norovirus identified in the last 24 hours, and 9 wards are now closed to visitors tonight.

They are stressing though, that although adult in-patient wards are closed to visitors, A&E service and out-patient clinics are operating as usual.

They request that, over the next few days if your appointment is routine and non-urgent and you have symptoms of Norovirus, please call them to re-arrange.  Ring the number on your appointment letter or 01246 516090. To try to contain the further spread of the infection they are asking that on arrival and before leaving hospital, that visitors clean hands thoroughly using the handwash stations AND the hand gel (dispensers at entrances and in clinics). We will continue to give updates as we get them.

Volunteers Needed For World's Largest Bipolar Disorder Study

Thursday 16th February 2012 Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is recruiting for a research study investigating the causes of bipolar disorder as part of its collaboration with the Mental Health Research Network.

Anyone who has experienced one or more episodes of high mood (mania, hypomania or bipolar disorder) at some point in their life, is invited to take part in the study which will investigate how genetics and lifestyle factors, such as stress, interact to make some people more likely than others to develop bipolar disorder. READ MORE...

Chesterfield Royal Goes Into Lockdown As Norovirus Spreads

Wednesday 15th February 2012 Chesterfield Royal Hospital has announced today that it has closed the hospital to visitors of all adult inpatient wards with immediate effect.

It comes after eight wards have fallen victim to outbreaks of Norovirus, with both patients and staff suffering.

Norovirus (or winter vomiting disease) is an unpleasant 'bug' that causes violent sickness and diarrhoea.  It IS NOT a hospital acquired infection, but is an infection that spreads rapidly in the community. The illness is self-limiting, but can have severe consequences for patients who are already fighting illness and recovering from surgery. READ MORE...

Air Ambulance Attends Patient In New Whittington

Monday 13th February 2012
The Air Ambulance was called to an incident on Station Lane New Whittington yesterday (Sunday 12th February).

East Midlands Ambulance Service has confirmed today that it received an emergency call at 10:58 on Sunday 12th February 2012 and the caller reported that someone had been kicked by a horse.

Ambulance crews in a land ambulance and the air ambulance were dispatched, along with an on-call doctor who supports the service. READ MORE...

Chesterfield Royal Hospital Moves To Reduce Admissions

Monday 6th February 2012
A new unit has been set up at the Chesterfield Royal Hospital which aims to reduce the need to admit patients.

The Ambulatory Care Unit is based on Bay 5 of the Clinical Decisions Unit (CDU) and will provide clinical care that is not dependent on the need to admit patients into a hospital bed. Patients referred as unplanned emergencies and who are able to sit out will be seen promptly in the unit and managed by senior medical and nursing staff. This frees up beds that can be used for patients requiring inpatient admission on clinical grounds. READ MORE...

Fertility Specialist Prof Li "My Job Is The Best In The World"

Wednesday 1st February 2012 It's an issue that is sadly common and one that affects many women throughout our region.

Infertility problems touch thousands of couples nationally and there are many reasons why women seek help to conceive. However, it is something that many are unable to talk about except amongst their closest family and friends.

One local Doctor who helps many women in the area to conceive says that the problem can be dealt with successfully in many cases and makes an impassioned plea for women to help those who can't conceive. READ MORE...

Helping You Stay Safe And Warm This Winter

Wednesday 1st February 2012 With temperatures predicted to drop sharply over the next few days, Derbyshire residents are being encouraged to follow advice to keep themselves, neighbours and vulnerable people safe and warm during predicted cold weather.

The Met Office has issued a cold weather alert warning of temperatures dropping to -6C across the East Midlands towards the end of this week and Derbyshire County Council is reminding residents about some general cold weather tips as well as useful contacts for information and services they may need. READ MORE...

Spot Inspection Finds Good Patient Care At Ash Green

Thursday 26th January 2012 A Chesterfield facility that caters for people with complex needs is celebrating after a report published yesterday (25th January) found good standards of care are being given to patients.

The findings follow an unannounced visit by the Care Quality Commission, to Ash Green's Hillside Ward back in November.

Hillside Ward, which provides assessment and treatment for people with learning disabilities, was found to be meeting all the essential standards of quality and safety for its patients... READ MORE...

New Hospital Facility To Create 88 Jobs

Tuesday 24th January 2012 There's more good news on the jobs front for Chesterfield today as Chesterifield Borough council has told us this morning that a specialist hospital facility at Mastin Moor in Chesterfield is set to create 88 new jobs, and contribute significantly to local growth.

The new facility, run by the health and social care organisation Turning Point, will provide services for people with complex needs.

As part of the planning permission for the development, an agreement was put in place to maximise employment and training opportunities for locals. READ MORE... 

NHS Reform - Hear How It May Affect You

Wednesday 18th January 2012 People wanting to find out more about how NHS reform is progressing in North Derbyshire are being invited to the first public Board meeting of GP's and clinicians poised to take over the running of the local NHS.

North Derbyshire Clinical Commissioning Group are to hold the meeting on Thursday, January 26th at their offices in Scarsdale on Nightingale Close, between 2.15pm and 4pm.

The group is currently shadowing the work of the local primary care trust in readiness for the handover of NHS budgets to GPs and clinicians in April 2013... READ MORE...

Cervical Cancer Checks - NHS Plea To Women

Tuesday 17th January 2012 Women are being urged by NHS Derbyshire County to take advantage of life-saving smear tests ahead of European Cervical Cancer Prevention Week, which runs next week from 22nd to 28th January.

Cervical cancer is the second most common cause of cancer in women under 35. But going for a routine smear test can make all the difference - helping medical staff spot potentially cancerous cells growing on the cervix, or neck of the womb, before it’s too late.

Now NHS Derbyshire County is urging all women aged between 25 and 64 to think twice before they dismiss screening appointment letters, as early detection through screening, followed by treatment, can prevent up to 75 per cent of these cells turning into cancer. READ MORE...

Scheme For Hard Of Hearing Extended

Tuesday 17th January 2012 It's been announced this morning that funding has now been approved to extend a Derbyshire County Council scheme to help people with hearing impairments feel safer in their homes after residents said it made them feel more secure.

The council fitted specialist door chimes with flashing lights and vibrating pagers to the homes of 400 people with hearing impairments between May 2010 and last October.

Out of 154 recipients surveyed, 97 per cent said it helped them... READ MORE...

Local Health Services Meeting Prime Minister's Standards

Tuesday 10th January 2012 Local Community Health Services have welcomed announcements made by The Prime Minister on Friday, 6th January on improvements which must be made to nursing care - and have stated they are leading the way in providing some of the best nursing care in the country.

PM David Cameron made four pledges to ensure that all hospitals in England are providing patient care to the best possible standard: Ensuring nurses spend as much time as possible by cutting out paperwork and bureaucracy wherever possible... READ MORE...

10,000 Calls To New NHS 111 Helpline In 2 Months

Monday 9th January 2012 Over 10,000 calls have been made to North Derbyshire's new non-emergency NHS 111 number since it went live two months ago.

7,956 people living in the Chesterfield, Bolsover, Bakewell and Matlock areas dialled the helpline direct between 25th October 2011 and 2nd January 2012, with another 2,425 automatically diverted to the service through their GP.

NHS 111 is a new health telephone number being piloted by NHS Derbyshire County and North Derbyshire Clinical Commissioning Group. The number is for people needing health and medical care when it's less urgent than 999. READ MORE...

Prescription For Exercise Leaves Killamarsh Dad Fighting Fit

Wednesday 4th January 2012 If your New Year's Resolution was to lose weight and you're already picking the lock on the biscuit tin then take heart from a local success story.

Dad-of-two Mark Ward has shed over two stones - and found a new lease of life - thanks to a scheme that helps people tackle health problems through exercise.

The 40-year-old from Killamarsh has lost over 15 percent of his body weight in just over 3 months after signing up to the Health Referral Programme because of a long-term back problem. READ MORE...

Hospital Visit Proves A Tonic For Young Patients

Wednesday 28th December 2011
Christmas is of course a time for families, and more importantly children. For some though, the period is spent in hospital whilst their children receive vital care.

For youngsters on Nightingale Ward at Chesterfield Royal Hospital however, a tonic came in the form of a visit from Chesterfield Football management and players, when they toured the Children's ward and handed out presents to those receiving treatment over the Festive period. Every member of the squad was there and young fans were delighted to receive goodie bags from the lads. READ MORE...

SJA Get Ready For Winter And Advise Everyone To Be Prepared

Wednesday 28th December 2011 St John Ambulance staff and volunteers in Derbyshire are now busy making preparations to support the emergency services should the county be hit by snow and freezing temperatures again this winter.

Last year, and in 2009, heavy snow fell across the region just days before Christmas leading to a greater demand for the service provided by the NHS. To help alleviate some of the pressure, St John Ambulance staff and volunteers supported the ambulance service with 4x4 ambulances enabling them to reach patients in remote areas and provide immediate emergency care and transport... READ MORE...

Police, Pharmacy And Bus Christmas Opening Schedules

Friday 23rd December 2011 We have gathered together as much information as we can for you with regard to any changes to the Christmas and New year opening times for local Police Offices, Local Pharmacies and Stagecoach buses.

This is the latest info from these sources but please remember, if you have an emergency, please contact them as normal via emergency numbers. READ MORE...

Chesterfield Patients Give GP's Thumbs Up In National Survey

Wednesday 21st December 2011 Patients in Chesterfield have given local GPs the thumbs-up in a new national GP patient survey.

Feedback from the 2011 National GP Patient Survey, which details patients' experiences of visiting their GP, shows that doctors' surgeries punched above their weight in five out of the nine areas questioned - with more patients than the England average saying they would 'definitely' recommend their GP to another person and that they had a 'very good' overall experience at their GP surgery. READ MORE...

Infection Control Is A Breeze At The Royal

Tuesday 20th December 2011 The Chesterfield Royal Hospital is keeping cool in its efforts to reduce the risk of infection.

The trust has taken delivery of 200 brand new fans from Whittington Moor firm Barton Electrical Services that are easier to clean, use less energy and are more comfortable for patients than traditional fans.

The Dyson Air Multiplier doesn't have any blades, instead, it uses an electric motor to feed air into the cylinder that is released as a breeze when it hits a slit on the inside of the tube. READ MORE...

Royal's Calendar Girls

Monday 19th December 2011 A woman who lost her baby to meningitis has been raising money to help the Chesterfield Royal Hospital ward that tried to save her son's life.

Jaden Green was just days old when he was taken to the Royal four years ago but, despite the best efforts of the staff on Nightingale, he couldn't be saved.

Jaden's mother, Rebecca Hinchliff, now has two sons and, with the help of friends and family has this year raised £600 for the ward by posing for and producing a calendar called 'Real Women 2012'. READ MORE...

On-The-Spot Treatment For Chesterfield Party Goers

Saturday 17th December 2011 Police and paramedics have once again teamed up to help keep Christmas revellers in Chesterfield safe and reduce unnecessary admissions to A&E.

Derbyshire Constabulary and East Midlands Ambulance Service are running the 'PolAmb' and town centre triage to provide a safe mobile first aid point and prevent trips to the emergency department.

This is the second year the two emergency services have run the scheme after its success over the festive period last year. READ MORE...

Bringing More Smiles To Children In Hospital At Christmas

Friday 16th December 2011 Employees at SCA Hygiene Products' Chesterfield Mill have played Santa Claus to children spending Christmas in hospital this year.

They joined together with colleagues from four of the company's other UK sites to buy and gift wrap almost 100 presents for young patients at Alder Hey Children's Hospital at Liverpool.

On top of this, SCA employees have also added an extra £1,000 to fund improvements to the hospital oncology ward's waiting room. READ MORE...

Christmas Comes Early On Nightingale

Thursday 15th December 2011 Nightingale Ward's very own Santa made sure that youngsters at the Royal will have a very merry Christmas.

Dennis Widdowson and his wife, Mary, have spent the year collecting and buying toys and games to give at Christmas and out-did themselves this year by delivering hundreds of gifts ahead of the festive season.

And the Chesterfield branch of the Co-Op put the icing on the cake by donating enough rolls of wrapping paper to ensure that it remains a surprise until Christmas Day. READ MORE...

Police Base At Hospital

Thursday 15th December 2011 A police base has been set up at a Chesterfield hospital to increase communication and help make staff, patients and visitors feel safer.

Police Community Support Officer Adele Chapman-Jones from the local Safer Neighbourhood team is now based within A&E at Chesterfield Royal Hospital one day a week.

PCSO Chapman-Jones will carry out patrols around the hospital, run crime awareness sessions and be a point of contact for hospital staff. READ MORE...

Invite To Rate Local Hearing Services On Pilot Website

Monday 12th December 2011 Action on Hearing Loss - formerly RNID - is inviting Chesterfield residents with hearing loss to be the first to rate their experience of local NHS and private hearing services on the charity's new pilot 'online comparison tool'.

The charity is urging people to log on to the ground-breaking website which will help individuals find their local hearing services and choose those that are best suited to their needs. Visitors are asked to score and comment on the quality of services they have experienced during the last three months - including the clarity of explanation about their hearing test results, the usefulness of information about communication support services, and whether the service was easily accessible. READ MORE...

Biking For Blood

Friday 9th December 2011 A new charity in Chesterfield is hoping to raise it's profile - and much needed funds - during tomorrow (Saturday 10th December) at Sainsbury's store on Rother Way.

Derbyshire Blood Bikes is a newly registered charity (August 2011), and everybody involved is a volunteer.

Their aim is to offer a free out of hours service to the NHS hospitals delivering blood, platelets, plasma etc as at present, the hospitals currently use taxis and courier services. READ MORE...

Derbyshire CCC Captain Luke Sutton Retires Over Health Issues

Thursday 8th December 2011 After a three-club career with Somerset, Lancashire and Derbyshire, Luke Sutton has decided to retire from the game.

The decision comes in the wake of an exhausting 2011 cricket season after which Derbyshire’s wicketkeeper-batsman and club captain sought treatment for depression and anxiety.

The 35-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman said, "I have been aware for some time that I have problems with certain aspects of my mental health. I have always pushed myself to the limit ..." READ MORE...

Public Backs Plans For Foundation Status

Monday 5th December 2011 Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Trust has received overwhelming public support for its plans to become a Foundation Trust, it is announced.

More than 3,000 people have already signed up as members in support of the Foundation Trust plans, and results from a three month consultation on the proposals, which were published on 1st December, give a clear thumbs up from the vast majority of people canvassed.

The results reveal that most people are in favour and think it will benefit patients by providing a stronger local voice in the way community NHS services are run and developed in future. READ MORE... 

Chesterfield Royal's Timely Reminder From Chief Nurse

Tuesday 29th November 2011 The chief nurse at Chesterfield Royal Hospital is taking the lead in a bid to prevent the spread of infection on wards this winter.

Alfonzo Tramontano is reminding staff, patients and visitors that the best and simplest way to stop infection in its tracks is to wash hands with soap and water; and to use the gel dispensers available across the hospital - starting at the temporary front entrance.

"We treat over 60,000 in-patients on our wards every year and we have an excellent record," he comments. READ MORE...

Early 'Hospital Discharge' Advice Aids Care

Monday 28th November 2011 A new guide helping elderly and vulnerable patients in Chesterfield better plan their hospital stay will improve care and help them make a full and quicker recovery, health bosses from NHS Derbyshire County say.

Most patients stay in hospital for only a short time. But for those who stay in hospital for lengthier periods they may be unable to leave hospital, or transfer to community hospitals or residential homes simply because their care needs had not been planned earlier. READ MORE...

NHS Plans For Proposed Strike Action Announced

Wednesday 23rd November 2011 Patients in the area are being reassured that the NHS in Derbyshire is taking the strongest action possible to maintain essential and emergency services ahead of the proposed public sector pensions strike on Wednesday, November 30th.

NHS Derby City and NHS Derbyshire County say the local NHS is preparing for the strike, and disruption will be kept to a minimum - with plans in place to ensure services run as normal as possible. However, people should bear in mind that services are likely to be under extra pressure on the day. READ MORE...

Superhero Blasts The Bugs At Chesterfield Royal Hospital

Monday 21st November 2011 Children at the Chesterfield Royal Hospital have been visited by a different kind of superhero.

Hero Joe has been on Nightingale Ward to help raise awareness of the importance of hand hygiene and how cleaning your hands can protect you from a number of bugs and viruses.

Representing GoJo, who provides the Royal with a variety of hand gels and dispensing machines, the character visited a number of wards at a time of year when the importance of hand hygiene becomes particularly significant. READ MORE...

Giving Youth A Chance

Friday 18th November 2011 After figures released this week show that young people between 16-24 are suffering most during the recesssion Chesterfield Royal Hospital has announced that it is doing its bit to help give young people more job opportunities.

The Trust, in partnership with the Prince's Trust, is offering work experience to a group of 16 to 18 year olds from the Bolsover area with a view to helping them get full time employment.

The group of fourteen have been chosen from a taster session which took place at the Royal's Education Centre. The successful candidates will undertake four weeks within the central services directorate, culminating in a presentation on 16th December. READ MORE...

Ann's Generous Birthday Present to Children's Diabetes Charity

Friday 18th November 2011 Birthday girl Ann Mason from Brampton, Chesterfield, shared her happy returns and chose to present the £500 she received in lieu of gifts, to children's diabetes charity, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF).

The generous donation; which combines birthday money with additional donations from the Chesterfield Scarsdale Inner Wheel Club, co-insides with World Diabetes Awareness Month, currently occurring throughout November.

Grandmother of 5, and active Inner Wheel Club member, 70 year old Ann has worked tirelessly with fellow members to help generate funds for the JDRF, raising £2,000 to-date... READ MORE...

Free Parenting Skills Courses Across Derbyshire

Wednesday 16th November 2011
Parents and carers in Derbyshire are being invited to sign up for free courses offering informal and supportive advice on the ups and downs of family life with children and teens.

Two courses, called Living with Children and Living with Teenagers, are being offered across venues in Derbyshire at the beginning of 2012, and parents and carers who may want some reassurance or support with their parenting can sign up now.

Course organiser Jane Hawley said... READ MORE...

Healthy Walk For Christmas

Wednesday 16th November 2011 The Chesterfield FC Community Trust Walking for Health group is inviting Walking for Health groups in Chesterfield and North Derbyshire to join them on the 1st December 2011 for a Christmas walk followed by a Christmas lunch in the Legends Lounge at the B2net Stadium.

There will be two walks, the first will start at the stadium at 10.30am and will be for the more experienced 'moving on' group, this walk will be at a comfortable pace and will last for around 2 hours.

The second walk is for entry level walkers and will also be at a comfortable pace for around half an hour and will leave the stadium at midday. READ MORE...

Antibiotics Not 'Magic Cure' For Common Colds

Wednesday 16th November 2011 Antibiotics are not the 'magic cure' for flu and most coughs, colds and sore throats, which are caused by viruses, according to health experts at NHS Derbyshire.

Contrary to popular opinion, antibiotics are only effective against infections, caused by bacteria, and their overuse is contributing to a global rise in drug resistance - with more people being at risk of serious infections.

That's the latest call from local GP's and health bosses, who are reporting a rise in the number of patients with colds and flu-like symptoms expecting to be prescribed antibiotics as they prepare for European Antibiotics Awareness Day on Friday, November 18th. READ MORE...

Chesterfield's Angels Rewarded

Tuesday 15th November 2011 Chesterfield and North Derbyshire NHS held their 'Staff Recognition Awards 2011' or 'STARS' this weekend, which are designed to reward staff for outstanding contributions to patient care and hospital service.

There were more than 350 nominations, 38 individual and team finalists and below is a list of winners who were all proud and delighted to have won... READ MORE...

'Not The Olympics' Torch Relay Raises Money For Alzheimers

Tuesday 15th November 2011 Chesterfield-based chartered accountants Mitchells have helped raise £28,000 for Alzheimer's sufferers by taking part in epic national Olympic-style challenge.

The "Not the Olympics 2012" charity campaign was organised by the UK200Group of independent chartered accountancy and law firms, of which Mitchells is a member.

Twenty-seven participating member firms were tasked with relaying an Olympic-style torch across the country in imaginative forms of transportation, finishing at the Olympic Stadium in London on Thursday, 10th November. READ MORE...

Young First Aiders Honoured In County's Inaugural Awards

Monday 14th November 2011 Nine-year-old Emily Salmon didn't panic when her mum fainted in the bathroom, she put her in the recovery position and raised the alarm.

And just weeks later - during a trip to Toys'R'Us as a reward for her quick actions - Emily used her first aid skills again when a young boy collapsed with hypoglycemia. 

This week Emily, of Walton, won official recognition for her actions when she was presented with the Badger First Aid prize at Derbyshire's first ever St John Ambulance Youth Awards. READ MORE...

Open Invitation To Meet Local Healthcare Decision Makers

Monday 14th November 2011 NHS directors in charge of community healthcare in Derbyshire are inviting members of the public to join them in Chesterfield later this month when the Board of Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Trust next meets.

Patients, families, carers and local residents are being invited to sit in on top level discussions about services provided by the Trust when the Board meets on Thursday 24th November in the Committee Room, Walton Hospital, Whitecotes Lane, Chesterfield, S40 3HW, starting at 9am.  READ MORE...

Self Care Leads To Better Health In Chesterfield

Thursday 10th November 2011 Guidance on how patients in Chesterfield can better manage their health is being issued by NHS Derbyshire to coincide with national Self Care Week.

By learning how to self care - many people in the Chesterfield area can enjoy a better quality of life, suffer less pain, anxiety, depression and illness. Keeping fit and healthy, taking medicines properly, seeking medical advice when they needed, and finding out how to treat minor illnesses are also key.

Self Care Week runs from Tuesday, November 15th to Monday, November 21st. Keith Mann, Head of Primary Care Contracts, for NHS Derbyshire, said: "Learning to look after your health puts you in control of your life. It also improves the quality of your life and helps you live more healthily." READ MORE...

Six Out Of Ten People With Dementia Go Undiagnosed

Tuesday 8th November 2011 Government launches new campaign in Derbyshire to raise awareness of the signs of dementia and importance of early diagnosis

In Derby and Derbyshire it is estimated that 12,704 people are currently living with dementia, with 62 per cent of those without a formal diagnosis. The total number of people in the area living with dementia is expected to reach 17,234 by 2021. READ MORE...

Five 60 To A Healthier Lifestyle

Tuesday 8th November 2011 It's been revealed that Chesterfield school children will soon benefit from a specialist healthier lifestyle programme designed to increase physical activity, raise awareness and knowledge of nutrition choices and healthy food and improve emotional well-being.

The 'Five 60' programme from NHS Derbyshire will be managed by Chesterfield Borough Council across Chesterfield Primary Schools over the next three years.

It's targeted at children in years 3, 4 and 5 to reduce the level of obesity as measured through the National Child Measurement programme in Y6. READ MORE...

Flashing Out Foetal Alcohol Syndrome

Monday 7th November 2011 Students from Chesterfield College recently took part in a 'flash mob' in the centre of Chesterfield in order to highlight the dangers of Foetal Alcohol Syndrome.

This syndrome affects thousands of babies a year and is the biggest non-genetic cause of mental handicap in babies. It is also the only cause that is completely preventable.

College Childcare students posed with balloons up their jumpers and stood perfectly still for 9 minutes (1 minute for every month of pregnancy) READ MORE & VIDEO...

Norovirus Warning From The Royal

Wednesday 2nd November 2011 Chesterfield Royal Hospital is urging people to watch out for the signs of Norovirus after an outbreak has led to a ward being closed.

Anyone experiencing the symptoms is being urged not to visit the hospital and to stay at home until you have been symptom free for at least 72 hours as you can still spread the virus on during that time, even if you feel well.

Senior Matron for Infection Prevention and Control, Diane Simpson said: "We've had an outbreak on Basil Ward and closed it to reduce the risk of cross-infection to other wards and departments." READ MORE...

Cold Weather Plan To Protect Patients This Winter

Wednesday 2nd October 2011 Emergency steps preparing the NHS for cold weather snaps will help save dozens of lives in Chesterfield and surrounding areas, according to NHS Derbyshire.

Last year 68 extra people died in Chesterfield because of treacherous freezing conditions - which leaves the most vulnerable cold, alone and more susceptible to heart problems, strokes, respiratory illness and falls.

Now health bosses from NHS Derbyshire say they welcome the publication of the Department of Health's cold weather plan... READ MORE...

Chesterfield Royal Hospital's Main Entrance Begins Treatment

Tuesday 1st November 2011

Chesterfield Royal Hospital has announced that the £1.6 million plus scheme to refit Chesterfield Royal Hospital's main entrance is underway - with contractors beginning to set up their site base from Sunday 30th October.

It's been four months since a major fire destroyed most of the Royal's main entrance facilities - including the convenience store, reception desk and cafe. Work behind the scenes since has seen demolition undertaken, new infrastructures starting to be put in place and a fresh design agreed to give the whole area a re-style. READ MORE...

Local MP Supports National Health Campaign

Tuesday 1st November 2011 Chesterfield MP Toby Perkins has pledged his support to a national health campaign by attending the launch of the 'Meningitis Changes Futures' campaign at the Houses of Parliament last week, and signing the Meningitis Trust education petition.

The Meningitis Changes Futures campaign was launched at the Houses of Parliament on Wednesday evening.

The campaign aims to raise awareness of the long-term after-effects of meningitis, many of which are 'invisible'... READ MORE...

Ambulance Service Announce New Chief Executive

Thursday 27th October 2011 East Midlands Ambulance service has today announced the appointment of a new Chief Executive.

Phil Milligan will take up his post on December 1st, "Marking a positive step forward for our organisation and the care we provide to local people," said Chairman Jon Towler.

For the past year Phil has been Director of Performance and Provider Development at NHS West Midlands and prior to that has performed at a Director level at several acute hospitals... READ MORE...

Sheffield Royal Hallamshire Statement

Wednesday 26th October 2011 Sheffield Royal Hallamshire has given us this statement regarding Mrs Murphy ("My Life In Their Hands" Story Here) and we're pleased to reproduce it in full.

"Mrs Murphy has not been able to undergo surgery until September as she has not been medically fit.

"Unfortunately when Mrs Murphy did become fit enough for surgery we had to cancel the two confirmed dates she was given last month for her operation at short notice because we had emergency patients which had to take priority. READ MORE...

Chesterfield FC Gets A Shot In The Arm

Tuesday 25th October 2011 Ahead of their visit to Spotland tonight Chesterfield FC players have already strengthened their defences against one of their most disruptive opponents this season - influenza.

Staff at the B2net Stadium lined up to tackle the threat and showed a red card to flu thanks to Doctor Mark Blagdon of Avondale Surgery, an NHS Clinic in Chesterfield. Dr Blagdon, who is also one of the football club's official doctors, made sure that winter flu was left firmly offside by delivering the jabs. Spireites Coach Mark Crossley said: "A flu epidemic in the dressing room could seriously affect the squad and have an impact on the team's results..." READ MORE...

"My Life Is In Their Hands"

Monday 24th October 2011 A woman from North Derbyshire is hoping that her operation to deal with a brain aneurism will go ahead on Wednesday after it was cancelled by hospital bosses a total of SIX times.

Marie Murphy, 47, suffered a stroke 18 months ago and during treatment, it was discovered that she had the aneurism which could rupture at any moment and kill her.

Surgery is the only option and Marie was booked into the Hallamshire in Sheffield in July for the life saving operation to take place. However, a phone call just before told her there was no bed available due to a shortage of anaesthetists. READ MORE...

100% Vaccine Success For Derbyshire GPs

Friday 21st October 2011 Doctors and nurses in North Derbyshire are leading the way in the fight against childhood illnesses, according to latest figures.

Ten GP surgeries in North Derbyshire smashed challenging global health targets during March and June this year to achieve a 100 per cent success rate with their childhood immunisation programme.

The figures, recorded by NHS Derbyshire, place North Derbyshire GPs in the top ranks of consistent performers when delivering childhood vaccines, and follow high success levels recorded during March 2010 to March 2011. READ MORE...

Traffic Lights Not Given Green Light By Hospital Bosses

Tuesday 18th October 2011 Anyone visiting Chesterfield Royal Hospital at Calow recently will not have failed to notice that Derbyshire County Council is currently working to upgrade the traffic and streetlights at the front entrance of the hospital.

A temporary traffic light system is in operation, which is causing disruption and delay to patients and staff particularly as they try to enter and exit the site. The system has been regulated by the Police as there have been two accidents already. Stagecoach has already intimated that they will consider withdrawing buses from the site if the disruption continues. READ MORE... 

NHS Chief's Pledge To Equalities Charter

Friday 14th October 2011 A new charter signifying the NHS' commitment to promoting equality for all patients and staff has been signed by NHS Derby City and NHS Derbyshire County.

Chief Executive David Sharp joined health colleagues from across Derbyshire to pledge support to the commitments set out in both the Charter and the new NHS Equality Delivery System at an event held at Derby's West Indian Community Centre.

The Equality Delivery System is a new nationally-backed initiative... READ MORE...

Health Bosses Advice To Arthritis Sufferers

Tuesday 11th October 2011 Advice to combat the crippling symptoms of arthritis is being issued by NHS Derbyshire to mark World Arthritis Day on Wednesday, October 12th.

Some of the best ways to ease symptoms - which affects 8.5 million people in the UK - include regular exercise, controlling weight and avoiding stress of injury.

Now health chiefs are calling on Derbyshire arthritis sufferers to stay physically active to help reduce pain, stiffness, restricted movement, inflammation and swelling of joints and bones caused by the disease. READ MORE...

Asbestos Related Cancer Mesothelioma Changes Everything

Monday 10th October 2011 Life changed dramatically for Brian Brough when he was diagnosed with asbestos-related cancer mesothelioma in March 2010.

Until the shock diagnosis he and his wife, Patricia, had been planning to spend their retirement doing what they loved - walking around Scotland. But the 5 years he spent working with asbestos as a roofer in Chesterfield from 1959 means their dream will have to remain just that. Brian, 70, said: "This disease has blighted us. We love walking and had decided to buy a motorhome. We just wanted to be able to up sticks when we wanted and go roaming around Scotland and the islands. There's no way we can do that now!" READ MORE...

FREE Training To Confront Hidden Killer

Monday 10th October 2011 Free training offer helps smash target to tackle 4000 asbestos death toll. Tradesmen in the East Midlands can now take advantage of hundreds of hours of free asbestos awareness training in a bid to tackle ignorance about Britain’s biggest industrial killer.

During October and November 296.5 hours of face-to-face training have been pledged for tradesmen the East Midlands with an additional 5,570 hours of web-based training also available which includes courses in Romanian, Russian and Polish. READ MORE...

Be Clear On Cancer

Monday 10th October 2011 A new lung cancer campaign is being piloted in Derbyshire, and across the Midlands, from today as the latest figures reveal that over 660 people aged 50 or over in the county were diagnosed with the disease in 2009.

The figures also show that in the same year lung cancer claimed the lives of over 520 people aged 50+ in the county - some of which may have been saved if diagnosed earlier.

Lung cancer is the biggest cancer killer in England. The Department of Health's new 'Be Clear On Cancer' campaign is aimed at helping people recognise the symptoms of lung cancer. READ MORE...

Parents' Support Keeps Weighty Problem On Track

Friday 7th October 2011 A high percentage of pupils have taken part in a national scheme designed to tackle rising levels of childhood obesity.

Over 14,000 pupils participated in NHS Derbyshire County's 2009/10 National Child Measurement Programme, with uptake considerably higher than the national average, at 94.8 per cent compared to England's overall rate of 92.9 per cent in four to five year olds.

Uptake for ten to eleven year olds was also high - at 94.1 per cent in Derbyshire compared to a national average of 89.9 per cent. READ MORE...

NHS Staff Stir Up Fundraiser For Cancer Charity

Monday 3rd October 2011 Coffee and homemade cakes were the order of the morning as health workers hosted a taste-tickling event in aid of a cancer support charity.

Staff at NHS Derbyshire County's Scarsdale headquarters in Chesterfield held the fundraiser between 9am and 11am on Friday, 30th September as part of Macmillan's World's Biggest Coffee Morning.

During the event an assortment of temptations were laid out, including ice cream cone cakes, lemon drizzle cake, a special Malteser cake ... READ MORE...

Your Hospital Needs You...

Monday 3rd October 2011 Chesterfield and North Derbyshire's Royal Hospital is pivotal to all of us. We all use it and at some point in our lives, all need it. Many have expressed opinions about how it's run and how it works.

Now, you could have the chance to represent your area and help shape the future of the hospital at Calow. The nomination process for the latest round of governor elections has begun and, if you are a member of the Foundation Trust, you can put yourself forward as a candidate to sit on the Council of Governors. READ MORE...

Boost For Bowel Cancer Awareness

Monday 3rd October 2011 More people in Derbyshire have been given a life-saving chance of beating bowel cancer thanks to an awareness-raising campaign.

Independent research published by CI Research found that 72 per cent of people in Derbyshire were able to name symptoms of bowel cancer without prompting - 6 per cent higher than the pre-campaign results. Over a fifth (23 per cent) said they would check for bowel cancer symptoms in the future.

The 'Hey you…Remember to Check Your Poo' campaign ran for four weeks in July to highlight the importance of recognising symptoms of one of the most common causes of cancer - with survival rates of at least five years considerably higher if symptoms are detected early. READ MORE...

Experts Award Staveley Centre Full Marks For Dementia Care

Monday 12th September 2011
A community care centre that opened its doors 18 months ago has notched up a top award from dementia experts.

Derbyshire County Council's Staveley Centre is the first community care centre of its kind in the county and provides specialist services for older people in its tailor-made dementia-friendly building.

Dementia experts from the University of Stirling visited the building in Calver Crescent, Middlecroft, and carried out a detailed audit. READ MORE...

Pledge To Tackle Local Share Of 4,000 Asbestos Death Toll

Thursday 8th September 2011 A poignant target of 4,000 hours of free asbestos awareness training has been set in a new initiative to help tradesmen in the East Midlands and across Britain protect themselves from the deadly dust.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE), in partnership with the training industry, is calling for businesses to pledge free courses and hopes, during September to hit the target of 4,000 hours - reflecting the approximate number of deaths each year in Britain from asbestos-related diseases. READ MORE...

Prescribing Goes Digital At The Royal Chesterfield Hospital

Monday 5th September 2011 The Chesterfield Royal Hospital has announced that it is taking further steps to keep its patients safe, and pioneering a system across the region.

The Royal is the only Trust in the East Midlands to introduce electronic prescribing across the site which, according to a General Medical Council (GMC) report, is "12% less likely to be associated with a prescribing error than hand written prescriptions".

Martin Shepherd is the Head of Medicines Management and part of the project board that has overseen its introduction. He said: "It is widely recognised that electronic prescribing systems improve the legibility of prescriptions and remove the possibility of prescriptions being misplaced or lost." READ MORE...

Open Door For Public To Find Out About Their NHS

Friday 2nd September 2011 There will be a chance for local residents to talk to local health bosses about the latest developments in community healthcare across Derbyshire and Leicestershire and to have their questions answered during a meeting on Thursday 22nd September.

Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Trust are throwing open the doors to display examples of their innovations in patient care and to present their 2010/11 Annual Report - their first as a fully-fledged NHS Trust.

One of the aims of the AGM evening - to take place in the Ballroom at The Whitworth Centre, Darley Dale, Matlock - will be engaging interest and providing opportunities for feedback and questions from the public about community healthcare. READ MORE...

A Life Saving Lesson For Deerpark

Thursday 1st September 2011 Junior pupils from Deer Park School in Wingerworth had a lesson with a difference - when they studied first aid, staying safe and life saving techniques.

And all the school - children aged from 4 to 11 - got the chance to climb aboard an Ambulance to see if they could bring the 'resus Annie dummy' back to life!

Working with their non-emergency transport contractors Ambuline, the Chesterfield Royal's Head of Communications, Sarah Turner-Saint piloted the first-aid day as part of Deer Park's health week. READ MORE...

Parking Fees Resume As Royal Hospital Recovery Continues

Wednesday 24th August 2011 Chesterfield Hospital has today said that parking will soon return to normal as services resume following the fire.

They have told us that barriers will be operational again from Tuesday 30th August, meaning the parking charges will apply for the first time since the fire devastated main entrance services in June.

Stuart Ellis, General Manager of Central Services said: "The barriers have been working but, because they were managed and monitored by security staff based in the main entrance, there's been no way to deal with any access problems visitors may have experienced." READ MORE...

BBC's Cancer Plot Brings Screening Message Home

Friday 12th August 2011A high profile cervical cancer storyline on the BBC's 'Eastenders' is to stress the need for more women to take routine smear tests, NHS Derbyshire cancer screening coordinators say.

Regular cervical screening can prevent cervical cancer through early detection of changes to the cervix. Early detection and treatment can prevent cancer developing in around 75 per cent of cases. 1 in 5 women in Derbyshire risk cervical cancer because they do not take up their screening invite which detects cancerous cells before they start to develop. Now EastEnders fans will see popular character Tanya Jessop's battle with the illness... READ MORE... Picture courtesy of the BBC

Eye Services Get A New Look In Chesterfield

Friday 5th August 2011 It's been announced that a £2 million project, which will revolutionise opthamology services in Chesterfield, has been authorised by Chesterfield Royal Hospital's Directors.

They say that the Chesterfield Eye Care Centre will house all specialisms under one roof and these will include cataracts, emergency care, age related macular degeneration and orthoptics and will mean an improvement in patient services and over all patient experiences. READ MORE...

Latest Fire Recovery Update From Chesterfield Royal

Wednesday 20th July 2011 Coming up to four weeks after the fire. We have the following updates and announcements from Sarah Turner-Saint (below) at the Chesterfield Royal Hospital, Calow.

Fracture clinic and orthopaedic clinic (out-patient suite 8) Since the fire, these clinical services have been situated on Staveley Ward. For the last 2 weeks work has been undertaken to rebuild the roof, repair damaged ceiling areas and to re-decorate.

THESE SERVICES WILL MOVE BACK TO OUT-PATIENT SUITE 8 ON MONDAY 25TH JULY 2011. READ MORE...

Chesterfield Health Issues Profiled In Report

Monday 18th July 2011 There’s good news for those of us who live in Chesterfield. as a recent survey taken shows that people in the town are getting healthier, with more of us living longer than they were ten years ago.

Figures just published by the Association of Public Health Observatories show that on average men live for 77.1 years and women 82.7 years - a few years less than the national average of 78.3 years for men and 82.3 years for women. Early deaths from cancer and from heart disease and stroke have also fallen. The report highlights that in Chesterfield's poorest communities life expectancy is 8.4 years lower for men and 4.8 years lower for women. READ MORE...

Can You Help Someone With Dementia?

Monday 18th July 2011 A local care home who are holding their annual Garden Party on 5th August are asking local companies for any donations of gifts or prizes to help their fundraising on the day.

The Staveley Centre is a specialist residential home that cares for people suffering from Dementia, a condition that currently affects three quarters of a million people here in the UK. Dementia is the term that is used to describe symptoms that occur when the brain becomes affected by specific diseases and conditions. Symptoms include loss of memory, confusion and having problems with speech and understanding. READ MORE...

'Gift By Text' Service Opens New Opportunity For Royal Charity

Monday 18th July 2011 An innovative new scheme to help the Royal Hospital receive donations has been launched this week.

Every year Chesterfield Royal Hospital benefits from thousands of pounds given in donations and bequests - with every penny spent to improve care, treatment and the environment patients’ experience.

Trust bosses say that the new Text Donation Service means there is now an even easier way for local people to make a charitable gift - 100% of their donation going straight to the hospital's charitable funds. READ MORE...

GP's Congratulated On Vaccine Success

Wednesday 13th July 2011 More children under five are being protected from serious illnesses thanks to a childhood vaccination programme run across the county.

Annual figures released by NHS Derbyshire show that on average over nine out of ten children living in Derbyshire are now vaccinated against MMR by the age of two years. The number of children having their preschool boosters, which protects against diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, polio and MMR, is also at a record high - with 93 per cent having this jab by the age of five. READ MORE...

Hospital Blaze Recovery Update

Monday 11th July 2011 Two weeks on from the fire that ravaged the main entrance area of Chesterfield Royal Hospital bosses there have today said that they hope to have front entrance services operational by March 2012.

They have also said that work towards replacing the severely damaged fracture clinic is going well and the facility (currently situated on Staveley Ward) could be back open in 2 weeks and a temporary reception area will be established within the clinic itself.

The hospital is keen to stress to patients that all services remain open and operating as usual. READ MORE...

Derbyshire Community Hospitals Praised For Patient Comfort

Wednesday 6th July 2011 Three hospitals in Chesterfield have just scored very highly after being rated by a patient safety agency.

Walton, Clay Cross and Bolsover Hospitals are providing high standards of cleanliness, privacy, dignity and excellent quality meals, according to the latest nationally recognised scores to measure how well hospitals are looking after the comfort of their patients.

All three community hospitals, run by Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Trust, as well as another of its facilities at Ash Green Learning Disability Centre in Ashgate, were rated excellent or good in the latest Patient Environment Action Team Assessments READ MORE...

Independent Living Now A Reality For Local Residents

Tuesday 5th July 2011 More people with learning disabilities are living independently and taking control of their lives thanks to a project led by Derbyshire County Council and today, (Wednesday, 6th July), that will be celebrated at a daylong event at the Arkwright Centre in Arkwright, Chesterfield.

The morning session will be for professionals from all the organisations that have been involved in making the project become a reality.

The afternoon session, from 1.30pm, will be for people with learning disabilities who have found new homes through the programme to share their experiences, discuss the future and meet staff. READ MORE...

Leading The Way Down Under

Tuesday 5th July 2011 One of the Royal's nurse consultants is about to go 'down under' to teach the Aussies a thing or two about nurse-led endoscopy.

Ian Fretwell has been invited to speak about the development of nurse-led endoscopy clinics, traditionally led by medical consultants, at a conference in Cairns at the Tripartite Colorectal Meeting.

The tri-annual event is to share good practice between Europe, USA and Australasia and Ian has been invited to the event, fully funded by the organisers, on the legal issues, training and challenges in setting up a nurse-led service. READ MORE...

Latest Photos Of Chesterfield Royal Hospital After The Fire

Saturday 2nd July 2011 One week on from the fire at the hospital, they have today posted more pictures of the damage on their flickr page.

They show that, whilst the front of the hospital looks absolutely fine, behind the scenes is a different story.

Follow the link below and see for yourself just how much damage has been done to main entrance services and facilities. photos/chesterfieldroyalhospital

Up To A Year To Get The Royal Treated After Blaze Say Bosses

Friday 1st July 2011 Nearly a week after a blaze swept through the hospital, bosses at the Royal have tonight issued an update.

They say that, after experts have now thoroughly examined the areas affected by the fire it is expected to take between 8 and 12 months to repair. A large section around what was the shop will need to be demolished and work is expected to start on that in the next four weeks. When complete the area will be sealed from the elements and what's described, as a 'massive programme' will get underway to redesign and rebuild the facilities. A new infrastructure will also be needed featuring new electrics and IT systems. READ MORE...

Chesterfield Royal Hospital Fire - Latest Update & Video

Thursday 30th June 2011
Chesterfield Hospital has asked The Chesterfield Post to not only post the latest "Out Patient" video which we did HERE, which helps to explain the changes currently being undertaken at the hospital, but today, a further latest Video update from Chief Executive Eric Morton along with more images of the damage.

The hospital is working normally (The Editor can vouch for that after having spent time there last night and this morning there courtesy of a son and a broken wrist!) and there are lots of staff on hand to help. READ MORE...

Eyes Front For Free Health Advice

Thursday 30th June 2011 The eyes have it … NHS therapists donned funky glasses in an attempt to highlight the importance of regular sight tests for older people in Derbyshire as part of a falls awareness campaign.

The therapists from Walton, Clay Cross and Bolsover Hospitals gave falls prevention advice and information to nearly 200 people at a one-day health stall in Chesterfield market. Physiotherapist Karen Chapple, one of the event organisers from Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Trust, said: "We had a very good response. Falls are a real risk as people get older and become less steady on their feet." READ MORE...

Chesterfield Royal Hospital Update

Tuesday 28th June 2011 - 22:00 A spokeswoman at Chesterfield Royal Hospital has tonight given us an update on services at the hospital.

All Out patient clinics have run today again and the temporary reception is working well. The re -siting of some facilities is still on going with the logistics of the placing of some services like Security, Advice centre and patient’s accounts still being looked at. READ MORE...

'Get Your Life Back' After Heart Disease, Diabetes Or Stroke

Tuesday 28th June 2011 Chesterfield residents are being invited to a free event offering support and advice for anyone affected by Heart Disease, Diabetes and Stroke on Wednesday, June 29th at 1.30pm in the new b2net stadium in Chesterfield.

The 'Get Your Life Back', event, on Wednesday, June 29th at 1.30pm will see renowned experts from across the UK speaking on Cardiac Rehabilitation, Angina and Stroke, Health and Social care. Voluntary organisations will be on hand to offer advice and chat about local issues. READ MORE...

"Sprinklers Would Have Been No Use" - Hospital Bosses

Monday 27th June 2011 After reports emerged this morning that Chesterfield Hospital did not have a sprinkler system in place at the time of the fire on Saturday night the Board has today issued a statement.

They say that, "A sprinkler system would not have affected an electrical fire of this nature. This hospital meets all the latest standards for fire prevention and safety and is fully compliant with current law. Investment in the main entrance (fire doors and shields) helped to prevent this fire from spreading further. They did the job they were intended to do. There is no legal requirement for sprinkler systems, but it is an issue the trust will review with experts..." READ MORE...

LATEST UPDATE: Statement For Patients From The Royal

Sunday June 26th 2011 - 21:30
Chesterfield Hospital has tonight released details of what s likely to be happening tomorrow on site after the devastating fire which happened around 24 hours ago. Photographs have also been released tonight by the hospital showing the true nature of the destruction inside the main entrance/ shop area.

The key messages are:
 • All services open - Out-patient appointments and in-patient operations to run as planned (with some location moves as necessary - see below). Patients who are registered with our mobile text messaging service will receive a text... READ MORE...

Chesterfield Hospital Fire - "It Could Have Been Worse"

Sunday 26th June 2011
The Chesterfield Post has just left a press conference where it was confirmed by Sarah Turner Saint, Head of Communications that the Estates team are now on site completing a Risk Assessment of the premises.

Reading from a prepared statement, she told the assembled press that, "Its fair to say the damage is substantial, with structural problems to parts of the roof above fracture and orthopaedic clinics. What we're looking at the minute is to relocate some services soon and are hopeful that some parts of the A&E will be open today from 2pm for emergency ambulance patients only." READ MORE & VIDEO...

Chief Fire Officer Speaks To The Post

Sunday 26th June 2011
Bob Currie is the Group Manager of Derbyshire Fire and Rescue and he was present at the incident the whole time.

He told the Chesterfield Post how the night unfolded and what the implications were as it spread, "The initial call came in at 9.20 pm and we initially attended with 3 pumping appliances. However, we soon realised that they weren't enough and by the end had 10 appliances here, having drawn on support from our colleagues at Long Eaton, Derby and Sheffield. That's normal for this type of incident however, as it was classed as a major incident." READ MORE & VIDEO...

Update After Hospital Fire

Sunday 26th June 2011 Chesterfield Royal Hospital is this morning assessing damage to it's A&E, Fracture Clinic and Main Entrance after fire ripped through the departments last night.

10 fire crews from all over Derbyshire and South Yorkshire were called to the scene after the alarm was raised at 9.20pm. 15 patients who were in the A&E dept when the fire broke out were stretchered to other hospitals, with what are described as 'walking wounded' treated elsewhere in the hospital. The Hospital was closed to Ambulance and 999 patients and remains so this morning, with patients being taken to Kingsmill Hopsital. READ MORE...

Hospital Fire Statement...

Sunday 26th June 2011 Further Statement issued 01:00 -

"Fire Brigade report that the fire is out. Crew undertaking a search to check for any remaining hot spots.  Considerable smoke and fire damage, particularly to A&E patient reception and the fracture clinic, as the fire had spread in to roof space above these areas.

A&E remains closed until further notice.  999 patients transferred to other available hospitals in the area. 

Stress that NO WARDS have been evacuated as part of this incident - this has been reported via Facebook and is incorrect.  Please re-assure relatives that their loved ones remain safe and secure on wards throughout the hospital."READ MORE...

Major Fire At Royal Hospital

Saturday 25th June 2011
There is a major incident at Chesterfield Royal Hospital tonight with 10 fire engines in attendance.

The first call came at 21.58pm with the Main Entrance reported as being on fire . Within half an hour 10 fire crews had been deployed from Alfreton, Ripley, Clay Cross, Bolsover and South Yorkshire also in attendance.

Police and Ambulances are at the scene along with Chesterfield council Planning Officers and Enviromental Health officers. READ MORE...

Local Health Services - YOUR Opinion Counts

Friday 24th June 2011 People living across Derbyshire - and beyond - are being urged to get more involved in their local health services at the start of a major consultation by Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Trust.

Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Trust launches it's consultation about becoming an NHS Foundation Trust on 1st July 2011 and will spend three months, until 30th September, canvassing interest in local communities across the county. READ MORE...

Chesterfield Football Club Pitches In To Help Prevent Falls

Tuesday 21st June 2011 As part of Falls Awareness Week, Chesterfield FC Community Trust will be holding a Falls Prevention themed Extra Time Social and Gentle Exercise Club on Wednesday 22nd June.

Every year, more than three million people aged over 65, including half of those aged 80+, will have a fall. The consequences can be devastating, both physically and emotionally. Age UK is encouraging people in later life to take simple steps to prevent falls, such as having an eye test and getting involved in a local Falls Awareness Week event. READ MORE...

Derbyshire NHS Employer Shortlisted For National Award

Tuesday 21st June 2011
It is not often that McDonalds and the NHS are mentioned in the same breath. But Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Trust is punching above its weight by being shortlisted against McDonalds and other household names including Ladbrooks and the Cooperative Group in a national award for engaging with its employees.

Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Trust has been named as one of only seven shortlisted organisations nationally - and the only NHS organisation - for it's outstanding employee engagement strategy READ MORE...

Watch Your Step

Friday 17th June 2011 Thousands of older people are at risk of losing mobility, confidence and suffering broken bones due to falls and are being urged to watch their step by NHS Derbyshire.

Figures released by the local health authority to coincide with National Falls Awareness Week (20-24 June) show that last year 38,452 people aged 65 or over fell in Derbyshire.

The personal cost of an accidental trip to an older person is enormous - with many suffering an earth-shattering loss of function, mobility, confidence and independence, as a result of injuries such as broken wrists, ankles or hips. Tragically, many also lose their lives. READ MORE...

Successful Blood Donor Sessions Return To B2net

Thursday 9th June 2011
After seeing previous sessions oversubscribed Chesterfield Football Club is again urging local people to do something amazing by giving blood as the NHS Blood and Transplant Service returns to the B2net Stadium for yet another lifesaving donor session.

There will be 2 upcoming sessions at the B2net; the first on Monday 13th June, with the second to follow shortly after on Monday 4th July. Normally walk-in donors are more than welcome but such is the demand for previous sessions at the B2net that advance bookings are being advised. Call 0300 123 23 23. READ MORE...

Top Recognition For Dronfield Medical Staff

Monday 6th June 2011 A Doctor's surgery in Dronfield has just scooped a major national award from the Royal College of General Practitioners for the second time running.

Medical and nursing staff from Dronfield Medical Practice - which relocated to larger, modern premises on Dronfield High Street three years ago - was the first surgery in North Derbyshire to pick up the prestigious Quality Practice award from the country's leading professional body in 2003.

Now the surgery won the accolade for a second time. READ MORE...

Get A Life

Monday 6th June 2011 Shocking statistics show that North Derbyshire has one of the highest rates of vascular and heart disease in the UK and that 'significant' numbers of people who have had a heart attack or stroke never take up follow up treatment offered on discharge and resume their old lifestyle.

Experts say that as many as 80% of patients fail to attend rehabilitation appointments and therefore face a higher risk of another attack. These figures come despite North Derbyshire providing an extensive rehabilitation and aftercare programme and they are keen to publicise this. READ MORE...

Bowel Cancer Breakthrough In Derbyshire

Friday 3rd July 2011 The rollout of a cancer-screening programme in Derbyshire that has seen people up to the age of 75 tested for bowel cancer has been hailed a success.

Growths that could have gone on to become cancerous were found in 176 people since NHS Derby City and NHS Derbyshire County extended the age limit to people aged between 70 and 75 in January 2010. Out of this group 32 were diagnosed with cancer, with a further 411 having abnormal results requiring hospital scans or internal checks. An additional 100 patients may also require further tests and checks to prevent the third most commonest cause of cancer developing. READ MORE...

Bank Holiday Doctor's Services

Friday 27th May 2011 Patients are being reminded that they can simply call their usual surgery number if they need a GP urgently when their surgery is closed over the Spring Bank Holiday. They will then be directed to the out-of-hours service.

NHS advisers in Derbyshire also recommend that any patient needing a repeat prescription or medicine call into their local surgery or pharmacy in good time.

The call, which is being issued by NHS Derby City and NHS Derbyshire County comes as local surgeries and the majority of pharmacies confirm they will be shutting on May Day, Monday, May 30th. READ MORE...

Chesterfield Dentists Face Standards Tests

Monday 23rd May 2011 As National Smile Month begins it’s been announced today that all 126 of NHS Derbyshire's dental practices are now successfully signed up to the National Care Quality Commission Scheme it's been announced today.

Under the scheme, dentists are required to meet a series of essential standards in quality and safety covering five areas. These include 'involvement and information', 'personalised care, treatment and support', 'safeguarding and safety', 'suitability of staffing' and 'quality and management'. They will face regular monitoring from the National Healthcare Regulator. READ MORE...

The Royal Leads In Stroke Care

Wednesday 18th May 2011 Stroke care at the Chesterfield Royal Hospital is the best in the East Midlands and amongst the best in the country.

The results of the National Sentinel Stroke Audit gave the Royal's stroke unit a Total Process Score of 93% compared to the national average of 78% and scored higher in all nine of the key standards that ensure a constancy of care across the stroke pathway. READ MORE...

Top Derbyshire Doctor Is Face Of New Campaign

Tuesday 17th May 2011 A top Derbyshire doctor has been chosen as one of the faces of a new campaign to encourage NHS staff to plan for their own future care.

Dr Ben Lobo, Medical Director at Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Trust, is appearing on posters for the new 'Time to Talk' campaign for NHS staff across the East Midlands.

Dr Lobo said: "I am proud that staff working for the NHS dedicate so much time caring for patients, especially those near the end of their lives." READ MORE...

Man Jailed After Hospital Break In

Friday 13th May 2011 A man has been jailed after admitting breaking into workers' accommodation at Chesterfield Hospital.

Gavin Treweek, 41, pleaded guilty to burglary, and a separate offence of possessing an imitation firearm, at a hearing at Derby Crown Court on Wednesday, May 11th.

On April 24th, 2010 Treweek entered the nurses' accommodation block at Chesterfield Royal Hospital and stole a laptop from one of the rooms. READ MORE...

Local GP's In Landmark Talks On NHS Reform

Monday 9th May 2011 A landmark event discussing the future of the local NHS is to take place on Wednesday, May 11th at the Chesterfield Hotel between 2pm and 4pm.

GPs from Hardwick Health, who are trialling NHS reforms on behalf of 103,000 patients in Bolsover and North Derbyshire prior to the national 2013 deadline, will lead the high level talks.

The group of GPs was the first in the county to be awarded 'pathfinder' status by the Department of Health - an official recognition of the excellent track record they have in developing services... READ MORE...

Norovirus Closes Ward

Wednesday 4th May 2011 Chesterfield Royal Hospital is today urging people to watch out for the signs of Norovirus after an outbreak has lead to a ward closure.

Anyone experiencing the symptoms is being asked to stay at home until symptom free for at least 72 hours as the virus can still spread during that time, even if you feel well.

Diane Simpson is the Senior Matron for Infection Prevention and Control, and she had this message for residents of North Derbyshire: "We've had an outbreak on Basil ward and closed it to reduce the risk of cross-infection to other wards and departments." READ MORE...

No Decisions About You, Without You

Tuesday 3rd May 2011 A landmark event, aimed at helping shape the future of the local NHS is to take place at the B2 net on 5th May.

GPs from the newly-formed North Derbyshire GP Consortium, which includes 31 GP practices covering North Dales (Matlock to the Hope Valley), Chesterfield, Dronfield, Clowne and Bolsover, are testing government plans to reform the NHS ahead of the national deadline and are asking local people to attend to find out how any changes may affect them.

The event will kick off at the stadium at 6.30pm, running to 7.30pm with a buffet from 6pm. READ MORE...

Local GP's Trial Service Improvements

Friday 29th April 2011 A Scheme that aims to help GP practices spend more time with patients is currently being trialled at a Derbyshire medical centre.

Bolsover’s Welbeck Road Medical Centre is one of only seven surgeries in England and Scotland to be selected to take part in an initiative called Productive General Practice, reassessing the way GP surgeries work.

During the trials key staff at the practice, including receptionists, GPs, nursing staff, practice managers, secretaries and pharmacy dispensers, will look at ways in which they can use their resources better to improve services for patients. READ MORE...

10 Fingers, 10 Toes, 10 Years

Thursday 28th April 2011 The Chesterfield Royal Hospital has announced that once again it has been awarded Baby Friendly status.

The Baby Friendly Initiative (BFI) is a combined World Health Organisation and UNICEF project designed to assess the willingness of maternity services to support breastfeeding. The Trust was assessed against 36 standards and achieved 34 of these resulting in passing all ten standards. READ MORE...

Listening To How We Can Improve Dementia Care

Thursday 28th April 2011 Listening to frontline staff, patients and carers is an important part of making sure older people's mental health services in Derbyshire are of the highest quality and effectively meet patients' needs.

Around 160 nurses, health care assistants, carers and therapists - as well as patients and families affected by dementia - were invited to share ideas and suggestions for developing services for older people with mental health (OPMH) problems in Derbyshire's community hospitals. READ MORE...

Service Of Remembrance To Be Held At Royal

Wednesday 27th April 2011 The Chesterfield Royal Hospital is once again holding a Service of Remembrance for parents who have lost their children.

The annual event has taken place at the Royal for the past 20 years as part of the ongoing support for families who have lost babies and children through miscarriage, stillbirth, illness or accident. It is always set to take place on the Sunday after the Easter weekend, falling this year on Sunday May 1st. READ MORE...

Chocolate Treasure For Sick Children

Wednesday 27th April 2011

It was an 'egg-citing' time (sorry!) for sick children in hospital over Easter after a local company donated 164 Easter eggs and a bag of balloons to Nightingale Ward to help them celebrate the Bank Holiday away from home.

Right4Staff, based in Chesterfield, donated the prizes to help the staff prepare a treasure hunt for children being treated over the bank holiday weekend. It's an annual event which is organised by staff on the ward to allow children in hospital be a part of the experience and have a few chocolate eggs to enjoy READ MORE...

A Healthy Start For Local Low Income Families

Friday 22nd April 2011 Pregnant women and families on a low income are today being urged to take advantage of a free healthy vitamin scheme run by their local Chesterfield children's centre.

Nutritionists at NHS Derbyshire say vitamins are essential for healthy growth and development, and are currently available without charge to anyone qualifying for Healthy Start vouchers.

Healthy Start vouchers can be used towards the cost of healthy basic foods like fresh and frozen plain fruit, vegetables and milk READ MORE...

Ill Health Advice Over Easter

Thursday 21st April 2011 Patients are being urged to phone their own GP surgery should they need to see a doctor out of hours during the Easter break.

They are also reminded that they can simply call their usual surgery number if they need a GP urgently when their surgery is closed so that they can be directed to the out-of-hours service.

With 4 Bank Holidays coming up, NHS advisers in Derbyshire recommend that any patient needing a repeat prescription or medicine call into their local surgery or pharmacy in good time. READ MORE...

Ambulance Service Faces £5m Penalty

Monday 18th April 2011 We've been told today that it is 'highly likely' that a £5m penalty will be applied to East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) after it failed to meet national response requirements throughout the last financial year.

NHS Derbyshire County, which oversees the performance of the service, has confirmed that the fine will be applied in line with national rules that say that penalties must be levied if the targets aren't met. However, they have stated that the cash will be ploughed back into EMAS to support performance improvement. READ MORE...

PCT Cluster Chief Executive Appointment

Monday 11th April 2011 It's been announced that Derbyshire Primary Care Trust Cluster now has a new Chief Executive after the appointment of David Sharp who will take up his post with immediate effect.

David has worked in the NHS since 1987 and worked in Board level positions in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire since 1998. With a finance director background,he aims to use evidence to improve healthcare and patient experience within the NHS, and has a PhD based on work in that field.

As part of the NHS reforms, PCT's are working together in clusters to support the new environment of NHS commissioning by GP's and local authority-led, public health delivery. READ MORE...

Cricketer Yardy's Depression An Example To Us All

Thursday 7th April 2011 England cricketer Michael Yardy's decision to open up about his prolonged battle with mental illness proves there's never a wrong time to start fighting depression.

That's the message from Derbyshire County public health workers to people in Derbyshire who are in a similar position, and battling alone with the illness.

News of the spin bowler's illness hit the headlines recently when the Sussex captain announced he would be heading back home to England days before the widely anticipated World Cup Cricket quarter final was due to start. READ MORE...

New Regulations For Sunbed Operators

Monday 28th March 2011 Sunbed operators are today being warned that new rules are about to come into force from 8th April.

The Health and Safety Enforcement Officers at the Council have been advising of the new regulations that will require operators to:

• Prevent the use of sunbeds to under 18's.
• Provide sunbed users with prescribed health information about the risks associated with using sunbeds.
• Display prescribed health information.
• Ensure protective eyewear is available and 'so far as is reasonably practicable' used. READ MORE...

Parking Changes At The Royal

Thursday 24th March 2011 There's space for change at Chesterfield Royal Hospital - 50 spaces in fact!

They've announced that, over the next few weeks, free access car parking right at the front of Chesterfield Royal Hospital is set to expand - with around 50 new spaces on site for patients and visitors with 'blue badge' permits.

The revised layout will mean that around 120 spaces in car parks 1, 2 and 3 will provide the majority of blue badge parking on site - with around 30 other spaces available across the trust's grounds. It's aimed at keeping the main entrance area clear and meaning that traffic queues on the main road will be kept down to a minimum, ensuring emergency vehicles and public transport can get on site quickly and without problems. READ MORE...

H-A-P-P-Y

Thursday 17th March 2011 A report out yesterday suggests that staff morale within the NHS Derbyshire County remains among the highest throughout the NHS.

More employees are satisfied in their jobs than previously and more than before would recommend the NHS as a good place to work, according to the results of a survey conducted throughout NHS Derbyshire County and Derbyshire Community Health Services. READ MORE...

County's Dentists Champion Patient Scheme

Thursday 17th March 2011 Almost half of Derbyshire County's dentists are now championing a national scheme proving their commitment to patient care.

Thirty-eight of NHS Derbyshire County's 90 dentists have completed registration with the British Dental Association's 'Good Practice' initiative, where they sign up to a ten-point charter and undertake rigorous self-assessment.

Under the charter dental teams must demonstrate they can make dental treatment as comfortable and convenient as possible, review training plans once a year, and follow current guidelines on infection control. READ MORE...

The Royal Goes Global

Monday 7th March 2011 After conquering Facebook, the Chesterfield Royal Hospital has now reached another social networking milestone with its 1,000th 'YouTube' viewing.

Now having close to 4,000 Facebook friends the Royal has branched out further, delivering a range of its facilities and health information visually across twelve online videos.

The channel was created at the start of the year and already includes tours of the Chesterfield and Darley Birth Centres, the main entrance, the Advice Centre and news pieces on the Royal visits by the Countess of Wessex and Duchess of Cornwall. READ MORE...

Wards Closed At Royal Due To Infection

Saturday 5th March 2011 We have been told tonight that, due to an outbreak of Norovirus, three wards at Chesterfield Royal Hospital are closed to new admissions.

Relatives and friends of patients on Robinson, Murphy and Portland wards are being asked to visit only if strictly necessary and ALL visitors to the hospital are being asked to follow the hand washing procedure in order to stop the further spread of the virulent illness.

Royal Inspection For Hospital

Monday 21st February 2011 The Royal Hospital at Calow lived up to its name on Friday as it welcomed HRH The Duchess of Cornwall. The visit formed part of a tour of Derby and Staffordshire by The Duchess and HRH The Prince of Wales.

As reported previously in The Chesterfield Post, Her Royal Highness viewed and officially opened the Trust's £12 Million development of the Hasland, Elmton and Ridgeway Wards.

The Duchess was welcomed by a party including The Mayor and Mayoress of Chesterfield and then taken on a tour of the wards... READ MORE...

Safe And Sustainable

Monday 21st February 2011 A four-month long review of the future of children's congenital heart services is about to begin in England and the NHS is seeking the views of people in Chesterfield.

The NHS Safe and Sustainable committee has proposed four options aimed at reducing the number of hospitals providing children's heart surgery from 11 to 6 or 7. New quality standards are also proposed to ensure better care and survival rates for children. READ MORE...

X-Factor Family Ticket Draw In Aid Of Motor Neurone Disease

Thursday 10th February 2011 A fantastic opportunity to win a family Ticket for the X-Factor Show, Nottingham Arena, Tuesday March 22nd, while supporting the Motor Neurone Disease Association. All tickets are only £2 and available from the Co-op Department Store, Elder Way Chesterfield and the draw takes place on Friday 25th February.

Motor Neurone Disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that attacks the upper and lower motor neurones leading to weakness and wasting of muscles, causing increasing loss of mobility in the limbs, and difficulties with speech, swallowing and breathing. Please show your support and good luck!

A Royal Is Coming To The Royal

Wednesday 9th February 2011

Chesterfield Royal Hospital has announced today that HRH The Duchess of Cornwall will be performing the official opening of the new £12 million ward development at Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.

The visit will place next Friday, Feb 18th, when Her Royal Highness will tour the new facility, meet staff, patients as well as the architects (The Manser Practice, Leeds), building contractors (GB Building Solutions, Wakefield) and others responsible for the modern, innovative, energy saving design. READ MORE...

Kick This Bug Into Touch

Monday 7th February 2011 Players and management from Chesterfield Football Club and nurses from Derbyshire Community Health Services have joined forces to give one of the most virulent and severe winter bugs the 'Red Card'.

The 'Kick out Norovirus' campaign aims to highlight the danger of the winter sickness bug, one of the most contagious bugs in circulation, causing violent stomach upsets, mild fever, aches and flu-like symptoms.

Nurses say there are ways to ease its spread if people avoid public places like hospitals, schools and nursing homes and stay at home... READ MORE...

Modern Makeover As Partners Merge To Put Patients First

Monday 7th February 2011 Over 450 stroke patients in Chesterfield are set to benefit after a £1.4 million scheme has meant a new purpose built facility for stroke sufferers will soon be open at the Royal.

What a spokesman at the hospital termed a "Thoroughly modern makeover" is taking place, converting Eastwood Ward at the Chesterfield site and Speedwell Ward at Walton to a one site care and rehabilitation centre at Calow. READ MORE...

Drawing Blood To A Score Draw For One Lucky Donor

Monday 31st January 2011 A local donor who was one of the first to give blood at the new B2 NET stadium was Guest of Honour to see The Spireites grab a draw in the dying minutes of the game against Bradford on Saturday.

James Taylor, who has donated blood 52 times, was the lucky winner of a VIP day out after entering the prize draw at the first ever session hosted by the National Blood Transfusion Service at the stadium last November.

Joined by daughter Jessica, they enjoyed a 3 course lunch, tour of the ground and seats in the HTM stand, all hosted by CFC Director Ashley Carson. READ MORE...

Local Pharmacist Wins Award In Parliament

Wednesday 19th January 2011 A Chesterfield Pharmacist was one of only SIX health professionals to win a prestigious award in recognition of her work in helping to combat the UK's biggest hospital killer - blood clots.

Chesterfield MP Toby Perkins last week presented an award to Anna Braithwaite at the inaugural Lifeblood Thrombosis Prevention Awards held in Parliament this week in order to help to highlight the killer which accounts for as many as 25,000 avoidable deaths every year.

Ms Braithwaite, who is Principle Pharmacist at Chesterfield Royal... READ MORE...

More Fans For Chesterfield Royal Hospital

Monday 10th January 2011 A few weeks ago Chesterfield Hospital was appealing for friends on Facebook - now they're proud to announce they have fans of a different kind.

One new ward, Ridgeway, has just had 34 fans donated, along with two salon quality hairdryers and ten shaving mirrors by a Chesterfield organisation after one of it's members became a patient on the ward and, after recovering, raised money to buy equipment needed for the Trust. Harry Johnson, from the Chesterfield and Mansfield Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes (RAOB) was treated for Pneumonia ... READ MORE...

Flu Advice

Tuesday 4th January 2011 As swine flu cases once again begin to rise Chesterfield Royal hospital is advising people who think they or someone they know may have the illness to visit their website in the first instance for further advice. However they have this general information for anyone who may be worried -

1. Symptoms include fever or high temperature, tiredness, headache, runny nose, sore throat, cough/shortness of breath, aches, diarrhoea or vomiting.
2. If you think you have swine or seasonal flu then DO NOT visit your GP or hospital as you risk spreading it to the wider community, instead phone your GP or ring NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 for advice - this also applies... READ MORE...

Stroke Services Showcased At Hospital

Wednesday 29th December 2010 The statistics are frightening - around 150 000 people have a stroke every year, it's the largest form of disability and the 3rd most common cause of death in the UK - with 25 % of patients under 65 when they have one.

Women are also 3 times more likely to die of a stroke than Breast Cancer.

Causes range from smoking, drinking and lifestyle factors (weight and diet), to high blood pressure and diabetes. Family History of strokes can be significant, along with a history of previous small strokes (TIA's). READ MORE...

When A Child Is Born

Monday 27th December 2010 There were bumper bundles of joy at Chesterfield Royal Hospital on Christmas Day after 7 mums gave birth. 5 sets of parents gave permission for the details of the new additions to be released.

First born (that we have details for) was Poppy Louise Jones who arrived safely into the world at 6.59 am weighing a healthy 6lb 7oz.

Poppy had been due on Xmas Eve so proud parents - Amy and Craig from Higham - were prepared for a Christmas baby. Poppy is their third daughter, and new sister to Nicole (6) and Lily-May (3). READ MORE...

Ho Ho Ho-spital Visit For Spireites

Thursday 23rd December 2010 Chesterfield Manager John Sheridan and his players brought an early Christmas surprise to young patients in the Nightingale Ward of the Chesterfield Royal Hospital at Calow.

The Spireite players certainly took along some Christmas cheer as they greeted the youngsters at their bedsides, handing out goodie bags packed full of official club merchandise. The players and management team from the B2net had a private collection before their morning training session which was then passed on to Community Director John Croot, allowing the goodie bags to be filled with even more treats for the youngsters. READ MORE...

Don't Take Risks When Walking Home

Thursday 16th December 2010 As we're all out enjoying the Christmas Spirit, there's a warning that we need to take care whilst walking home. The message, from Derby and Derbyshire Road Safety Partnership is that the motorways and A roads are no place for pedestrians.

Partnership chairman Mike Ashworth said: "Every year, we see people taking risks after a night out. They try to walk home along busy dual carriageways such as the A38 and some even take a shortcut by running across the M1. READ MORE...

More MRSA Screenings Than Ever Before At Chesterfield Royal

Thursday 16th December 2010 The Chesterfield Royal Hospital has announced today that it has extended its MRSA screening programme to include emergency patients.

The infection control programme was introduced in March 2009 and meant that routine screening took place amongst all patients undergoing surgical procedures but, until now, that hasn’t included all emergency admissions. READ MORE...

Chesterfield Royal Gets Digital Tonic

Tuesday 7th December 2010 Chesterfield Royal Hospital is appealing for friends today.

It’s become one of the first trusts in the UK to set up a facebook profile (rather than a page) and it's hoped that they can use it to get messages across in a fast and effective manner.

There's also a new section on its own website where you can find videos showing more of the services the hospital has to offer and where to go to access them. READ MORE...

Give Blood, Give Life

Tuesday 23rd November 2010 As Christmas approaches, the NHS Blood Transfusion Service is asking people in Chesterfield to think about giving one free but valuable gift this Christmas and donate a pint of blood.

Winter is a crucial time of year for people who rely on blood transfusions, with winter illnesses and infections meaning donors are sometimes unable to give blood. Added to that, this year Christmas Day falls on a Saturday, which means that there will be a reduction in the number of donor sessions taking place over the two-week festive period. There will only be six full days and four half days instead of the usual full 10 days. READ MORE...

Hospital Make Contingency Plans Ahead Of Winter

Tuesday 2nd November 2010 Although it's only just November, Chesterfield Royal say they are already seeing a rise in admissions due to "winter illnesses", particularly on the emergency management and medical wards.

Hospital bosses are now advising that, in order to keep services moving and to make sure that patients continue to receive the high quality care and treatment they need, they have taken steps which mean that the hospital is less likely to close to emergency admissions. READ MORE...

New Era For Women's Health As New Unit Opens At Hospital

Monday 25th October 2010 A ground breaking Woman's Health Unit has opened today at the Chesterfield Royal and hopes to change the way the hospital provides gynaecology nursing and medical care.

The unit will house the Early Pregnancy Assessment Unit (EPAU), day case gynaecology surgery and a number of out-patient procedures, bringing all of those services into one place and providing a faster and more specialised service.

Matron Claire Lambie-Fryer is proud of the unit, saying "It's an exciting time and offers a much more efficient and streamlined way of managing and caring for our female patients who can be seen and treated without needing a hospital stay." READ MORE...

Doing Something Amazing At The B2net Stadium

Monday 25th October 2010
Now, we all know that many fans would do anything for their football team, but Chesterfield Football Club has been amazed by the response to requests to give blood during the NHS Blood and Transplant Service sessions at the B2net Stadium.

Already the first day, next Monday 1st November, is fully booked. Due to an overwhelming response, a second date has been added and bookings are now being taken for Sunday 21st November. There will be two sessions on this second day from 10.00am to 1.00pm and from 2.00pm to 3.30pm. READ MORE...

Your Hospital Needs You!

Tuesday 12th October 2010 North Derbyshire's patients are being asked to tell Chesterfield Royal how it can improve it's services.

850 questionnaires have been sent out to patients who had at least one overnight stay during August 2010 asking them for feedback on experiences ranging from quality of care, pain control, hospital food, cleanliness and information given during their stay.

Chief Executive Eric Morton said: "We pride ourselves on public engagement and listening to the patients that use our services and surveys like this one are important to help us find out what we’re doing right and where we could improve." READ MORE...

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