Operational Update - 6 March 2025 |
|
|
|
- Planning update for 2025/26
- Financial accountability, productivity, and efficiency…
- Making the best use of our estate and managing our costs
- Please act now: Room bookings within DCHS
- Further integration between DCC and DCHS
- Team Brief recap
- Key appointments in DCHS
- Management and leadership framework in the NHS – survey
- Annual leave purchase scheme (ALPS) – final call…
- Development of the Freedom To Speak Up (FTSU) service
- Applications for the latest A2B cohort are now open
- Please support our goal of becoming a HIV Confident NHS Trust
- And much more…
|
|
|
|
|
Planning update for 2025/26 |
Thank you to everyone who’s been involved in the 2025/26 planning process so far – in DCHS and across the system. This year’s national planning guidance is focused on local control, financial accountability, productivity, and efficiency targets. In terms of local control, our own system’s first draft plan submission has been sent to NHS England, with the final version due on 27 March. It is structured around six key themes:
- Neighbourhood health and urgent care
- Planned care
- Mental health and learning disabilities
- Maternity and neonatal
- Finance and efficiencies
- Workforce – addressing staffing needs and reducing agency spend.
This system planning work needs translating into action though, some of which will form part of our local (DCHS) operational plan for the coming year. Work on that is progressing and it is scheduled to go to Trust Board for approval at the beginning of April. We’ll share plenty more on that in the coming weeks, including the usual helpful summaries. And to ensure we’re all pulling in the same direction it’ll be important for you and your teams to review/refresh your own local priorities and ensure they’re supporting this bigger picture. |
|
|
|
|
Financial accountability, productivity, and efficiency… |
We know 2025/26 is going to be another tough year with the ongoing financial efficiency challenge and the unrelenting demand on services. We’re expecting the Spring Budget from the government later this month (26 March), and in June they will set out the results of their spending review and departmental budgets for future years. The NHS should not expect any windfalls or financial rescue packages from any of that, though.
As it stands our cost improvement plan for 2025/26 in DCHS is around £17m, which is 6.7% of the total budget. Subject to final agreement, we’re looking at around 3% recurrent and 3.7% non-recurrent (one-off) efficiency savings in our plan. So, it’s clear we must continue to do all we can to minimise inefficiencies and improve productivity in DCHS and across JUCD.
We’ve been through the first round of ‘confirm and challenge’ sessions with each of our enabling services to look closely at what process improvements we can make to become even more efficient, and to better support our operational services. This type of process has been happening in operational divisions for some time, so we’re trying to do the same thing right across the organisation to get the most out of it.
One way we can support that is the national shift from analogue to digital, and in DCHS we’re keen that we make the very best use of digital technology to improve productivity and add as much value as possible. We've shared updates recently on Microsoft Copilot, the AI support tool for Microsoft packages; it is big shifts such as that that are needed to make a real difference.
Nationally, the shift from hospital to community remains a priority as well, and we are well positioned to lead on this transformation in Derbyshire. The budgets and money will need to flow in the right direction though, to support us to deliver against the ambitious goals and make the three shifts a reality.
|
|
|
|
|
Making the best use of our estate and managing our costs |
In the face of these increasing financial pressures, we must take a proactive approach to managing costs while ensuring we continue to deliver high-quality care. One of the key areas where we can make a real difference is how we use our many buildings across Derby and Derbyshire.
By making smarter use of our estate, we have a significant opportunity to reduce unnecessary costs, lessen the need to find savings elsewhere, and ensure our resources are directed where they are needed most. We recognise that change isn’t always easy, but by working together, we can find solutions that benefit individuals, teams, and the wider organisation. While many of us feel a connection to our places of work, the challenges we’re facing are unprecedented, and difficult decisions about our estate will need to be made. It’s crucial that we all pull in the same direction - if you have any ideas or concerns, please don’t hesitate to share them. |
|
|
|
|
Please act now: Room bookings within DCHS |
In the same vein, everyone is reminded of the vital need to cancel room bookings if they no longer need them. The site optimisation group discussed the need for a crackdown on rooms being booked out but not occupied, meaning others can’t utilise the space. Specific examples of this happening were aired and the frustration it causes, as well as the waste of resources. If you are unable to cancel a booking via Resource Scheduler – perhaps due to lack of internet access or being on the move – you can ring the site receptionist who will be able to cancel the room booking for you. The contract for Resource Scheduler is due to expire at the end of July and the group is looking at alternative room booking platforms which might be easier to use on the move or on work phones. Please watch this space and check your Resource Scheduler bookings now to make sure you are not tying up valuable space you aren’t going to use. Room usage is being monitored. |
|
|
|
|
Further integration between DCC and DCHS |
Hopefully, you’ll be aware of the joint public consultation between Derbyshire County Council (DCC) and DCHS which asked for support to enter a formal partnership for assessment and reablement services. This would be in the form of a Section 75 partnership agreement, underpinned by pooling budgets and resources from both organisations. We are already doing this informally in how we manage hospital discharge services and multi-disciplinary assessments, by sharing skills, training and development, so we have experience to build on.
After analysing the feedback from the consultation, the council’s Cabinet confirmed they’re happy to explore how a formal partnership could operate and what this could mean for the delivery of these services. And it’s clear from reading the feedback that a range of organisations and individuals took the time to share their views, which is positive and gives us more reliable intelligence. Our Board will consider it and have further discussion when they meet today, before making a decision. We’ll update everyone soon afterwards.
|
|
|
|
|
We're very pleased to announce that Clare Hermans has been appointed into an interim role as lead for advancing clinical practice in DCHS. Clare is an experienced ACP who’s been working as advanced practice education lead, predominantly with primary care networks. This new interim role follows the departure of Andy Cole to UHDB. Over the next couple of months, we will be working to agree a structure and recruit to a substantive position for the leadership of advancing practice in the Trust. Meanwhile, Clare will slot into Ben’s senior team where she’ll work closely with Dr Becky Steed supporting multi-professional development. Congratulations, Clare!
We can also confirm that Simon Burrows has been appointed as our substantive deputy director of finance. Many of you will know Simon who’s been with DCHS for several months already, and we’re very pleased to be able to make this role permanent.
Congratulations, Simon!
We've already shared the news about Michelle Bateman and the interim plans. Many thanks again to Jo Wain for agreeing to step in on an interim basis from June, providing some peace of mind for their teams and continuity in leadership until the role is appointed to substantively. The post is now live, and we have already had quite a bit of interest - watch this space. |
|
|
|
|
Management and leadership framework in the NHS – survey |
NHS England is developing a ‘management and leadership framework’ which sets out clear standards and competencies for managers and leaders across all levels of the NHS. It aims to ensure consistent expectations and equip managers and leaders with the right skills to meet the evolving demands of the present-day NHS. They’re seeking feedback from healthcare professionals, managers, clinicians, patients, and the public to help shape these standards. Our input is crucial in ensuring the framework reflects the needs of both NHS staff and the communities we serve. The survey is open until 14 March, and we’d encourage everyone to have a say. |
|
|
|
|
Annual leave purchase scheme (ALPS) – final call… |
We’re approaching the deadline to request any additional A/L in 2025/26. The request process will close after Friday 7 March - download the ALPS request form here. On the same page you’ll also find information about the repayment process from salaries. All requests are subject to line manager approval, as we must consider potential impact on services. |
|
|
|
|
Information for patient-facing colleagues
|
Development of the Freedom To Speak Up (FTSU) service
Due to the FTSU service being run by one individual, there are risks to business continuity and the ability to run the service in the event of an unplanned absence. In order to meet national requirements and the needs of the organisation, the Quality and Professional Standards directorate has identified a second FTSU Guardian, Rachel Wilkinson-Potter, to be able to provide the staff support element of the role during extended absences or at times of unprecedented workload.
This will be in addition to her current role, and will ensure staff continue to have access to timely and responsive support when required. Rachel has undergone the relevant training and development to provide any required support from 1 April. Rachel’s role within DCHS is head of clinical and digital practice and clinical safety officer. She is a registered nurse with a background in community services and a particular interest in staff support and service improvement.
The confidentiality requirements of the FTSU Guardian will remain, with shared access to cases only enabled where there is an essential need, and with consent of the individual staff member involved. If there are any queries or if anyone would like further information please contact our FTSU Guardian, Jackie Rawlings: j.rawlings@nhs.net, or the FTSU executive lead Michelle Bateman: michelle.bateman4@nhs.net.
Walton CDC behind-the-scenes tours
The £5.2m community diagnostic centre (CDC) at Walton Hospital is expected to open in Summer 2025 and preview tours for colleagues from DCHS and Chesterfield Royal Hospital (whose clinicians will run the diagnostic services) are being organised as a chance for you to see inside the new development and learn about the services which will be provided in the purpose-built facility. The first tour date for colleagues will be on Thursday 10 April at 12 noon. Booking is essential - you can do so here. |
|
|
|
|
Information for all staff
|
Applications for the latest A2B cohort are now open
The ‘Aspiring to Be’ (A2B) new leaders’ programme aims to support individuals with the knowledge they need to become an effective first-time line manager. Participants will be required to commit to a total of 15 days over a 12-month period, and there’s a variety of workshops, 1:1s, and shadowing opportunities. You have until 7 April to get on this latest cohort. Find out more here, and watch videos from previous participants sharing how they’ve benefited from the programme.
Please support our goal of becoming a HIV Confident Trust
We aim to create a stigma-free environment for people living with HIV across the Trust, and we need your help to achieve this. By completing this short survey, you can assist us in understanding knowledge and attitudes towards HIV throughout the organisation. To complete the survey, just click here. This survey is a key part of our commitment to becoming HIV Confident, ensuring that we welcome and respect people living with HIV. To learn more about the HIV Confident charter mark programme, please visit: www.hivconfident.org.uk.
Bank holiday entitlements in ESR
From 1 April 2025, annual leave entitlements for all colleagues within ESR will be updated to include bank holidays. This means that for colleagues who previously had bank holidays excluded from their leave entitlement, they will see an increased number of hours in their entitlement. These additional hours are their bank holiday leave allocation and will need to be booked in ESR. There is a link to an FAQ document here and a guide on how to add bank holidays to ESR here. Please contact the systems and information team for any further guidance.
Join the research celebration event
You’re invited to find out about research opportunities in Derbyshire and celebrate the ‘join in with research’ project with our research and innovation team. It’s a great chance to meet new people, enjoy free refreshments and learn how research can make a difference in your community.
- Thursday, 13 March from 3:30-6:30pm, the Haven Community Centre 8 Station Road, Barrow Hill, Chesterfield, S43 2NL.
- Friday, 14 March from 4–6pm, The Hub @ Lower Pavement: 61 Low Pavement, Chesterfield, S40 1PB.
Everyone is welcome - you'll get to meet new people and connect with like-minded individuals. There's also a raffle and a chance to win prizes. Both venues are wheelchair accessible and are inclusive, safe spaces. If you have accessibility needs or require help getting to the venue, please let us know: research.enquiries@nhs.net, or call 01246 515670 (Ask for Tracey or Vicky). We look forward to seeing you there!
International Women’s Day 2025
To mark International Women’s Day on 8 March, NHS Confederation's Health and Care Women Leaders' Networks are holding an International Women's Day webinar tomorrow (7 March) from 10am to midday. You can hear from keynote speakers, participate in panel sessions, and explore initiatives highlighting the diverse experiences of women as both healthcare leaders and service users. Register for the event here. |
|
|
|
|
Wellbeing support
For all of your emotional, physical and financial wellbeing needs just visit this page on My DCHS or get in touch with the wellbeing team.
|
|
|
|
|
If you want us to cover any specific topics in future editions please let us know: dchst.communications@nhs.net.
Please do not reply to this email as this mailbox is not monitored. If you have any feedback or need to contact us, please email us.
|
|
|
|
|
|
