Welcome to the latest issue of My Download - your weekly news roundup. The deadline for contributions is 5pm every Thursday. If you have anything that needs sharing with colleagues, please don't hesitate to get in touch: dchst.communications@nhs.net.

Apologies, we are re-issuing this edition with the correct day of the week for the Walton Hospital pharmacy half day training session. The date remains 25 March.

Walton Hospital Pharmacy: On Tuesday 25 March, the Pharmacy will be closed for half a day team training session. Click here for the opening times.

Dr Becky Steed on ITV News: As part of the Covid five-year reflections, ITV News interviewed DCHS’ Dr Becky Steed about her own experiences of living with Long Covid and about her current involvement in a promising treatment trial at the University of Derby. In this powerful video Becky tells of how she is no longer able to carry out patient-facing clinical work as a GP because of the debilitating effects of Long Covid. What the video doesn’t cover is how Becky was a trailblazer in Long Covid care as a clinician, setting up DCHS’ Long Covid service in 2020, before herself contracting Covid in that same year and, in a cruel twist of circumstances, developing Long Covid over the following months. She said: “As I lived just over the county border, I wasn’t even eligible for my own service. My flexible role and support from DCHS as an employer is what's enabled me to keep working” The university research trial is offering new hope of a treatment. We all hope that happens for Becky and the estimated 1.9 million sufferers of Long Covid in the UK.

DCHS Admin People’s Charter recognition: A big thank you to Emma Round, our Union learning rep for Unison and lifelong learning co-ordinator, who was interviewed by Unison College magazine about our DCHS Admin People's Charter. This is fantastic recognition of what we're doing. See pages 38-39 here. The DCHS Admin People's Charter is on MyDCHS - click here. Please share the link with your colleagues to raise the profile of this important agreement.

Fenton Ward celebrate International Women's Day: March is Women's History Month. Take a look at the displays made our colleagues and patients at Fenton Ward, who celebrated International Women's Day last Saturday.

Join our Armed Forces Network at their army insight and leadership day – Wednesday 7 May, 9.30am – 3pm: Come and join our Armed Forces Network for an exciting day of learning and discovery at Chetwynd Barracks in Nottingham. This in-person event will provide you with valuable insights into the world of the army, leadership and how we can support our military community in the NHS. Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity to learn from experienced army personnel and develop your leadership skills. Find more detail on the attached poster and book your place here.

Neurodiversity Celebration Week 2025: This week (17 – 21 March) is Neurodiversity Celebration Week, an initiative we’re proud to support at DCHS. This worldwide initiative challenges stereotypes and misconceptions about neurological differences.

We are excited to share this schedule of events happening throughout the week, which includes panel discussions with inspirational speakers from a range of backgrounds and professions. The discussions will all be focusing on key neurodiversity topics and aim to inspire conversations about neurodiversity. The events are free of charge and open to all, you can find more information here.

HIV Confident: DCHS has committed to provide a stigma-free environment for all staff and patients who are living with HIV, by becoming a founding member of the HIV Confident charter mark. Why is it important for us to become an HIV Confident Trust? Hear from our medical director, Dr Ben Pearson, here. To complete the HIV Confident survey, click here.

Derbyshire County Council’s Families Information Service: Families face many challenges when it comes to raising children, from managing education and finances to maintaining family health and planning for the future. Staying informed and making the right decisions for your family can be overwhelming. To see more about the information service, click here.

Sparkle Night Walk: Join Ashgate Hospice on Saturday 28 June for a 10K night walk through Chesterfield, lighting up the streets in a sea of pink and sparkle, all while raising valuable funds for the hospice. By signing up a team, you’ll enjoy:

A night of fun and laughter with your colleagues
A fantastic team building experience
The chance to make a real impact in your community.

Experience an unforgettable atmosphere as you walk alongside thousands of others in support of Ashgate. Sign up here!

Tissue Viability Focus: Click here for the latest issue of Tissue Viability Focus; your regular update for clinicians from the tissue viability team at DCHS.

SAGE & THYME communication skills workshops: Do you know how to talk to someone who is worried or distressed? This is an evidence-based communication skills workshop which teaches:

A memorable structured approach for getting into (and out of) a conversation
How to empower patients/carers who are worried or distressed
Communication skills that are evidence-based.

The next available workshops are:

14 April - Ashgate Hospice
19 May - Blythe House Hospice

Each workshop takes place from 1:30pm - 4:30pm with registration from 1pm to enable a prompt start. Late arrivals may not be admitted. If you have learning concerns, mobility or accessibility needs (e.g. physical, sight or hearing impairments) please contact helen.johnston@ashgatehospice.org.uk and a member of the team will be in touch to discuss the adjustments we can make for you.

This week’s leaders' and managers' update spotlights:

Mid-level leaders’ development programme – applications closing soon!
'Aspiring to be'
Leading with kindness masterclass
Army insight and leadership day.

Take a look at the latest update here. You can book via ESR self-service – search 'people management' to view all available sessions.

New wellbeing timetable for 2025: Our next update continues to offer your weekly favourites alongside additional support for our emotional and physical health up until the end of March. You can view the timetable here (password is star) and watch this space for a brand new timetable to cover from April onwards.

Women's Safe Space: A safe space for women to discuss mental health, with those who may experience similar things. See details here.

Update from your wellbeing team: Take a look at the team's latest update here. To find out more about the diverse range of wellbeing support available visit the JUCD wellbeing website. If you need any help with your wellbeing, you can contact our wellbeing team: dchst.yourwellbeingteam@nhs.net.

Jobs at DCHS: Check out all the latest DCHS vacancies here.

Well done to Deanna Pereira-Wrafter, who works with us in our Dementia Palliative Care Team at Royal Derby Hospital, on being a recent runner-up in our IRIS awards. Deanna was nominated by her colleague for always going above and beyond.

They said: “I have worked with Deanna for several years and have found her to be empathetic and compassionate. She truly cares for the people around her.”

“She works in a professional manner, whilst treating everyone with kindness and respect. She ensures that her patients and

their families are treated with dignity, that their care is person centred and that the care they receive is in line with their wishes and values.” “Deanna brings light to everyone she

Well done Deanna

#TeamDCHS

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