Welcome to this week’s edition of My Download – your go-to round-up of all the latest news and updates. Got something to share with colleagues? Send it our way by 5pm on Thursday: dchst.communications@nhs.net.

Don’t let the flu catch you – drop-in to a flu clinic this week: Our flu team are running clinics across several of our sites this week for staff to access. Find your nearest clinic and book online to have your flu vaccination here (you’ll have to be on-site/connected to the VPN). Please feel free to drop-in to any of these flu clinics at any time.

Any questions, please email the team at dchst.flu@nhs.net and they will be in touch to assist you.

NHS Staff Survey: Our latest response rate is 58% - you can view the full response rate per division here. There’s still a chance to drop in for a chat or just to take the protected time to complete your survey with a member of our EDI team at the weekly drop-in sessions. The virtual drop-in takes place between 12.30pm – 1.30pm every Wednesday on MS Teams. This opportunity is open to all staff across the organisation to access support in completing their NHS Staff Survey. Click here to join the meeting.

Online sexual health booking now live: The personal health record (PHR) is a new tool that allows people in Derbyshire to manage their sexual health appointments and information online – confidentially and securely, 24/7. PHR lets users:

Book and cancel appointments
Receive secure messages
Order free condoms
Update details and accessibility needs
Use triage to find the right care.

We’re asking all staff across DCHS to help us promote the service. Please signpost people to the website here.

Oliver McGowan mandatory training in learning disability and autism:

As you may be aware, there are two tiers of the Oliver McGowan mandatory training in learning disability and autism. To view the full guidance and to see which you need to complete please click here.

Exploring the latest in HIV and STI testing, treatment and care: Our sexual health promotion team would like to extend this invitation to colleagues who might be interested in attending. European Testing Week – Lunch and Learn event. Tuesday 18 November, 12pm - 1pm (with optional Q&A until 1.30pm). This European Testing Week, join us for a lunchtime session that inspires action and connection. We’re thrilled to welcome Dr Pooja Shorey, consultant in sexual health and passionate advocate for inclusive HIV prevention and care. With over 20 years’ experience, Dr Shorey will share her insights into the latest developments, innovations, and opportunities for collaboration across services - helping us all think differently about HIV and sexual health in our communities.

You’ll also hear from the sexual health promotion team about:

Sexual health grant funding opportunities
Access to free condoms and HIV/STI screening kits
Training and partnership offers.

This new Lunch and Learn format replaces our original longer network event - a chance to grab a bite, hear from an expert and join a lively discussion with colleagues across health, education and community services. Stay online afterwards (1pm - 1.30pm) for an informal Q&A and networking session with our team. Register today and be part of the conversation this European Testing Week, sign up here.

Farmer MOT day: Farming men and women in Derbyshire are once again being invited for a free health MOT check-up at Bakewell Agricultural and Business Centre next Monday 10 November from 9am - 1pm. Click here for more information.

Remembrance Day service: All colleagues are invited to join our Armed Forces Network at the National Memorial Arboretum this Remembrance Day to reflect, honour those who served, and show support for our armed forces community and veterans. Attendees will gather at 10.30am in Heroes Square ahead of the two-minute silence at 11am, with the national service shown on the large screen. Learn more here.

Driving your own bus: A piece produced by the Disabilities and Long -Term Conditions (D&LTC) Network. Click here for the full piece.

Autumn energy-saving tips: With autumn upon us it’s a good time to focus some mental energy on top tips for better energy efficiency. We’ve come up with a list of eight simple but effective ways to save energy and money. These are easy steps we can all take to help keep a lid on our energy costs and lighten the financial strain on us as we work hard to reduce our spending within DCHS. From supplies to electricity, heating and water - what we save on resources means more money for patient care. Collectively our small, everyday actions can lead to big savings. Got a smart energy-saving idea? Email it to dchst.communications@nhs.net – your tip could inspire change across DCHS.

Tip six: Fridge and freezer efficiency matters even more as temperatures outside drop. Leaving doors open can increase running costs by 10–15%. Shut it, save it.

Quality Conversations sessions: Are you having Clear Conversations? In Derbyshire 6 out of 10 people will have difficulty understanding basic health information. Using Verbal Health Literacy techniques makes information easier to follow, remember and act on. In this session you will learn and practice 3 key verbal health literacy techniques:

Using simple language
Teachback
Chunk and Check.

How will it help?

Reduce miscommunications
Support people in making choices about their health
Improve people’s health and wellbeing.

Book your place here.

Mary Seacole local programme Derbyshire – upcoming awareness sessions: We've arranged the following awareness sessions for potential applicants:

Thursday 13 November 2025 - 1.00pm-1.45pm, Online here.

Mental health, learning disabilities and autism delivery board: See here for the latest update.

Training at Ashgate Hospice: The next 'verification of expected adult death' training will be held on 11 December and syringe driver training is on 12 January. Please see the posters here and here for more info.

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

Developing a culture of conversation
Mary Seacole local programme
NHS Elect Thrive at work conference 2025

Read more in the latest update here or contact the leadership development team with any queries.

Click here for the Autumn wellbeing timetable for 2025.

Or take a look at the wellbeing team's latest update here. To find out more about the diverse range of wellbeing support available visit the website or contact the team: dchst.yourwellbeingteam@nhs.net.

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

We would like to thank Wendy Ledwidge for all her hard work in the systems and information team. She joined Derbyshire Community Health Services in 2004 and has contributed over 35 years to the NHS, which is an outstanding achievement. We are truly grateful for everything she has done and the positive impact she has had on our team. Wishing her a very happy and well-deserved retirement!

Congratulations to the following teams on achieving their Quality Always Gold achievement via Earned Autonomy self-assessment process:

Derby city wound clinic team (Friday 17 October)
Respiratory services (Wednesday 22 October)
South Hardwick (Friday 24 October)
South and Derby ISHS (Tuesday 8 October).

Congratulations to Tracy Shaw who picked up her 40 years’ NHS long service award at one of our recent #DCHSTTT parties!

Well done Tracy!

#TeamDCHS

114 likes

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 dchst.communications@nhs.net.