Global conflict – support is available: We know that many of you will have been affected by the distressing events unfolding in the Middle East over the weekend. Events like these can be deeply unsettling – whether they affect us directly or indirectly. Situations like this can have a profound impact so we want to reassure you that support is available. If you’re feeling anxious, worried or simply need someone to talk to, please remember that our staff wellbeing services are here for you. 

• Your wellbeing matters and we want to make sure you have the space and resources you need. You can find guidance, confidential support and practical help here on the intranet
• For colleagues who are currently overseas and unable to return as planned, we will support the use of additional annual leave in the first instance. While delays are unlikely to be long, if they extend further, we may need to consider unpaid leave in some cases. Each situation will be considered individually and fairly.
• Please also check the Government website for the latest travel and security advice.

Thank you, as always, for the compassion and care you show one another and the people we serve.

Occupational health update: The new occupational health telephone number is 01246 512188. For any queries, please use this number from now on.

Fraud prevention notice: Please see this poster for the latest information on fraud prevention.

Still time to get your flu jab: There is still time to get your flu jab if you haven’t already. We are continuing to run our vaccination clinics into March so please do take the chance to get vaccinated and help protect yourself, the community and those who rely on our services. Find your closest vaccination clinic here.

National uniform rollout – update: Deliveries of the new national NHS uniform will begin arriving at our larger sites from March, following last summer’s sizing events that supported the move to standardised colourways across Derbyshire and nationally. Local administrative teams will contact colleagues when uniforms are ready for collection. Size exchanges can be requested from 16 March and orders for new starters will be processed from 24 March. Clinical colleagues are expected to start wearing the new uniforms from 1 May. Thank you for your patience and cooperation during this major rollout. Full details are available here.

Women's History Month: March is Women’s History Month, and with International Women’s Day (IWD) coming up this week (Sunday 8 March), we want to celebrate all the incredible women who work with us in #TeamDCHS.

The theme this year is 'Give To Gain'. If you’d like to celebrate a colleague, please get in touch with the communications team with your story or an answer to one of these prompts:

• Who would you like to give a shout-out to this IWD, and why?
• Tell us about a woman in your team who inspires you and what makes her special
• What achievement by you or a colleague are you most proud of this year?
• Share a moment when you saw women in your team lifting each other up or celebrating a success
• Describe a time when a colleague helped you feel proud, confident or truly appreciated at work.

We would love to feature your stories on our channels as part of our IWD and Women’s History Month celebrations, highlighting the positivity and pride across our teams. If you’re happy to include a photo, please send one across too.

Thank you for helping us celebrate colleagues and recognise the many women and teams who make our Trust such a supportive, inspiring place to work.

Nutrition and Hydration Week 2026 is coming (16 - 22 March): The focus of this year’s Nutrition and Hydration Week is Reinforce, Focus and Energise with a shared objective to highlight, promote and celebrate improvements in the provision of nutrition and hydration. 

Take a look at the Nutrition and Hydration Week website for more information, ideas and resources for the week.

Wider workforce team roadshows: You can join the team face to face, to discuss all types of apprenticeships. The team will be at Cavendish Hospital on Thursday 26 March, from 11am - 3pm. Click here for more.

Free research training – register now: Registration is open for the Foundation Research training programme 2026. This free programme is open to all NHS, local authority and VCSE staff across the East Midlands, with no prior research experience required. The programme includes 8 online workshops running from March – July, with recordings available. Colleagues are asked to attend the introductory session and at least two further workshops. DCHS staff should select 'Derby and Derbyshire' when registering here.

Genes and health research study: Genes and health is one of the world’s largest community-based genetics research studies, focused on improving the health of British Pakistani and British Bangladeshi people. By analysing genetic data alongside health information to understand why conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular disease are more common in these communities. The study team invites volunteers to take part by providing a small saliva sample and health information to help drive new discoveries in prevention, diagnosis and treatment. To learn more or see how to get involved, click here.

Tissue viability: Legs Matter Week is approaching! Start thinking of how you want to empower your teams. Legs Matter is a fabulous organisation that is dedicated to raising awareness, improving education and enhancing the treatment of lower leg and foot conditions. Please link in with your tissue viability champion for more information and support! Tissue viability would love to see what teams come up with to educate and support their teams during Legs Matter Week! Please email DCHST.DCHSTissueViability@nhs.net to share your ideas.

Book your verbal health literacy training – March session now live! Did you know that six out of 10 people in Derbyshire struggle to understand basic health information? This means that even when we think we’ve shared important details clearly, many people may still walk away confused, worried or unsure of what to do next. If you work directly with patients, service users, carers, families or the public, this session is for you. Let’s make every conversation count. You can join on Wednesday 11 March, 9.15am –12.30pm.