Latest news

Meet your local midwives as part of International Day of the Midwife 2023 

Today is International Day of the Midwife 2023, a day for us at UHDB and across the world to honour, recognise and pay tribute to the remarkable work done by midwives all over the world. Midwives play an invaluable role in supporting women and babies throughout pregnancy and during childbirth.

Many people choose to become a midwife for a number of different reasons, and as part of our celebrations today, we've spoken with three UHDB midwives at different stages in their careers for them to explain 'Why I Became a Midwife' and what motivates them put on their uniform every single day to care for women and babies across Derbyshire and Staffordshire.

Junior doctor Meeral hailed for her 'true passion' in helping to improve sustainability

A junior doctor based at Royal Derby Hospital has been hailed for her pioneering eco-conscious work that has helped UHDB along its journey to becoming a more sustainable organisation.

During her GP rotation, Meeral Mashood approached the Sustainability and Clinical Audit teams to express an interest in undertaking a Quality Improvement (QI) project to make some sustainability changes at the practice she was working in.

For this hard work and commitment to improving sustainable practices in her area of work and across UHDB, Meeral has been awarded an Excellent Employee Making a Difference Award - presented to her by our Executive Chief People Officer, Amanda Rawlings.

Introducing Ozzy: UHDB's furry friend and Pets as Therapy dog

The benefits of having a furry companion around are undeniable, and Ozzy, one of our Pets as Therapy (PAT) dogs, proves it every day.

This lovable, calm pooch has been visiting our hospital sites with his owner, Veronica 'Ronnie' Crawshaw, since October 2022 - spreading happiness and positivity among staff, patients, and visitors.

A six-year-old cockapoo, Ozzy brings smiles to many faces, visiting many different wards and departments to provide companionship, relaxation, and emotional support for patients and staff alike.

David Williams

Ex -Royal Marine tells how he forged a career as a physio after injury

A physiotherapist who started out with a career in the Royal Marines has broken the mould by using his previous military experience to make a difference in healthcare.

David Williams grew up wanting to be in the Armed Forces but his journey took an unexpected turn and he forged a new career as a physiotherapist. Determined not to let his previous experience go to waste, David has worked hard to improve support for ex-military patients and colleagues in his role as Chair of the Armed Forces Network here at UHDB and has seen the network go from strength to strength.

Aymen Boud handed an award for voluntary work

Teen cadet who volunteered on End of Life ward receives award from TV star

An "exceptional and dedicated" teenager, who volunteered his time to help patients receiving end of life care at UHDB, has been given an award in recognition of his efforts.

Aymen Boud, who is 17-years-old, was handed the award after taking part in the NHS Cadets scheme, which saw him spend 36-weeks helping colleagues care for patients and their families on Ward 2 at Florence Nightingale Community Hospital in Derby.

Today is National Cancer CNS Day

National Cancer CNS Day shines spotlight on vital colleagues who support cancer patients

Today, Wednesday 26 April, is National Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Day.

Cancer CNS workers are highly specialised, experienced nurses who play a vital role in the cancer workforce, using their training to build a sense of trust, honesty and openness with their patients in order to support them in the best possible way.

Here at UHDB, we have 60 CNS colleagues who are taking care of patients and their families who are living with cancer and undergoing treatment. We spoke to Kerry Pape, Lead Cancer Nurse Manager, about what their role involves and why it is important to shine a spotlight on these valued colleagues on National Cancer CNS Day:

'One World, One #TeamUHDB' flag raised at Royal Derby Hospital site

On Tuesday 4 April, UHDB and the EMBRACE staff network proudly hoisted the new 'One World, One #TeamUHDB' flag at Royal Derby Hospital to celebrate and recognise the diversity of #TeamUHDB colleagues.

Colleagues from across departments came to watch the flag hoist as EMBRACE Network Lead Mwansa Mulenga, Chief Executive and executive sponsor for the EMBRACE network Stephen Posey and Chair Kathy McLean shared short speeches about the flag, the importance of diversity in our workforce, and our ongoing commitment to be an inclusive, welcoming organisation for all.

Advice to patients during junior doctor industrial action

Advice to patients during junior doctor industrial action: 11 - 15 April 2023

From 7am on Tuesday 11 April 2023, some junior doctors across the NHS will take part in industrial action which is planned to last for 96 hours, concluding at 6.59am on Saturday 15 April 2023. We have put extensive plans in place to minimise the impact on our patients and communities. We will prioritise emergency, urgent and critical care but there will be disruption to some services.

Ward 404 receive Making a Difference Award

Colleagues showed 'exemplary kindness' when caring for dying patient

A team who offered "exemplary care and kindness" to a patient and his family during his final days, are the latest to be named Team UHDB in the Making a Difference Awards.

Colleagues on Ward 404 at Royal Derby Hospital were nominated by the family of Noel Bunting who was cared for on the ward between 28 December until 9 January after falling unwell.

Helen Hills

Helen had 'amazing care' after devastating Ovarian cancer diagnosis

A woman who was diagnosed with ovarian cancer after suffering from back pain and bloating has heaped praise on the 'fabulous cancer care' she received at Royal Derby Hospital after undergoing ultra-radical surgery to save her life.

Helen Hills put her symptoms down to 'age and over exercising' when she first started to feel unwell in 2020 but after seeing a doctor her worst fears were confirmed. Now she has shared her story to raise awareness of the disease for Ovarian Cancer month and said she cannot do enough to thank the team at Royal Derby Hospital who supported her through her difficult journey.

Chief Pharmacist Clive Newman

Chief Pharmacist Clive Newman set to retire after 36 years in the NHS

UHDB's Chief Pharmacist Clive Newman will retire at the end of the month, after an incredible 20 years working at the Trust.

Since completing his pre-registration pharmacy training in the late eighties, Clive has witnessed lots of change, including the development of dispensing robots, and was heavily involved in the roll out of Covid-19 treatments and vaccination at UHDB.

Matthew Fowler Making a Difference Award

ACP was 'everything a leader should be' when colleague suffered loss

Trigger warning: the below story contains references to baby loss

An ACP who supported a colleague through a difficult loss has been hailed "a joy to work with" and "everything a leader should be."

Matthew Fowler, Advanced Clinical Practitioner in CTAU/Oncology at Royal Derby Hospital has been praised by his colleague Emily Parr, Trainee Advanced Clinical Practitioner, after offering unwavering support when she lost her unborn baby last year.

UHDB marks the beginning of Ramadan 2023

Today marks the beginning of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. To all of our Muslim colleagues and communities - we wish you a very happy Ramadan Mubarak!

Ramadan begins in the evening of Wednesday 22 March 2023, and lasts for 29 or 30 days, concluding with the celebration of Eid Al-Fitr, this year taking place on Friday 21 April 2023 - dependent on the sighting of the crescent moon.

CTAU team fundraising for veinfinder

Team taking part in mammoth fundraiser for vital veinfinder machine

A team at Royal Derby Hospital are on a fund-raising mission to buy a special piece of equipment that will "make a massive difference" to their patients.

Colleagues on the Combined Triage Assessment Unit (CTAU) will be joining forces to jump out of a plane for a skydive and jog their way to the finish line in a 10km run later this year.

End of life patient's praise for "heroes" on Royal Derby's Ward 301 sees team presented with #TeamUHDB award

A patient who was admitted to Ward 301 at Royal Derby Hospital praised the team for making him feel "safe and not alone" after he was admitted to the ward to receive end of life care. The patient, who will remain anonymous, wrote his letter that the team had made "an impossibly terrible situation bearable and easier, going well beyond their scope of duty".

The heart-warming feedback led to the Ward 301 team being awarded our latest Team UHDB Making a Difference Award, which was presented to them by Executive Chief Operating Officer, Sharon Martin, and members of the management team from our Cancer, Diagnostics and Clinical Support (CDCS) Division.

UHDB celebrates Healthcare Science Week 2023

Monday 13 - Sunday 19 March is Healthcare Science Week 2023.

Healthcare Scientists (HCS) make an invaluable contribution to patient care at UHDB, covering a wide variety of different roles - primarily structured around four key disciplines: Physiological Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, Bioinformatics, and Medical Physics. However, Healthcare Scientists work in several fields beyond these, and their varied work is crucial to delivering effective patient care.

Alcohol Care Teams at Royal Derby Hospital supporting patients with alcohol dependency

Since September 2022, our Alcohol Care Teams (ACT) have been in place at Royal Derby Hospital, supporting patients who are alcohol dependant or who are at risk of alcohol-related harm.

Patients who are admitted to our hospital are asked a series of questions to understand their alcohol consumption levels. If we think their relationship with alcohol could benefit from our support, patients will be offered specialist treatment whilst in hospital to provide patients with the tools to manage their withdrawal from alcohol upon discharge.

The Dermatology Isotretinoin Team

Innovative Dermatology team is making a real difference to patients

Covid-19 forced teams across UHDB to change the way they worked, but for one team based at Florence Nightingale Community Hospital, the changes have resulted in more than halving the amount of time patients wait to access their services.

The Dermatology Isotretinoin Team, which cares for patients with acne and supports them with the psychological and social impacts this has on their lives, has implemented a series of changes over the past 18 months. These changes include introducing virtual follow-up appointments and a home delivery service for prescriptions, which have improved the patient experience and noticeably reduced waiting times for patients.

OH Nurse Fiona recognised for compassionate leadership after having an "indescribable impact"

A Clinical Nurse Specialist working in Occupational Health has been praised for the "indescribable" impact she had on a colleague which helped them to rediscover their passion for nursing.

Fiona Calladine, who is based at Florence Nightingale Community Hospital in Derby, has been working closely with Louise Rayner, a Registered Nurse in Occupational Health, to support her in settling into her new position in the team.

Louise lives with some long-term health conditions which have provided challenges for her during her career, but Fiona's compassionate leadership, invaluable support and mentoring have enabled Louise to fully settle into what she describes as her "dream role".

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