Published on: 13 October 2026
In the run-up to Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust’s 2026 HEARTS Awards (Honouring Exceptional and Really Terrific Staff), the Trust will be spotlighting an inspiring person, team or service from each award category whose work is making a positive difference.
This spotlight recognises the Derbyshire Healthcare Deaf Focus Group, who have been nominated in the Partnership and Collaboration Award category – a category sponsored by Thalamos, a UK health technology company that digitises Mental Health Act processes to make mental health crisis care swifter, simpler and safer.
The Deaf Focus Group bring together members of the local Deaf community, Deaf stakeholder organisations and Trust colleagues to improve access, experience and outcomes for Deaf people.
Established less than a year ago, the group has been co-developed by its members, who shape its agendas and actions. Its work has already led to tangible change, including the election of the Trust’s first Deaf governor and the creation of information on the Trust website, including a British Sign Language video co-produced with a member of the Deaf community.
The group is also supporting the introduction of Deaf awareness training and exploring employment and workforce opportunities for Deaf people. Service-specific work is being developed so that Deaf people with lived experience of mental ill health can help identify barriers and shape practical improvements to care.
This progress has been strengthened by relationships with organisations including the charity Communication Unlimited, Derbyshire Constabulary’s Police Link Officers for Deaf people, Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service, University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, the Royal School for the Deaf Derby and Derby Theatre.
Alison Jones, who nominated the group, said: “The Deaf Focus Group demonstrates true partnership working between the local Deaf community, stakeholder organisations and colleagues across Derbyshire Healthcare. In less than a year, members have already achieved real change. The group has helped build greater trust in the organisation and created a strong foundation for continued improvements in access, experience and outcomes for Deaf patients.”
The group’s story reflects the purpose of the Partnership and Collaboration Award, which recognises a person or team that has gone to significant lengths to involve experts by experience, communities or system partners in shaping services and work.
Further HEARTS Awards 2026 spotlights will be shared in the lead-up to the awards, celebrating individuals and teams across each category who embody the Trust’s values and make a difference to the people and communities they support.
The awards will be presented on 21 October 2026. Other award sponsors include Arden Partnership, Browne Jacobson, Hill Dickinson, LIO and Patchwork.
