Published on: 28 July 2026
Families, friends and loved ones of patients under the care of Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust have shared heartfelt thanks for the kindness, compassion and support shown by Trust colleagues. 
Recent compliments received by staff from patients’ loved ones and shared through the Trust’s Patient Experience team have highlighted the difference staff make to patients and those closest to them - from offering reassurance during difficult times to listening carefully, providing regular updates and helping families feel supported.
One family thanked staff for the support given to their loved one, saying: “You’ve done a lot for [patient] and she obviously trusts you. We can’t thank you enough for your support.”
Another relative described a member of staff as “a rock” during a difficult period, adding: “I massively appreciate your support. It did feel like we were on our own with it.”
Families also praised staff for the care and compassion shown during inpatient stays, including one handwritten thank-you card from a patient and their partner thanking the team for the care shown to them and the support provided to their family.
A loved one of a patient on Tissington ward said: “We wish to wholeheartedly thank the entire Tissington ward team for the care and compassion you showed to our family member during their time with you.
“From the moment she was admitted, she was welcomed with warmth and reassurance by the kind and calming ward manager. Just a few phone calls and emails early on gave us comfort and confidence that our mum was in caring, genuine hands.”
Relatives also highlighted the impact of community and day services. The daughter of one patient who attended a day services group visited Dovedale reception to thank the staff who ran the group, explaining how much both she and her mother had enjoyed it and found it helpful. She also noted how important she felt it was to let staff know she said it was important to let staff know what a difference the group had made.”
Another relative said the support offered to their family had helped them through a distressing time, praising staff for showing “kindness, listening and support” throughout the process of moving their loved one into a care home.
The feedback also recognised the impact of support for younger people and families. One family thanked a member of staff for helping their loved one through a difficult time, saying it had brought “a tear of joy” to read that he could begin to live life and enjoy being a teenager again.
They added: “A big thank you to you from [patient] and all our family. We wish you well and all the best.”
Tumi Banda, Executive Director of Nursing, Allied Health Professionals, Quality and Patient Experience at Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, said: “It is always incredibly moving to hear how much our staff mean to patients, families and loved ones. These comments show the real difference that kindness, compassion and listening can make - often during some of the most difficult moments in people’s lives.
“We are very proud of our teams and grateful to everyone who takes the time to share feedback. It means a great deal to staff and helps us recognise the positive impact they have every day.”
Patients, carers, families and loved ones are encouraged to share their experiences, compliments, concerns or feedback through the Trust’s Patient Experience team, so teams can continue to recognise what is working well and identify where improvements can be made.
You can also give feedback about our services in other ways - learn more on the 'your feedback' page of the Derbyshire Healthcare website.
