Focus Weekly: Celebrations edition, 24 July 2026
Welcome to our new Focus Weekly bulletin, this week focusing on successes and achievements across the Trust.
Remember, if you are looking for a specific section of the newsletter, click on the grey square in the bottom right of your screen.
What's happened this week...
- Message from Mark - 20 July 2026
- The latest issue of the Digital Insights Newsletter is out, featuring news on updates to SystmOne, smartcards and the starters and leavers process
- Yellow heat health alert issued for the East Midlands, from 24 July to 26 July
- Sharing your news: please continue to submit your news on Focus. You can also post on the closed staff Facebook group - visit Facebook to join up.
Celebrations
CQC gives good rating to Derbyshire’s community mental health teams
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) report into our working-age adult community mental health teams has been published. Congratulations to the teams who have achieved a good rating in each domain and a good overall rating.
The result represents an improvement on the previous inspection of the services in 2020, when the same services were rated ‘requires improvement’ overall.
It also means that all our services now have an overall rating of either ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’.
Some positive feedback from the report included:
- The report highlighted positive feedback from most service users and carers, including strong therapeutic relationships, access to support and flexible care that met people’s needs.
- Feedback gathered through Healthwatch highlighted consistent treatment and successful interventions from occupational therapy staff.
- During the inspection, inspectors observed appointments and found staff to be “kind, caring, professional and aware of each person’s treatment plan”.
- The service also received 481 compliments from service users and carers between January 2025 and January 2026.
An updated CQC rating poster is now available – please make sure this is clearly displayed in all your services.
Read the full inspection report on the CQC website.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Congratulations to Audrey for 40 years service
Congratulations to Audrey Williamson who received her 40 years service award from Trust CEO, Mark Powell, earlier this month.
Audrey took her first steps onto the wards at the-then Pastures Hospital back in the 1980s and her career has seen her hold many roles from community psychiatric nurse to research nurse, with her current role being Lead Research Nurse, offering research studies and trials to patients within the Trust.
“Most of my roles have been on the wards with forensic patients,” she said. “Then I went into the community and worked in outreach with people who were more challenging to engage.
“Then I was ready for something different, saw the advert for research and thought – I don’t know much about research and would like to learn more, so I applied.
Audrey added: “I am working with amazing colleagues who are very motivated and dedicated to their role; this has been consistent throughout my career, with many colleagues becoming long term friends.”
Research Clinical Lead Gemma Harrison said: “Forty years in mental health nursing—always with a bright smile, a cheerful disposition, and a sense of humour that could lighten even the toughest of days. Audrey’s calm and reassuring presence has brought comfort and confidence to countless patients and colleagues alike. Never one to take the easy route, her commitment, compassion, and determination have inspired everyone fortunate enough to receive her care or work alongside her. We in the Clinical Research Team feel incredibly lucky to call her our colleague.
“Well done, Audrey, on an amazing 40 years of service, and thank you for everything you have given to the profession and to those around you.”
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Congratulations to winner of June’s DEED of the Month
All DEED nominations from June 2026 have been considered for a DEED of the Month award. Congratulations to Geraldine Stone, Lead Nurse, Specialist Memory Assessment and Dementia Support Service, Dovedale Day Hospital who is June’s DEED of the Month winner.
The winning nominations read: A patient and her husband wanted to express how wonderful their appointment was with Geraldine, stating: “Getting my wife to visit any hospital is never easy, but she should not have been concerned. Our time with Geraldine was a pleasure as we were both immediately put at ease. The discussions needed for assessment were made interesting and retained my wife's attention. Sharing our situation was also helpful to me. We both hope for a good outcome. Many thanks to all those that contribute to our care. But special recognition to Geraldine.”
Well done Geraldine.
Bungalow 5 Crowned Cherry Tree Close Badminton Champions
Service users and colleagues at Cherry Tree Close recently came together for the service’s first badminton championship, hosted by Nursing Assistant Augustina Sunday, with support from Cheryl Macaulay-Wainwright, Activity Coordinator.
The tournament was co-produced with service users, who had enjoyed the introduction of badminton and wanted the opportunity to compete. In the lead-up to the event on 29 June, Augustina coached service users and helped them prepare to put their new skills into practice.
Nursing Assistant Augustina Sunday, with Cheryl Macaulay- Wainwright, Activity Coordinator.
After some friendly but determined competition, Bungalow 5 emerged as the champions. Service users thoroughly enjoyed the day and are already looking forward to the next tournament.
Augustina is a strong believer in supporting mental health rehabilitation through movement, activity and meaningful occupation. Before joining Derbyshire Healthcare, she represented Nigeria in international badminton, winning medals at African and international competitions. At Cherry Tree Close, she is known as a kind, encouraging and highly valued colleague who brings her skills, experience and enthusiasm into her work with service users.
A huge well done to everyone who took part, and congratulations to Bungalow 5 — the first Cherry Tree Close badminton champions!
For the next tournament, the team hopes to invite colleagues and service users from other wards to compete and see whether anyone can challenge Cherry Tree Close’s growing badminton talent.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
A year of Kingfisher House
This week marked a year since the doors opened on Kingfisher House.
Kingfisher House brought Derbyshire’s first male Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) to the county.
Based on the Kingsway Hospital site in Derby, Kingfisher House is our 14-bedded specialist unit designed to support men experiencing acute mental health crises who require a higher level of care.
Thank all the colleagues, service users, carers and partners who helped make Kingfisher House a reality. Your dedication, collaboration and hard work have helped create a service that is making a real difference for people across Derbyshire.
Clinical Matron, Pete Collumbine, said: "One year on from the opening of Kingfisher House PICU, the service has established itself as an important part of the acute care pathway, providing specialist psychiatric intensive care within a modern, purpose- built environment, allowing Derbyshire patients to get the care they need locally.
"The new building has enabled the team to deliver care in a setting designed specifically for the needs of patients requiring intensive assessment, treatment and support, with dedicated therapeutic spaces, improved safety features, outdoor access and facilities that promote both recovery and dignity."
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Celebrate your colleagues through our HEARTS annual awards
The Derbyshire Healthcare HEARTS (Honouring Exceptional and Really Terrific Staff) Awards are back and this is your opportunity to nominate a Trust colleague, volunteer or team for making a positive difference over the last 12 months.
You can do this by completing the online HEARTS Awards nomination form on Microsoft Forms, sharing up to 350 words on how your nominee has made a positive difference. Please provide evidence and examples of why your nominee is exceptional and really terrific!
The nomination window closes at midnight on Sunday 16 August, so don't miss out - get your nominations in!
----------------------------------------------------------------------
A huge thank you ...
To our colleagues who supported the Wider Workforce Team this week by giving insights to 16 work experience students and teachers.
At a market-place event, people from six different specialties spoke to students and teachers.
Thank you to:
- Farida & Jordanna - Physiotherapy
- Jo, Harvey & Amana - Speech & Language Therapy
- Sabeeha - Health Protection Unit
- John - Facilities
- Abbie - Wellbeing
- Kate - University of Derby
They shared their knowledge and passion and ensured the students had a memorable time with hands on activities. It was a great way to inspire the next generation and connect with students from our local neighbourhoods, helping them discover career paths they may not have otherwise considered!
The feedback from the students was fantastic:
- "I loved hearing from the expert because it was different from what we learn at training and college".
- "The session was very interactive, they gave us lots of knowledge and it was easy to understand".
- "Excellent opportunity for students, thank you!"
If you would like to inspire students about your profession, please email dchst.workexperience@nhs.net and put the word 'inspire' in the subject box.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
From Kedleston to the national stage: Suzzanne shares her nursing journey
Suzzanne outside the Royal College of Nursing headquarters in London
Registered Mental Health Nurse Suzzanne, who works at the Kedleston Low Secure Unit, travelled to the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) headquarters in London to take part in a national panel discussion for nursing students and newly registered nurses.
The event, From Qualification to Employment: Newly Registered Nurse Journeys and Career Advice, formed part of the RCN’s Inspiring Conversations series, delivered in partnership with NHS England. The live- streamed session brought together nurses from different fields and services to share honest reflections, practical advice and their experiences of moving from training into registered practice.
Suzzanne joined panellists from adult, learning disability and children’s nursing, offering a particularly valuable perspective as a newly registered mental health nurse working in forensic services. She was also able to represent the apprenticeship route into nursing, having completed her MSc Mental Health Nursing Apprenticeship before joining the Kedleston team.
Following the panel, NHS England described Suzzanne as “outstanding”, praising the engaging and inspiring way she shared her experiences. She was commended for representing herself, forensic mental health nursing, the profession and Derbyshire Healthcare exceptionally well, with her contribution adding real value to the discussion. NHS England concluded that Suzzanne “truly represents the future of our NHS.”
----------------------------------------------------------------------
A CERT (Community Enhanced Rehabilitation Team) Success: Reaching Matlock by Train - by Joshua Brough, Occupational Therapy Apprentice, CERT
One of the greatest pleasures of working in rehabilitation is seeing people achieve goals that once felt out of reach. Recently, a service user accomplished something that represented far more than just a day out. They successfully travelled by train to Matlock for a day trip, a goal they had held for a long time and worked incredibly hard to achieve.
For many people, a train journey and a day exploring a local town might seem like a simple activity. However, for this individual, it represented independence, confidence, and overcoming significant personal challenges. The idea of travelling alone, navigating public transport, and managing the demands of a day away from familiar surroundings initially felt overwhelming.
With determination, patience, and the support of the Community Mental Health Rehabilitation Team, this ambition gradually became achievable. Staff worked closely alongside the individual, providing encouragement, reassurance, and practical support. Together they planned the journey, discussed potential challenges, practised travel skills, and built confidence step by step.
The day itself was a fantastic success. Travelling by train to Matlock, the individual was able to enjoy the beautiful surroundings, explore the town, visit local shops and cafés, and experience the sense of freedom that comes with achieving a personal goal.
Staff supporting commented:
"The service user was supported to continue with the journey despite experiencing significant distress and anxiety. Over the course of the visit, they gradually became more relaxed and engaged, taking part in activities such as eating, walking around the area, and shopping. By the end of the day, the service user expressed a strong sense of achievement, sharing that they had not believed they would be able to complete the visit but were pleased and proud that they had done so. They also expressed their appreciation for the support provided throughout the experience."
What makes this achievement so special is not simply the destination, but the journey that led there. It demonstrates the value of perseverance, person-centred rehabilitation, and the positive impact of supportive relationships. Every small step taken beforehand contributed to a significant milestone in recovery. We are all incredibly proud of this achievement. It is a wonderful example of how, with the right support and encouragement, people can work towards goals that matter to them and regain confidence in their abilities.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Welcome to the Trust
Welcome to all colleagues who have started working at the Trust recently.
We hope you have settled in and are enjoying your new role...
- Laura Barnes
- Claire Burgess
- Jade Murray
- Jak Swain
- Samuel Uveges
- Rut Guana
- Georgina Hambleton
- Okeroghenevusi Ozubbu
- Elizabeth Peter
- Ayoola Ruffai
- Anthony Umoh
- Arthita Das
- Jessica Davison
- Tana-Leigh Gannon
- Charlotte Kelsall
- Megan Norton
- Georgia Nikoleini
- Kelsey Wall
- Tanzim Saiyad
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Farewell and good luck
To all our colleagues who are moving on to other roles - thank you for all your hard work for the Trust. We wish you all the best in your future plans.
- Joanne Carley
- Jude Okeleke
- Grace Criddle
- Adebisi Owodunni
- Louise Collins
- David Higginbottom
- Emily Crombie
- Farah Rashid
- Fiona Rushbrook
- Bethany Ford
- Shamaila Arshid
- Marina Rhodes
- Riya Raju
- Harriet Doyle
- Shirley Houston
- Chipo Dire
- Kristina Nicholson
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Got good news?
If you have something to celebrate, please share it! Submit a news item on Focus or post a message on the staff Facebook group.
