Focus Weekly: news and information edition
Welcome to our new Focus Weekly bulletin, this week focusing on news and information across the Trust.
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 Vikki - 10 August 2026: This week's message from Vikki can now be read on Focus. It includes an update on the new Mental Health Urgent Assessment Centres in Derby and Chesterfield, a call for colleagues to become peer vaccinators ahead of the flu vaccination programme, a thanks to colleagues supporting patient flow, and much more.
- A Blue Light bulletin was issued on 12 August on appropriate access to electronic patient records - visit Focus to read the bulletin. A separate bulletin has been issued in addition to this on 14 August and is featured below regarding Therapeutic Engagement
Observations.
- An amber heat health alert was issued, and this has now been extended until 15 August. As temperatures remain high, we would like to say a heartfelt thank you to all our colleagues across the Trust for your continued dedication and professionalism. Whether you are providing care on our wards, supporting people in the community, responding to urgent needs, or working behind the scenes to keep services running, your commitment during challenging conditions is greatly appreciated.
News and information
Urgent call for staffing support for our inpatient wards, 14-17 August
Message from Scott Lunn - Deputy Director of Operations
Hello everyone
Our inpatient units in Derby and Chesterfield are experiencing urgent staffing challenges at present, and these are likely to continue over the weekend and into Monday.
If there are any registered nurses or healthcare assistants who are able to take inpatient shifts over the coming days, please come forward; we would be very grateful for your support.
Please contact the bleep holders at the Carsington Unit (Derby) and Derwent Unit (Chesterfield) to express an interest. You can do this by calling switchboard on 01332 623700 and asking to be put through to the relevant bleep holder.
Many thanks in advance for any support you can provide.
Blue Light bulletin - safe and effective Therapeutic Engagement Observations
Therapeutic Engagement Observations save lives; they are a patient safety intervention. They are not simply a visual check or a recording task.
The Trust policy sets out how inpatient therapeutic observations and engagement must be planned, delivered, reviewed and recorded. It supports staff to keep patients safe while using the least restrictive approach, preserving privacy, dignity and therapeutic relationships wherever possible.
Key information for staff:
- Therapeutic Engagement Observations are used to maintain safety, support recovery and reduce risk of harm to self or others, including risks linked to mental state, behaviours that risk life (i.e. ligature, overdose and serious self-harm), physical health, falls, choking, absconding or vulnerability.
- Observation must be therapeutic, supportive and person-centred. Staff should engage with the patient, not simply watch them.
- Observation is restrictive and must only be used where clinically indicated, for the shortest necessary time, and at the least restrictive level appropriate to risk.
- Patients, families and carers should be involved in decisions wherever appropriate, and care plans should reflect individual needs, preferences, trauma history, dignity, privacy and protected characteristics.
Levels of Observations
Level 4: General
Minimum for all inpatients. Staff must know patients’ whereabouts and wellbeing, with at least hourly checks during the day and half-hourly checks at night unless a documented alternative applies. Review weekly through MDT.
Level 3: Intermittent
Visual checks at varied times within each 15-minute period where risks are unclear, fluctuating or require frequent contact. Review at least every 24 hours.
Level 2: Within eyesight
Continuous observation within clear eyesight where there is serious short-term risk. Review at least every 24 hours.
Level 1: Within arm’s length
Highest level of observation for immediate or serious risk. Staff must remain within arm’s length at all times. Review at least every 24 hours.
Key requirements for staff:
- Know the patient’s current prescribed observation level, the reason for it, and the individual requirements recorded in the care plan and Electronic Patient Record (EPR).
- Escalate immediately to the Nurse in Charge if a patient’s whereabouts cannot be confirmed, if they appear physically unwell, distressed, non-responsive, absent, or if there are concerns about safety.
- Use observations as an opportunity for compassionate engagement, therapeutic conversation, reassurance and support.
- Complete observations within the required timeframe, record them contemporaneously using Brigid hand-held device/EPR and use the correct activity/location key.
- Complete observations within the required timeframe, record them contemporaneously using Brigid hand-held device/EPR and use the correct activity/location key.
- Discuss patients on observations at handover and ensure clear handover between staff undertaking observations.
- Maintain privacy and dignity, especially during personal care, toileting, bathing and night-time checks.
- Report any variance where staff undertake Level 1–3 observations continuously for more than two hours through DATIX.
- Temporary, bank and agency staff must understand the policy before undertaking observations
Staff must remain caringly vigilant and inquisitive, especially during high-risk periods such as evenings, night-time, handover, early admission and following detention under the Mental Health Act and if leave period don’t go as planned.
Remember: be alert, be aware, trust your instincts and check without hesitation.
All current 'Blue Light' bulletins, including this one, can be found on Focus.
Trust Chair wins impressive British Asian award championing women
We are proud to announce that our Chair, Selina Ullah, has won the ‘Women of the Year’ award at the British Asian Women Awards 2026.
The British Asian Women's Awards celebrate the hard work, grit and determination of women driving various industries and communities forward across the UK. This national recognition places Selina among the UK’s most influential and inspirational Asian women, highlighting her exceptional leadership in driving positive change and promoting diversity within the NHS and beyond.
Selina has over 25 years of senior leadership experience in the NHS, local government, and national policy. As one of the first Muslim female NHS trust chairs, she has been recognised for her work advancing Board diversity and workforce inclusion. Under her leadership, the Trust has also received multiple awards for Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion, including Trust of the Year.
Selina said: “This has been a fantastic achievement that I feel honoured to be named a finalist in, never mind a winner. To be amongst some incredibly talented women is a real highlight for me. Equality, diversity and inclusion in health and social care remain high as a Trust priority and beyond.
“I want to continue using my position to promote a culture where everyone feels supported regardless of their background, with an aim to create safe spaces within our workforce where everyone can bring their whole self to work and give their best to our patients.”
Read the full story on the Trust's website.
Expression of Interest - Partner in Progress - Race Equality Reciprocal Mentoring Programme
We are now preparing to open cohort 2 of our Partners in Progress race equality reciprocal mentoring programme. Partners in Progress brings together senior leaders and colleagues from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds in reciprocal mentoring partnerships to increase understanding of lived experience, strengthen inclusive leadership, support psychological safety and contribute to positive culture change across the Trust.
The programme is a key action within the Trust's Race Equality Strategy and Action Plan and supports delivery of the Workforce Race Equality Standard (WRES) Action Plan, NHS Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Improvement Plan and wider organisational commitments to inclusion and belonging.
Expressions of interest will be taken from senior leaders (Directors, Heads of Service, Senior Mangers) and colleagues from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds (bands 2-7). Expressions of interest are open from 19 August to 4 September.
For further details contact Shaminder Uppal, Head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, on shaminder.uppal1@nhs.net.
Improvements following the last staff survey and look out for the 2026 survey!
A series of screensavers have gone live, focused on improvements that have been made in response to your feedback in the last NHS Staff Survey.
The screensavers outline improvements in making the Trust a better place to work and to receive care and provide an update on developments in key areas outlined by colleagues in the survey last year.
This year’s Staff Survey will open on 14 September. Please remember, any requests for paper copies of this year’s survey need to be made by 17 August 2026.
Quality and Improvement Outcomes Framework results
We are delighted to share the results of Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust’s recent Quality and Improvement Outcomes Framework (QIOF) assessment for NHS- funded Knowledge and Library Services. Following completion of a detailed self-assessment in 2025 and review interviews with NHS England in January 2026, the Trust successfully met all 16 essential indicators within the framework.
The QIOF is a nationally recognised framework that assesses how effectively organisations support the use of evidence, knowledge and research in decision-making. It examines six key areas, including leadership support, access to evidence, service development, workforce capability and demonstrable impact on healthcare and organisational priorities.
NHS England identified a number of areas of good practice. These included the successful redesign of the library space, creating a welcoming environment that supports study, collaboration and wellbeing; the development of tailored digital guides for different professional groups; increased access to evidence through digital tools such as LibKey Nomad; and the consistently valued support provided through literature searching and document supply services.
Thank you to everyone who has supported, championed and used the Library and Knowledge Service.
Colleagues celebrate Student Nursing Associate Apprenticeship success
Congratulations to five Trust colleagues who have successfully completed their Student Nursing Associate Apprenticeship and graduated from the University of Derby.
The newly qualified Nursing Associates are:
- Modupeola Falase
- Nathaniel David
- Cassidy Hensel
- Penny Cox
- Holly Poole
Achieving this qualification is a significant milestone and reflects the dedication, commitment and hard work each colleague has shown throughout their apprenticeship journey.
We are incredibly proud of their achievement and look forward to seeing them continue to make a positive difference to the people and communities we serve.
Feeling inspired? Apprenticeships offer a fantastic opportunity to develop new skills and progress your career. To find out more about apprenticeship qualifications available at the Trust, contact the Apprenticeships Team at dchst.apprenticeships@nhs.net.
Family thanks team whose kindness left “a lasting impression”
The team on Tissington Ward at Kingsway Hospital in Derby, which supports adults experiencing acute mental health difficulties, have been thanked from a patient’s close family, who praised staff for the reassurance they provided during a difficult time.
In a message shared with the Trust, the patient’s family thanked the whole ward team for the care shown to their mum. They described how early phone calls helped give them “comfort and confidence” that their loved one was in caring and genuine hands.
The family gave special thanks to the ward manager, whose calm and organised leadership helped create a safe and supportive environment. They said the kindness and professionalism shown across the ward reflected the high standards set by the ward leadership.
Read the full story on the Trust's website.
“We can’t thank you enough”: family and friends praise compassionate care at Derbyshire Healthcare
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.
Have you received positive feedback from a patient, carer or loved one that deserves to be recognised?
The Communications and Engagement team are looking for stories and feedback that showcase the excellent care, support and service being delivered across Derbyshire Healthcare.
Positive feedback is a powerful way to celebrate colleagues, recognise teams and demonstrate the difference our services make to people's lives. Through sharing these experiences, we can help promote the great work taking place across the Trust and highlight what good care looks like in practice.
If you have received a particularly meaningful compliment, thank you card, survey comment or piece of feedback, we'd love to hear about it.
We are especially interested in:
- Patients, carers or loved ones who may be willing to share their story in more detail
- Quotes that illustrate the impact of our services
- Examples of care that have made a real difference to someone's experience
If you have something to share, please contact Amber Ghei (amber.ghei@nhs.net)
Temporary changes to parking and access at Radbourne Ward 32
Staff working at or visiting Radbourne Ward 32 are being advised of temporary changes to parking and access arrangements from Monday 17 August, as contractors begin removing the construction hoarding around the ward's garden area.
The work will be carried out by Kier Construction and is expected to take place throughout the week. During this time, some parking bays will be temporarily unavailable and access around the area will be managed as work progresses. The existing hoarding will be removed and replaced with temporary mesh fencing.
Please allow extra time when travelling to the site and follow any temporary signage or instructions from contractors and Trust staff while the work is underway.
We apologise for any inconvenience and thank colleagues for their patience while these improvements are completed.
Money Guided is live!
If you want to get more money savvy, a new financial wellbeing app can help.
A personal financial assistant in your pocket, Money Guided is free with your NHS benefits and you can:
- Link your accounts through Open Banking – all your balances in one place, so your money stops living in six different apps.
- Use discount vouchers at over 170 retailers – groceries, holidays, clothing, days out, and more, with an average discount of over 7%. Save money on the things you were buying anyway.
- Ask the Digital Financial Assistant anything – send it a pension statement, an insurance policy, or a mortgage agreement, and it'll make sense of it for you. Ask it whether you've got too many subscriptions quietly eating away at your balance or any questions you’d typically direct towards your manager or ER team. It's there 24/7, with answers on whatever you need.
- Monthly Quiz to win £1000!
It takes under three minutes to get started and if you point a few colleagues towards it, you could even earn yourself a tenner. That's right, as soon as you download and set up the app, show it to your colleagues, then £10 will go straight into your Save to Spend pot. No catch, no small print. Just a proper thank-you for spreading the word.
Download and get started here: https://www.moneyguided.com/#/derbyshirenhs? c=akjh-o876-twej-hg47
Any issues? Contact help@moneyguided.com
You still time to have your say...
There’s still time to have your say on the future shape of support provided by Derbyshire County Council for people with mental ill health.
An eight-week public consultation to find out views on how support is currently being offered, how it might work in the future and whether there are any gaps in provision or duplication, ends on Sunday 23 August.
Currently, the council provides three services for people with ‘low levels’ of need who don’t require crisis support or hospital admission. One service is provided directly by the county council and two are commissioned by the authority.
The services are designed to help people live independently in their communities and support residents by helping build confidence and resilience to deal with practical and personal issues that are impacting on their mental health. They also help prevent needs escalating.
As both commissioned service contracts are due to end in March 2027 – with the option of a one-year extension - the council is undertaking a strategic review of all three services it offers.
To take part in the consultation, fill in an online questionnaire by Sunday 23 August at derbyshire.gov.uk/mental-health-review
The National Conversation: helping shape the communities we care for
The National Conversation is a UK-wide listening initiative asking people what they value about community life and the communities they want to build together.
Why does this matter to the NHS? Because community connection is one of the strongest determinants of health and wellbeing. The colleagues and patients we work with every day see — and feel — what's working and what isn't in their local communities. That perspective is exactly what the National Conversation needs to hear. The National Conversation findings will form part of an independent report and recommendations to be published at the end of 2026.
How to take part
- Take the national survey — it's open now and runs until the end of August 2026.
- Host a conversation — bring together a team, ward, patient group or community group for a guided discussion.
- Share the resources — pass the link on through your networks, patient channels and partner organisations.
This is particularly relevant for frontline clinical teams, PALS and volunteers, NHS charity teams, public health teams, neighbourhood health teams, primary care colleagues and senior leaders.
To find out more, visit www.thenationalconversation.org.uk.
And finally...
Trust colleague Paul makes podcast appearance
A Trust Psychiatrist has guested on a podcast highlighting his work editing a prestigious textbook.
Consultant psychiatrist, Dr Paul Rowlands, was interviewed by RCPsych (Royal College of Psychiatrists) about the third edition of Seminars in General Adult Psychiatry, which features work by many eminent academics and psychiatrists from across the country.
The third edition has been updated to keep up with modern practice and theory. It covers developments in the understanding of mental disorders, formulation and diagnosis and approaches to 'trauma-informed' care. It also includes discussion on service delivery as well as practical approaches to risk assessment and management and collaborative care planning.
“I thoroughly enjoyed the process of editing the book, getting together with the other two editors and discussing the content,” he said.
“When people write a textbook, it is charting a point in time, recording the way people think about our subject of ‘Psychiatry’ . This particular textbook was first published nearly 30 years ago in 1998 but psychiatric textbooks have been published for hundreds of years. All of them reflect the practice of psychiatry at a particular point in time. Producing a textbook it is fascinating to see how things change and evolve.
"As editors we know that at some point our version will be rewritten and the way we do things now will change - that is really exciting in itself.”
Dr Rowlands is the Consultant Psychiatrist for the Chesterfield Community Mental Health Team.
You can listen to the podcast on Soundcloud.
