Chesterfield Healthcare

New emergency department now open at Chesterfield Royal Hospital

Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust’s new Emergency Department has now opened.

The hospital’s new development includes a state-of-the-art approach to patient flow, highly specialised equipment, ultra-modern technology and a real grounding in the community through the locally sourced artwork and wayfinding.

However, the message from the hospital to the public remains that people should only visit the department if they truly need to.

Dr. Katherine Lendrum, Clinical Lead for the UECD and ED Consultant, commented: “The new Emergency Department is an absolutely amazing facility which will provide our local population with Emergency Care but only when they really need it!

“We genuinely hope we don’t need to see people but if someone needs us, we will be there and do our absolute best to give high quality care in a timely manner.

“Emergency departments are open 24/7 365 days a year; they are staffed by a large team of nurses and clinicians (doctors and allied health professionals) who have expertise in immediately life or limb threatening emergencies.”

Dr Hal Spencer, Chief Executive of the Trust, said: “This is a truly fantastic facility for the hospital and the communities we serve. With clinical leadership, engagement at all levels and years of planning, I’m very proud of the skills, experience and hard work that have gone into shaping our new Emergency Department.

“We are on time in opening the facility and have delivered on budget, despite building work starting during Covid. It is testament to a great team who have worked tirelessly to deliver this work. Thank you to everybody involved.”

Dr Anthony Kenny, Programme Director for the Emergency Department development, said: “The new department has the ability to live monitor patients, it has a dedicated children and young people’s area and a specialist zone for neurodiverse patients or those experiencing a mental health crisis, all of which mean we are providing a truly world-class facility for the region.

“The area above the department is one of the proudest ‘added extra’ elements; we have a state-of-the-art simulation suite and facilities which will support training for ED colleagues to provide the best possible care and we have also included modern changing and break-out rooms.”

Dr Lendrum concluded: “Sometimes (in up to 70% of attendances) people choose to come to an emergency department with less urgent problems – perhaps because they don’t know where to go or because they perceive they will be seen quicker; get all the tests they need done or be treated faster.

“Problems that have lasted many days, weeks or months, that you would like a second opinion on or are already being managed by another team often do not fit into an emergency category.

“If you feel well enough to have your tea before coming to an ED think again – could my problem be managed by someone else better tomorrow?! It is everyone’s responsibility to use health care services wisely.”

Alternative sources of help for less urgent problem, particularly out of hours include NHS111, local pharmacies and urgent treatment centres.

Chesterfield Royal Hospital supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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New assessment unit for children and young people opens at Chesterfield Royal Hospital

GPs and clinicians in Chesterfield and beyond will now be able to refer children and young people to a purpose-built £2m state-of-the-art Paediatric Assessment Unit.

The exciting new development, which will care for some of the hospital’s youngest patients has 12 treatment spaces and is adjacent to the paediatric area towards the rear of the hospital. It will ensure that children who have been referred by a healthcare professional can be assessed, investigated and reviewed much more quickly and responsively, in a setting which is far more suited to their short-term needs.

It forms part of the latest round of developments at the Chesterfield Royal Hospital site, and this bespoke unit is not just a new build – it will help to release space on children’s inpatient areas and improving the experience for colleagues and patients. The unit has been designed with children in mind; and features a space for waiting and playing and bright colours in all areas.

Tracy Barker, Lead Nurse for Family Care, said: “We are incredibly excited to see this come to fruition. Previously children who will now be referred to the PAU were treated on our inpatient ward, which is not always the best environment for a short stay.

“We have been able to perform simulation exercises as part of the development to ensure the layout is accessible and fit for purpose. This has meant that we will be able to hit the ground running from opening day.

“I am incredibly proud to see it opening and I would like to thank everyone who has been involved in this from day one and to all my colleagues – especially the building team for their flexibility and the domestics team who have worked incredibly hard to get it to sparkle!”

Dr Hal Spencer, Chief Executive of Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust said: “I am delighted that we are opening the PAU, which will provide support and care for our youngest patients and their families. This is just one of many developments on site which will allow us to continue to provide exceptional care for our patients.

“The PAU will receive referrals from clinicians and will work together with our primary care, community and Emergency Department colleagues to provide a complete package of care for our patients. We continue to ask parents and guardians to take children and young people with emergencies to the Emergency Department in the first instance, where we will then assess and potentially move to this area based on a clinical decision.”

Chesterfield Royal Hospital supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Chesterfield patients to benefit from new ultrasound department open in North Derbyshire

North Derbyshire’s Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) has welcomed its first ultrasound patient, after opening the new service earlier this month.

The centres allow patients to receive care closer to home, in a one-stop style approach, which includes having direct same-day access to tests such as ultrasound, x-ray and phlebotomy (blood tests).

The ultrasound department at Whitworth Hospital is located in Darley Dale, Matlock and is staffed by Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust colleagues.

Jason Rotherham, 50, from Eckington was the first patient to use the service, after starting his patient journey when he visited his GP with shoulder pain.

He was given exercises and pain relief, however after a few weeks he found the pain was not improving. Following a physiotherapy appointment in Eckington, and an x-ray at Chesterfield Royal Hospital, Jason was offered an ultrasound at the North Derbyshire Community Diagnostic Centre in Matlock. The aim was to investigate the pain and provide an accurate diagnosis.

Jason said: “Although Chesterfield Royal Hospital is technically nearer to me, I chose to attend Whitworth Hospital because they offered me an appointment much quicker – in fact, it was the next day!

“It is fantastic to be able to now get a quicker diagnosis for my shoulder, meaning I can now get on with my day. The quick turnaround also means that my physiotherapist can take a look at my ultrasound instantly and get me booked in for another appointment quickly.

“The staff I spoke to, including Nic the sonographer, were very helpful and caring. Although further from home, I really didn’t mind the extra few minutes drive as it meant I got an appointment much quicker.  I was also in and out in about 15 minutes, so I certainly saved more time there too. It is a fantastic new service, with new lovely rooms and equipment so I felt very comfortable. An added bonus is having free parking.”

Nic Sowden, Ultrasonographer, performed the first ultrasound at the new Community Diagnostic Centre on Friday, 17 March.

Nic said: “The new ultrasound CDC service at Whitworth Hospital means more patients can be seen faster, supporting a quicker diagnosis and treatment. We’re looking forward to further expanding the service including longer opening hours and establishing a link with other clinics to create more streamlined pathways – like podiatry.

“We’ve seen an increase of around 20% for the number of ultrasounds taking place across our region, so this extra service will support the demand across our North Derbyshire community. It was fantastic being able to open this new service, and to also welcome our first patients having ultrasounds here, including Jason. I really look forward to seeing what is next for the Community Diagnostic Centre and look forward to expanding our services further.”

Melissa Dalton, Clinical Lead for Urgent Care and Specialist Services at Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Foundation Trust, which runs Whitworth Hospital, said: “This is very good news for patients who can now come here for ultrasound and other diagnostic tests, including seven day a week x-ray facilities.

“The development of Community Diagnostic Centres, like the one being developed here, means that patients get easier and often quicker access to diagnostic services to help clinicians plan the best course of treatment for them. We are delighted to be able to offer these facilities to patients across North Derbyshire.”

Patients still have the option to attend appointments at Chesterfield Royal Hospital, however you may receive an appointment quicker if you are able to attend North Derbyshire’s Community Diagnostic Centre, located at Whitworth Hospital.

Chesterfield Royal Hospital supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Ultrasound - CDC

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Exciting expansion for The Body Health Centre

A healthcare centre in Clay Cross, specialising in treating pain and injuries is expanding its premises, which will grow the range of services it is able to offer.

The Body Health Centre is opening new treatment rooms, along with an open space for delivery of exercise and rehabilitation classes.

The clinic boasts a range of clinicians and therapies which include Chiropractors, Physiotherapists, Sports Massage Therapists, Foot Health Practitioners, Acupuncture, Craniosacral Therapy, Personal Trainers, Rehabilitation Specialists, Reiki, Reflexology, Cupping, and Deep Oscillation Therapy with more new and exciting additions to come.

Rebecca Stevenson, owner of The Body Health Centre commented: “I am extremely proud of the achievements I have made within the business within a short space of time. I originally worked at The Body Health Centre on a Self-Employed basis before the opportunity came to buy the business.

“My vision for the business was to expand the treatment rooms and be awarded as an Accredited Training Centre with an Awarding Body to be able to deliver Sports Massage Courses and other CPD achievements.

“Patient care is our number one priority along with patient well-being and mental health always being put first. All of our clinicians are person centered, sensitive to patients ailments and with their extensive and expert knowledge in their profession which is of extreme high quality are able to advise and treat accordingly..”

The centre is also excited to be providing fully accredited Active IQ qualifications. The courses will help people gain a new career, where their newly learnt skill set will open doors to new and exciting opportunities within the health sector.

The courses include:

  •  Level 3 Diploma in Sports Massage Therapy
  • Level 4 Certificate in Sports Massage Therapy
  • Active IQ Level 4 Award in Understanding the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice

Speaking of the new developments taking place at the centre, Rebecca added: “Our new treatment rooms will enable us to potentially extend our hours so we are able to see more patients at the times they around their busy lifestyles. Our new open space will enable us to deliver a range of small group and 1-1 exercise and rehabilitation classes where people will feel comfortable and in a relaxed environment . The room will be multi use and used as a venue for our training academy.

“We have more availability for appointments with a range of clinicians to suit individuals and always endeavour to see patients as soon as possible. We have the ability to arrange and organise private MRI, Ultrasound and X-Ray scans that can be done within a week of referral, with no long waiting times for results. GP and insurance referrals are welcomed.

“During Covid, we took some pressure off the NHS as some of our clinicians are part of Allied Health along with other special requirements, which enabled us to stay open and treat patients in pain for pain relief without the need to go to A & E.

Rebecca is now launching a recruitment drive to help continue the growth of the centre, and is looking for medical experts to get in touch: “Due to the expansion of my clinic, I will be looking at recruiting qualified professional medical clinicians which will enhance our medical pain and management provision.”

Anyone looking to find out more can contact the centre on 01246 860 317 or by emailing tbhc7@outlook.com.

The Body Health Centre supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

body health centre

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Final brick laid on £2m Health and Wellbeing Hub for NHS Staff

The final brick has been laid in the building of the purpose-built £2m Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS FT’s Health and Wellbeing Hub.

Funded by Chesterfield Royal Charity, the first-of-its-kind Hub will provide modern facilities for all 4,500 colleagues on the hospital site. Badged ‘caring for carers’– it will provide services and facilities for those hospital colleagues working around the clock at the Trust, providing direct and indirect care to all our local communities and families.

The Health and Wellbeing Hub is looking to be available seven days a week for colleagues to utilise and enjoy, with facilities to include: Counselling rooms, ensuring support for the mental health & wellbeing of our colleagues; complimentary therapies; gym equipment and areas for group or individual reflections after traumatic incidents.

Beverley Webster OBE, Chair of the Health and Wellbeing Hub Development Board and Atulkumar Patel MBE, Chair of Chesterfield Royal Charity were tasked with laying the final brick on the Hub – known as a Topping Out ceremony. As well as laying the final brick, there was also a sneak peek inside of the Hub to see where the rooms are starting to take shape.

Beverley Webster MBE, Chair of the Health and Wellbeing Hub Development Board, said: “It’s so exciting to see the Hub take shape. The initial vision is becoming a reality and I cannot wait to see how all colleagues benefitting from it.”

Opening in Spring 2023, the appeal continues for all local people, groups, teams and businesses to now contribute, fundraise and back this ambitious and exciting project which will provide health and wellbeing support for our local NHS heroes.

Atulkumar Patel MBE, Chair of Chesterfield Royal Charity, added: “The charity is proud to be able to support our wonderful staff. It was a privilege to lay the final brick on behalf of our many supporters such as DSFS, Westfield Health and NHS Charities Together and, of course, the many staff who have also helped to fundraise for the Hub. The progression made is fantastic thanks to Stepnell’s dedicated workers. Bring on Spring 2023!”

To support the Chesterfield Royal Charity and to raise or donate funds for the Health and Wellbeing Hub, please visit: https://www.chesterfieldroyal.nhs.uk/our-charity.

Chesterfield Royal Hospital supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Chesterfield Royal installs State-of-the-Art £1.5m MRI Scanner

A state-of-the-art £1.5m brand new MRI scanner has been installed at Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust – expecting to help diagnose more than 16,000 patients a year.

An MRI scanner– or Magnetic Resonance Imaging scanner – uses magnetic field and radiofrequency pulses to produce three dimensional detailed images of most areas of the body without the use of radiation. It is used to diagnose and monitor treatments in both adults and children.

The Trust has two MRIs on site with this new Siemens Magnetom Sola 1.5 T replacing an 11-year-old machine, which was removed in September.

The installation was carried out by a 50 tonne crane and took seven hours with the cryogenics and superconductor – needed to operate the machinery – being connected to the power supply and configured. The new machine will become operational from 23 December – just in time for Christmas.

The new MRI will have a life span of between 10-15 years and weighs just over 4 tonnes – the equivalent of a hippopotamus or about three cars. It will operate 12.5 hours a day, seven days a week – with scans lasting between 10-60 minutes. All scans are prioritised with urgent cases often receiving the results on the same day.

Kevin Sargen, Medical Director at the Trust commented: “This is great news for the people of Chesterfield and shows that as a Trust we are investing in modern care and facilities – this being alongside the £27m Urgent and Emergency Care Development and the £2m Paediatric Assessment Unit.”

An MRI is typically used to diagnose a variety of pathologies including stroke, tumours, vascular anomalies and many musculo-skeletal problems.

Rebecca Ward, MRICT lead at the Trust, said: “We’re very excited to be bringing in such an advanced piece of equipment into the hospital. The new technology will offer far greater quality and speed over our previous scanner. We know that it will improve our performance and mean we diagnose more people as well as providing a better experience for patients.”

Kevin Sargen, added: “I’d take this opportunity to flag that people need to access the right care by contacting their GP, 111 or pharmacies before coming to our Emergency Department – allowing us to ensure we can prioritise more serious conditions and those requiring access to diagnostics such as this new MRI.”

Chesterfield Royal Hospital supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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‘State-of-the-art’ critical care beds welcomed into hospital to transform patient care

Chesterfield Royal Hospital’s critical care unit received 24 patient beds that will enhance patient care in the department. The unit looks after those needing round the clock, one-on-one care for illnesses, such as organ failure or respiratory support.

The new specialised beds provide enhanced functions, such as multiple heights and positions. This will minimise colleagues’ risk or injury when aiding and supporting patients.

Natalie Cooper-Hatch and Maxine Hardy, Critical Care Matrons at Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust said: “As a team, we are so pleased to have 24 new beds arrive onto Critical Care this week, replacing our previous beds. The technology is extremely advanced, and it will really enhance the patient care we are able to deliver to some of the hospital’s most vulnerable patients.

“Critical care is where our really poorly patients are cared for, with some patients being with us for months. Last year we looked after more than 1,000 patients and we know that these beds will make a huge difference to our patients and our team; we can’t wait to start using them to see the benefits in patient care and our patients’ recovery.”

Repositioning patients in bed regularly has many benefits, including better respiratory care, early mobilisation and can reduce the risk of pressure damage, assisting in recovery. The high-tech beds have in-built scales, providing accurate weight monitoring which influences nutrition needs and medication doses.

Sarah Ward, Deputy Chief Nurse at Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust said: “We are delighted to receive these state-of-the-art beds onto our critical care unit. The team look after the sickest patients, often with life-threatening illnesses. With the increased functionality and technology these beds offer, we know that we’ll be able to do more for our patients.

“Having these beds in our busy critical care unit enables us to continue to deliver exceptional care to those patients who really need specialised support from our skilled and dedicated patient care team.”

Special training will be taking place in the unit over the next few weeks, to ensure colleagues understand all functions of the beds. The previous beds in the unit will go on to be recycled or refurbished by the supplier, Linet.

Chesterfield Royal Hospital supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 190 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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The Goldsmith Clinic announces growth with new treatment rooms

A Chesterfield clinic offering a wide range of medical skincare and aesthetic treatments to support peoples’ wellbeing has expanded it’s premises, enabling more capacity and availability of treatments.

The Goldsmith Clinic was founded by respected registered nurse practitioner Theresa Goldsmith in 2015, before moving to Lordsmill Street in Chesterfield Town Centre in 2019.

Now, following three years of continued success, the clinic has opened two new treatment rooms, and Theresa says she’s delighted to see the growth of the business, despite the recent challenges created by the Covid-19 pandemic.

“A short time after moving into this building, we went into lockdown so there were times we had to adapt the way we were working. predominantly, I moved back into general practice to work as an Advanced Nurse Practicioner.

“But since we’ve come back after lockdown, we’ve been really busy, the business has grown. We’ve had the renovation, we’ve taken on a new therapist and introduced a lot of new treatments such as skin remodeling; something which Judy Murray had done earlier on in the year!”

Theresa also reiterated the importance of continuing to support local, independent businesses across Chesterfield: “Please continue to do what you’re doing. The support we have had has been phenomenal. I’m very grateful to our client group because they’ve come back bigger and stronger than they were before.

“Spread the word about local businesses, word of mouth works really well. What we want to see in Chesterfield is ongoing growth. We want to see the high street thriving so anything you can do to support local businesses is really helpful.”

Find out more about Chesterfield’s wide range of fabulous, independent town centre businesses at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/

The Goldsmith Clinic supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Progress continues on new urgent care department at Chesterfield Royal Hospital

The ‘super structure’ of the £24m Urgent and Emergency Care Development (UECD) at Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust has now been completed.

The UECD, due to open its doors in Spring/Summer 2023, has now reached the next stage in its build with the final concrete floor slab, now in place thanks to the expertise of specialist tradespeople.

The final section will be the base for offices, changing facilities and staff rooms.

Berenice Groves, Deputy Chief Executive and Chief Operating Officer, said: “This is a great landmark moment for the development. It means we have completed a pivotal stage, without issue or concern and the structural elements are now in place. As we move forward, we’re focusing more on how the building will function and truly benefit our patients, colleagues and visitors.”

The concrete used is steel fibre reinforced concrete. The steel fibres reduce the need for traditional reinforcing bars and mesh as the fibres, making the process more effective and efficient. The concrete was pumped through a mobile concrete pump to the work site before being vibrated, and ‘floated’. ‘Powerfloating’ essentially polishes the surface of the concrete to achieve a smooth uniform finish to a high level of accuracy.

Though the concrete can now be walked on, having been poured on Friday, 11 March, it will continue to set for a further 56 days.

Berenice added: “The move to complete our structure of the UECD is a hugely positive and welcome one. The concrete – like many of the elements of the building – was managed by professionals, who are specialists in their area and we are very pleased with the process to date.”

The Trust recently went out to patients, colleagues and the public to ask about the colours and artwork for the new development – the results of this will be confirmed in the coming weeks.

Chesterfield Royal Hospital supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Walton Hospital becomes latest site to open for Covid-19 vaccinations

Walton Hospital has become the latest site for people in Chesterfield to receive their Covid-19 vaccination, replacing the iconic Winding Wheel Theatre.

Vaccinations started at Walton Hospital, on Whitecotes Lane, from Monday, September 13, with patients able to attend from 12:30 to 17:30 for first or second doses. Further clinics will also be held on September 15 and September 18.

Patients can either just walk in for their vaccination, or book appointments by calling 119 or visiting the National Booking System. A dedicated local booking line will also be open from 9am on September 14: 01246 253 030. Patients without access to a vehicle can use public transport from Chesterfield Town Centre direct to Walton, including the X17, 39, 51, 2 and 2a buses. Detailed bus route information is available on the Stagecoach website.

The vaccinations will take place in the hospital’s Peter McCarthy Suite, which has been extensively repurposed to provide appropriate facilities for staff and patients.

The move to Walton Hospital continues the work done at the Winding Wheel Theatre, which now returns to its normal function. The clinic at Stubley Medical Centre, the first vaccination site to open in Derbyshire outside of a hospital hub, remains open.

Dr John Pryce, who is clinical lead for the new site, said it was another important moment for the vaccination programme in Chesterfield: “Walton Hospital is well known to local people and is an excellent venue for the vaccination clinic, so we hope to see lots of people taking the opportunity to get the vaccination.

“It is particularly important for those eligible to get both doses, and we are especially keen to vaccinate younger people who have not yet had their vaccination. It will help protect them and their families and help get us all back to a more normal way of life.”

“A lot of people here at Walton and from many different organisations have worked really hard to get the Peter McCarthy Suite ready to begin vaccinations, so it will be great to get started.”

Anyone who has a query about vaccinations should check the NHS Covid-19 vaccination website: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/ or call 119 for advice.

Anyone who needs to cancel a booked appointment should use the booking system they used to make the original appointment. Walton Hospital staff cannot answer questions about the vaccination programme by telephone.

Details of all clinics across Derby and Derbyshire are available on the Joined Up Care Derbyshire website: https://joinedupcarederbyshire.co.uk/public-info-covid-19/covid-19-vaccine/covid-19-vaccination-walk-clinics-and-resources.

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