Chesterfield Royal Hospital

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.

royal hospital assessment unit

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Careers in healthcare and how to start your journey

Considering a career in healthcare but unsure where to start? Healthcare is a huge sector that supports hundreds of career paths, meaning there is a job role to suit every background and skill set.

Keep reading to find out why a career in healthcare can be rewarding and to learn about the different career routes to start out in the industry.

Which careers in healthcare can I choose from?

Everyone in the healthcare sector must work towards a common goal – to provide the best care for their patient. You might diagnose physical illnesses and refer for treatment. You could advise on medication, or you could deliver talking therapies. And not forgetting, you might work in a non-clinical role which makes a significant contribution to patient care.

Whichever career in healthcare you choose, you’ll certainly find opportunities in Chesterfield where you can make a difference.

What career routes are available in healthcare?

Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships can offer an ideal route to your career in healthcare. It means you can earn while you learn and gain a qualification. You can complete an apprenticeship from Level 2, right up to degree level.

We spoke to apprentices from Chesterfield Royal Hospital and Peak Pharmacy, to find out why they chose the apprenticeship route.

Apprentice Town - Find Your Apprenticeship - Social Media Landscape2

Apprentice Town – Find Your Apprenticeship

Peak Pharmacy

Emmie-Mai Hunt, Level 2 Pharmacy Assistant, said: “I became an apprentice as I enjoy practical learning. After 2 years at college, studying a course completely different, I was unsure what career I wanted to pursue. However, I saw this and thought what a great way to earn money whilst learning about something I enjoy – medicine.

If you’re considering an apprenticeship in healthcare, I say go for it! There is never a dull moment. Whether this be with customers or colleagues. The number of opportunities it opens up is never ending.”

Chesterfield Royal Hospital

Clare Smith is a Level 6 Apprentice Diagnostic Radiographer. She said: “By undertaking an apprenticeship, I have been able to further develop my communication skills and critical thinking. I have learnt to facilitate interprofessional collaboration and share clinical judgement to ensure the best possible outcomes.”

Kari Whitaker is a Level 5 Staff Development and Apprenticeship Practitioner. She explained: “My apprenticeship has given me a solid foundation of knowledge and clinical skills, which enables me to pass this on to learners. It has also given me the experience to guide and advise experienced staff that will be supporting the new starters in their work areas.”

Not only can you work towards an apprenticeship in clinical roles, but you can also gain a qualification in a clerical role. Nathan Marriot tells us more about his level 3 apprenticeship in the video below.

Trainee Placement

Ever considered a trainee placement? A placement prepares you for employment or an apprenticeship by allowing you to take part in an education and work experience.

Sidonie Herring, Level 4 Trainee Counsellor at The Therapy and Lifestyle Clinic, said:

“I became a trainee because I wanted a complete career change. I wanted to make sure that I trained properly in this field and took the steps necessary.

The best thing about my placement is the team and support I receive. I feel like it’s a great environment to learn and grow, as well as have the freedom to develop my counselling style.

My placement offers opportunities to attend workshops to develop mental health and counselling skills, no matter how much experience you have AND provide workshops for clients which is great to be a part of. By working in the mental health sector of healthcare it’s highlighted to me how the demand for more mental health help is needed for the public. I like that I have the opportunity to contribute to this.”

Sidonie Herring at The Therapy Lifestyle Clinic

Inspired by the range of careers in healthcare?

With affordable housing and great transport links, starting your career in Chesterfield is a no brainer. If you enjoyed reading what local people think about careers in the healthcare sector, please do look at the career routes on offer with Chesterfield businesses. We’d love to share your story soon.

Browse apprenticeship vacancies in Chesterfield…

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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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City Taxis welcomes Chesterfield Royal Hospital Charity as its Chesterfield charity of the year

Having pledged to support a small charity in each of their operating areas, local taxi company City Taxis has announced its latest charity partner for 2023 – the Chesterfield Royal Hospital Charity.

Chesterfield Royal Charity supports both the patients and staff at the hospital, by improving the environment and facilities on offer, all designed to enhance care and wellbeing. Through donations, the charity goes above and beyond to provide more than what is offered through ‘normal NHS funding’, from relaxation gardens and MRI scanners to water stations and mental health support for staff.

The Charity is currently working on its ‘Care for the Carers Appeal’ which is funding a £2m Health and Wellbeing Hub, which is being built on the hospital site. The Hub will offer all staff a safe place to actively look after their mental and physical health and wellbeing. Amongst the hub’s facilities will be a gym, counselling rooms and complimentary therapies.

Sacha Skinner, Marketing Manager at City Taxis, said: “Since finalising our City Charity strategy, we have worked with our Site Managers to select several local charities that we believe could really benefit from our support.

“In summer (2022) we teamed up with Sheffield Hospitals Charity to throw a ‘Thank You NHS Gala Ball’, where all funds were donated to the charity’s ‘We’ve Got You’ Campaign – dedicated to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of NHS staff across Sheffield Teaching Hospitals.

“When we learned that Chesterfield Royal Charity were also working on a large project to support the health and wellbeing of their staff, we knew this was something we wanted to get involved with.

“We are very proud to be supporting such a wonderful charity and very much looking forward to getting involved in lots of fundraising activities and volunteering to support this project.”

Ken Godber, Director at Chesterfield Royal Charity, said: “We are extremely proud to welcome City Taxis on board to support for our ‘Care for the Carers’ appeal.

“We know the Health and Wellbeing Hub will make a huge difference to the 4,500 colleagues working at the hospital.

“It’s been a very difficult time for the NHS and with support from City Taxis for the whole of 2023 we think we’ll be able to make even more investments in the Hub.

“Thank you to them and all their drivers for this commitment.”

In 2022, six members of the City Taxis team took on the Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10k to help raise funds for the Health and Wellbeing Hub build, which is set to open in spring 2023. Visit the link for more information: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/CarefortheCarersCRH

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

 

City Taxis at the Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10k

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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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Chesterfield organisations strengthen their teams with new appointments

Several Chesterfield businesses and organisations have announced new additions to their teams recently, which builds upon the wealth of existing talent across the town.

DBCP

Derbyshire Building Control Partnership bolstered its ranks recently, taking on two new team members.

Barry Thomas joins DBCP’s team of Building Control Surveyors to assist with the growing demand for building control services for projects in Derby City Centre, while Tracey Mansell has joined the company’s technical support team based in Dunston Innovation Centre.

Barry joins from Thurrock Council where he was a building control surveyor. It was in this role that he completed a degree in Building Control at Wolverhampton University as well as achieving full Chartership status with the industry’s leading bodies CABE and CIOB.

He commented: “It’s a very exciting time for me professionally. Derby is a great city and there is so much happening there with residential and commercial developments of all sizes. It’s great to be involved with key projects through my role with DBCP.”

Barry will be supported in his role by DBCP’s technical support team which has been joined by Tracey. In her new role, Tracey will provide frontline support to builders, architects and property owners, and DBCP’s team of building control surveyors operating throughout Derbyshire and Staffordshire Moorlands.

Tracey commented: “I have always had a keen interest in architecture, building and design and a dedication to delivering excellent customer service so when this role came up, I seized the opportunity.”

Avant Homes

Chesterfield-based Avant Homes has strengthened the team in its Central region with the appointment of a regional planning manager.

Katy Falls has more than 12 years’ experience in the planning industry and began her career in local authority planning before moving into housebuilding in 2015.

As regional planning manager, Katy will be responsible for moving potential sites through the planning process while establishing strong relationships with local authorities.

Commenting on her appointment, Katy said: “As a planner, my favourite part of the job is successfully obtaining planning permission and seeing developments come to life. It is exciting to play a role in delivering new homes for our customers, and to contribute towards creating communities where people want to live.

“I have always favoured the residential side of planning, so I am looking forward to taking the next step in my career with a company which has such impressive and ambitious growth plans.”

Avant Homes Central currently has nine live developments ranging from Chesterfield to Mansfield with many more due to start as the business continues to implement its growth plans.

Avant Homes Central is part of the Avant Homes Group, one of the leading private developers of residential property in the UK.

Speaking about Katy’s appointment, Avant Homes Central managing director, Chris Coley, said: “With Katy’s experience in planning within local authorities and housebuilding in the Midlands, it’s an exciting time for the business to be welcoming her to the planning team.

“As the planning manager for the region, Katy will be pivotal in working closely with local council’s to secure planning consent for our new sites and drive our Central operation towards expansion success.”

Katy Falls planning manager Avant Homes

Chesterfield Royal Hospital

Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is proud to announce the appointment of a new highly respected and experienced Chief Operating Officer.

Michelle Veitch, who is currently Chief Operating Officer at Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust (RDaSH), will take up the post at Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust in March next year.

Michelle started her career in the NHS via the NHS General Management Graduate Training Scheme and since then has undertaken a number of senior operational roles at Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals, Nottingham University Hospitals, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals and at Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.

As Chief Operating Officer, Michelle will lead our vision to provide exceptional care by exceptional people by working collaboratively and with compassion across the organisation and outside of it – driving results, performance and quality.

Michelle said: “I’m incredibly excited for the new role and challenge of working at Chesterfield Royal Hospital. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at RDaSH and having worked here for over two years, I have made some fantastic friends and was proud to work alongside many talented and committed colleagues.

“Chesterfield has an excellent reputation for patient care and quality services, and I look forward to bringing the lessons I have learnt from my career to support Chesterfield and its community. I look forward to working with colleagues across Derbyshire.”

Milestone Financial Planning

Milestone Financial Planning recently announced it had strengthened its team with the appointment of Financial Advisor, Samantha Halifax.

Samantha commented: “I’ve been working in financial services for over 8 years, in a variety of roles, including as a mortgage advisor and private banker. It’s great to be reunited with Michael, Peter, Mark and Jo again and to meet the rest of the team.”

DBCP, Avant Homes, Chesterfield Royal Hospital and Milestone Financial Planning support 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 Hospital wins major regional award for work with apprentices

The hard work and dedication of apprentices from the East Midlands, their employers and mentors have been celebrated at a special ceremony; with Chesterfield Royal Hospital winning one of the top awards at the event.

150 people attended the Regional Finals of the National Apprenticeship Awards in Leicester. They are one of nine regional awards across the country, with the winners from each shortlisted for the National Apprenticeship Awards finals which will take place in London on 30th November.

The awards give both individuals and businesses the chance to showcase the many benefits of apprenticeships: These include the opportunity to gain skills for life, earn while you learn and boost your employability.

Angela Borman, Chair of the East Midlands Apprenticeship Ambassador Network, co-hosted the ceremony. She said: “It was amazing to celebrate the talented apprentices, as well as their employers and mentors here in the East Midlands.

“Having worked in the delivery of apprenticeships for the whole of my career, I passionately believe they are a great opportunity. These awards showcase how they can help people thrive.

“We’ve got some amazing employers who work hard to ensure that the delivery of apprenticeships here in the East Midlands is first class. I am proud to be working with them to continue this success.”

The awards are also an opportunity to promote the work of the East Midlands Apprenticeship Ambassador Network – a group of local employers and apprentices who champion the awareness of apprenticeships.

The free-to-join network allows employers to learn from each other and have input into Government thinking and policy on the skills agenda.

The winners are:

Small Employer of the Year – Dental 22

Large Employer of the Year – Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Macro Employer of the Year – Travis Perkins PLC

Recruitment Excellence – Nottingham City Homes

Rising Star of the Year – Niall Hutton – Capwell Grange Care Home

Intermediate Apprentice of the Year – Julia Jones – John Lewis Partnership

Advanced Apprentice of the Year – Ali Amin – Shawpak (Riverside Medical Group)

Higher or Degree Apprentice of the Year – Evie Marsden – Kier Construction

Apprentice Champion – Kimmy Kimani Hobbs – Milton Keynes College

Find out more about the range of apprenticeships in Chesterfield at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/apprenticeships/

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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Dr. Hal Spencer named as new CEO at Chesterfield Royal Hospital

Following an extensive independently managed recruitment process,  Dr Hal Spencer has been announced as the new Chief Executive Officer at Chesterfield Royal Hospital.

Hal had been Medical Director at Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust since 2018 – after spending two years as the Divisional Director for the hospital’s Medicine and Emergency Care Division. After undertaking his training in Cambridge and London, he went to work as a junior Doctor in Nottingham Middlesbrough and Australia. He then completed his general medicine and specialist Gastroenterology training in and around Sheffield, including a year as a Registrar in Chesterfield where he joined the consultant team in 2004.

Dr Hal Spencer said: “I am delighted to be appointed as Chief Executive of Chesterfield Royal Hospital, a hospital I have worked in since I was a junior Doctor. I am proud of all my colleagues and the care and support we give both to each other and to our patients. We do great things here, and I am very much looking forward to leading our teams to do so much more. It is a very exciting time to take over the reins.”

Dr Helen Phillips, Chair of the Trust said: “I am absolutely delighted to announce that Hal has appointed as Chief Executive of CRH. I know that colleagues and stakeholders join with me in wishing him the very best in the role. It is Hal’s authenticity, respect, and ability to truly show how he lives our values that will define his leadership of the Trust.”

Dr. Spencer has also joined the board of Destination Chesterfield, helping to drive forward the promotion of the town.

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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Make Caring Your Career

A career in healthcare can be rewarding, offering job satisfaction as you care for those in need. There are many paths into the sector and undertaking an apprenticeship can be an ideal route to embark on a rewarding career.

Apprenticeships offer the opportunity to earn while you learn and gain key skills that can reap rewards both inside and outside the healthcare sector.

Chesterfield Royal Hospital and University of Derby

Apprentice providers in Chesterfield have strong links with Chesterfield Royal Hospital, which makes developing a career in healthcare even easier. The University of Derby work with Chesterfield Royal Hospital to offer apprenticeship training in healthcare, covering a wide range of occupations

Meet Hayley Pickles, Nursing Degree apprentice at Chesterfield Royal Hospital. Hayley shows how you can use degree level apprenticeships to gain the relevant skills and qualifications to become a nurse.

Hayley Pickles 873x466

Hayley explained: “I used to work as a Graphic Designer, however I soon realised it was not for me and I wanted a job which would give me compassion satisfaction. I decided I wanted to be a Nurse but I had never worked in healthcare before and so I got a job as a Healthcare Assistant in 2015 at Chesterfield Royal to gain experience in that environment. I loved it, however due to having two small children at nursery I could not finance a nursing degree. I completed a 2-year apprenticeship to become an Assistant Practitioner (AP) which enabled me to still work on Robinson Ward and gain a foundation degree whilst being supported by Chesterfield Royal.

After being qualified as an AP for just over a year the nursing apprenticeship appeared so I decided this was my opportunity to become a nurse by doing a 2 year top up degree. My children are older now and it meant I would still be supported financially and emotionally by Chesterfield Royal.”

Kirsty Miles, Operating Department Practitioner (ODP) is also an apprentice at Chesterfield Royal Hospital.

Kirsty Miles 873x466

Kirsty said: “I absolutely LOVE my job! There’s never a day goes by when I don’t look forward to coming to work – every day is completely different and that’s one of the reasons why this role and the operating theatre department are so unique. Not a lot of people actually know what an Operating Department Practitioner is, or what they do. I must admit, before I came to work in Theatres, neither did I! However, I soon came to learn just how interesting and important their roles actually are.

Because this course is an apprenticeship, it means I get the best of both worlds! I still get paid my regular wage but am able to work and learn on the job as a trainee ODP, alongside my wonderful colleagues. The help and support I get from them, my mentors and the course leads at university, is second to none.”

Business Administration

Healthcare is such a vast sector, and roles vary from administration, payroll, community care, doctors, surgeons, across nursing home and social care settings as well, to name just a few opportunities.

Ellie Gibson is a Level 3 Business Administration apprentice at Heathcotes Group and is the 2021 Love Chesterfield Awards Apprentice of the Year.

Heathcotes 873x466

Ellie heard about the apprenticeship route when she was at Bolsover School. While she liked the idea of working full-time and progressing within a company, Ellie decided to go to college to complete her Level 3 in Travel and Tourism before going on to university for a year to do Tourism and Events Management.

University wasn’t right for Ellie, and she decided to leave and join Heathcotes as a business administration apprentice. She explained: “I wanted to learn whilst earning. I also liked the idea of continuing to work at the place while I did my qualification and being able to progress with the same company. My family and friends were very supportive of that idea too.”

Now, after completing her Level 2 Business Administration apprenticeship, Ellie is undertaking the Level 3 course and hopes to continue progressing within the company. She added: “I plan to continue developing myself and keep progressing. I enjoy getting to know the business and creating working relationships with people, learning new skills, and adapting my ways of work.”

One to One Support Services

Are you looking to hire an apprentice? One to One Support Services is one of the many apprentice providers in Chesterfield that offer apprenticeships in adult care and childcare.

One to One Support Services Apprentice

Janice, Employer and Managing Director at Chantreyland and Brierley said: “Since using One to One Support Services, I am able to be totally confident my apprentices are receiving the best mentoring training possible to compliments their workplace skills training. One to One Support Services work closely with the company enabling qualified staff to provide the appropriate skills training at the point of the apprenticeship study. The partnership results in fully skilled apprentices entering our workforce with the prospects of adding their character to our childcare setting.”

There are lots of different careers available in healthcare to suit an array of interests and skills sets. If you fancy a career in healthcare, you can find out more about apprenticeships and search current vacancies here.

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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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