Issue 117  |  11 October 2024

Welcome to this week's Stakeholder Bulletin.

We aim to bring you key updates each week from the health and care system.

In this edition, read the new Director of Public Health report, find out about flu and Covid-19 vaccinations, and find upcoming events of interest. 

Next week, as part of our Think Which Service campaign, we are encouraging patients to think about using NHS 111 for non-life-threatening medical issues. NHS 111 is available online or by phone, providing 24/7 support. Whether you need advice, want to speak to a healthcare professional, or require assistance with prescriptions, NHS 111 is here to guide you to the right care.

Vulnerable and older people across Derby and Derbyshire, including people with some existing conditions, who are most at risk of getting ill this winter will start to receive an invitation from their GP to come forward for a flu and Covid-19 vaccine.

Dr Chris Weiner, Chief Medical Officer at NHS Derby and Derbyshire ICB, said: “Every winter, the NHS urges people to protect themselves from falling seriously unwell by getting vaccinated against viruses such as covid, flu, and now, RSV.

“It’s crucial for those most at risk to consider getting vaccinated early. The vaccines offer the best protection from becoming seriously unwell this winter."

People who are experiencing a mental health crisis are being urged to use services that are in place to support them.

On World Mental Health Day, Thursday 10 October, a new film was published showcasing services provided at Derbyshire's Safe Havens.

Marc, who has used the Safe Haven service twice after experiencing a mental health crisis, said: "I felt calm pretty much instantly. The young lady who welcomed me was calm, friendly, reassuring.

"I needed face to face help but I didn't want to go to A&E. After about an hour and half I was ready to go home. I felt like I had decompressed.

"Once I Ieft the Safe Haven I went home, I took my medication as advised by the staff and I went to sleep.

"It was as simple as that."

Watch the video that features Marc's story as well as Derby centre manager Lucy Jantschenko and support worker Robert Houldsworth.

The 2024 Director of Public Health Annual Report is out now.

This year the report focuses on the work being done to reduce the harms from smoking across Derbyshire.

The Perinatal Mental Health Services Stakeholder event will be taking place on Thursday March 13, 9.30am - 4.30pm at the Postmill Centre, South Normanton.

The aim of the event is to come together and share ideas, evaluate and help shape the future of Derbyshire Perinatal Mental Health Service. 

Please email alexandra.thrasivoulou@nhs.net to confirm your attendance or for any further details. 

A conference for all Nursing and Midwifery colleagues across Derbyshire will be taking place on Wednesday November 6 from 8.30am - 4.00pm. The conference will include a marketplace, guest speakers, workshops and an "ask the execs" session. 

You can register your place online.

The new monthly newsletter for our Joined Up Care Derbyshire health and care system launched yesterday.

Following feedback from subscribers we've made a number of changes. Check it out and subscribe if you haven't already.

The newsletter is now:

• monthly, because readers wanted to see it more often
• in email format to make it easier to read
• structured around our four "missions": better health, tackling health inequalities, efficiency and our community
• packed with stories, case studies and news from our people and the communities we serve

Have you got an idea for an article to submit? Please email ddicb.communications@nhs.net and we'll get back to you.

Construction will begin on a new multi-storey car park at University Hospitals of Derby and Burton from Monday October 14. The multi-storey will create more than 500 additional spaces when construction is complete in late summer 2025. During this time, there will be changes made to hospital parking for patients and visitors for those who travel by car to Royal Derby Hospital for appointments and visits. 

Did you know you don't always need to see a GP or consultant to access some referral services? Self-referral is an option that can make it easier and faster for you to get help, rather than seeing your doctor.

You can register for most of them online. Find out more.