I am responsible for the strategic direction of partnerships and fundraising for Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service; seeking out opportunities for collaboration and managing our partnership register.

I work to build and maintain strong partnership links across the public, private and voluntary sector.

So, what is the role of Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service in a health and social care partnership?

This was a question I asked of our partners when I agreed to co-chair the Derby city place partnership, together with Allan Reid, public health consultant at Derby City Council.

The truth is that the fire and rescue service plays a vital role.

We support vulnerable members of our community and signposting to a wide range of partners and voluntary sector support services, for example:

• hoarding and mental health support
• reducing fire risk through smoking cessation services
• identifying and signposting carers through our safe and well checks
• providing falls risk assessments for the most at risk in our communities

To tackle these issues at local and national level our worlds are cooperating and collaborating now more than ever before.

As co-chair for Derby City place partnership I work to strengthen and build on these types of relationships.

My background means I bring a rich experience of partnership working and collaboration.

This is combined with a deep understanding of the complexities of working with communities, especially those determined as deprived neighbourhoods or communities facing health inequalities.

During this year we have committed to enriching the partnership base at Place Board by:

• focusing on the wider determinants of public health
• supporting a whole life course approach for better health and wellbeing outcomes
• bringing a focus to health inequalities
• ensuring the value of the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector is fully realised

Having chairs from organisations outside of the NHS and Integrated Care Board really helps to drive the focus for Derby city on these wider, social determinants of health and wellbeing for the city's populations.

This recognises that many aspects that affect a person’s health and wellbeing status, are often not medically driven.

Here is some of what we have achieved over the past year:

• Established a work stream around infant mortality and a heathy start for children aged under five.
• Built closer links with children and young people's board and the services and partners who work in this area.
• Created a dedicated forum for housing and health to identify where system improvements can take place. With improvement between housing and mental health support pathways, supporting the homeless through the discharge from hospital process and creating networking opportunities for housing and health partners to achieve better outcomes through greater awareness of each other’s services.
• We continue to support the Tobacco Control Board to influence healthier choices and create innovative campaigns to target communities with higher prevalence of smoking, which impact a wide range of health metrics
• stablished a three way working relationship between the Health and Wellbeing Board, Derby Health Inequalities Partnership and Derby City Place Partnership Board. This has enabled us to harness a joined-up approach to the city wide health and wellbeing strategy, maximise collaborative working opportunities, drive efficiency in the way we work, and ultimately secure better health outcomes for our communities.

Over the coming year we intend to:

• Drive the discussion at Place level around the new 10-year plan for the NHS, with a personal focus on what ‘neighbourhoods’ really mean in a partnership space.
• Embed the new approach to Team Up across the city and strengthen the links between Place and primary care.
• Maintain a spotlight on the wider determinants of health across our partner network.
• Take an informed approach to improving health outcomes and working together as a city, as the work of Active Derbyshire and Sport England evolves.

We have an amazing, inclusive and committed team here at the Derby City Place Partnership Board and they have made the journey so far truly rewarding.

We aim to celebrate and share good examples of how partners across the health and care system are working together to achieve our shared missions.

This month's newsletter includes:

• a new bereavement hub offers support to grieving residents
• spring Covid-19 vaccinations now available
• women's health champions supporting better health in their communities
• Autism Awareness month
• how learners are being helped in to health and care careers

We hope you enjoy reading about what is happening in our health and care system. If you would like to contribute an article or share your great work, please email ddicb.communications@nhs.net. 

Local charity Treetops Hospice is offering a new outreach service to provide vital information and peer support for people who are grieving the loss of a loved one.

In partnership with the Erewash Social Prescribing team, the Bereavement Hub takes place every Friday at Ilkeston Museum, from 11am to 1pm.

The group is led by trained volunteers, providing attendees with a safe and welcoming environment to share their experiences and offer support to one another.

Julie Waite, Community Inreach Lead at Treetops Hospice said: “Through the bereavement work we do at Treetops Hospice, we recognise that there is a need for support out in the community and not everyone can attend the hospice in Risley.”

The hub provides an opportunity for up to 15 people to connect with others experiencing similar grief.

If additional emotional support is required, the team of trained volunteers will signpost to relevant services, including the Treetops therapeutic services.

“Living with loss can feel isolating, but with the Treetops Bereavement Hub, you're not alone,” Julie added.

Treetops have been able to launch the Bereavement Hub as a result of a grant from Erewash Borough Council, which has paid for the venue for the year.

For further information about the Treetops Bereavement Hub, visit www.treetops.org.uk or call 0115 949 1264.

An innovative approach to rehabilitation for people with both lung disease and heart failure dramatically improved mental and physical health, compared to separate programmes, a Derbyshire research study has found.

NHS Derby and Derbyshire funded Derbyshire Community Health Services Foundation Trust to conduct the study with people who had both heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Eight patients who had been diagnosed with both COPD and heart failure took part in the exercise and education programme over 10 weeks during autumn 2024 at Walton Hospital in Chesterfield.

Traditionally these patients receive separate rehabilitation from teams dedicated to lung and to heart rehabilitation.

But, the researchers said, people are often affected by both conditions and the rehabilitation programmes are similar for both.

They also provided a holistic programme that focused on addressing physical, psychological, and educational needs.

By combining the programmes they found:

• symptoms of depression improved by 40%
• reported anxiety improved too, so 85% of patients reported normal anxiety levels
• people were able to undertake exercise better and improved their ability to walk and their grip strength
• patients reported weight loss, in some cases of up to 5kg or 6kg during the course of the rehabilitation programme
• 88% of patients completed the programme - way above the 50% national average for cardia rehabilitation and 60% for pulmonary rehabilitation

Read more

John Hatton, a fit and active 54-year-old had no reason to suspect his life was about to change.

“The doctor came back to see me on the Thursday morning and said, ‘It’s not great news really, John. We found a lump on your oesophagus…I’m pretty certain it’s cancer.’”

John was diagnosed with stage 3 cancer of the oesophagus (food pipe), and went on to have aggressive chemotherapy and major surgery at Royal Derby Hospital to remove a third of his stomach and 8cm of his oesophagus. This ultimately saved his life.

“I didn’t really have any symptoms at all,” he recalls. “A couple of times, I had some difficulty swallowing and a bit of pain, but nothing alarming,” he said.

John's recovery was tough, both physically and mentally. “It hit me like a ton of bricks at the start. I worried about my girls, about not being here for them.”

Oesophageal cancer is the 7th biggest cancer killer in the UK, yet awareness remains alarmingly low. Many, like John, dismiss persistent heartburn, unknowingly masking symptoms with over-the-counter treatments instead of seeking medical advice.

In the East Midlands, 80% of cases are diagnosed too late.

Heartburn Cancer UK, a national charity, has partnered with the NHS in Derby and Derbyshire, and the East Midlands Cancer Alliance to launch an awareness campaign in areas surrounding Derby City.

The campaign warns residents that persistent acid reflux or difficulty swallowing could be signs of something far more serious.

Campaign messages appeared in pharmacies, General Practice, and even on fuel pump nozzles.

John’s message is simple but urgent: “If you have persistent heartburn or trouble swallowing, don’t ignore it. I wish I’d known that long-term heartburn could lead to cancer.”

Thankfully, John's story has a positive ending, just seven weeks after completing treatment, he was in Paris watching the Olympics. Ten months post-surgery, he was back on the ski slopes, proving that survival is possible, but awareness is critical.

His next goal? “My daughter might get the chance to compete with her swimming team in Dubai next year. If she does, I’ll be there to watch her. That’s my new target. And I plan to hit it.”

Derbyshire County Council and Derby City Council have launched a new partnership aimed at supporting residents to quit smoking. 

The new way of working will support Live Life Better Derbyshire and the Livewell stop smoking services to double the number of people who quit smoking over the next five years. 

By raising awareness of the support offered the new partnership hopes to create a healthier future for smokers who want to kick the habit. Last year, more than 3,000 people were helped to quit with tailored support, individual quit plans and free quitting tools.

Read more

The NHS is offering Covid-19 vaccinations this spring, to those most at risk of becoming unwell.

Those at increased risk of severe illness can get the vaccine, including those aged 75 or over, people with a weakened immune system, and people who live in an older adult care home.

To book, you can visit the NHS App, the NHS website or call 119 for free. You may also be able to visit a walk-in site which does not require a booking.

Dr Chris Weiner, Chief Medical Officer at NHS Derby and Derbyshire said: “The spring vaccination programme is important for those who are most at risk of becoming unwell. If you are eligible, please do come forward. There are many ways you can book your vaccine making the process easy and accessible.

“Protection against Covid-19 can fade over time and the circulating strain of the virus can change, so if you are at higher risk of severe illness it is important that you top up your protection.”

If eligible, you do not need to wait for an invitation to book your vaccine.

Getting your Covid-19 vaccine is very convenient, with appointments available every day usually at your local pharmacy and GP surgery.

Find your nearest clinic

Partnership working and targeting by GP practices has helped lead to a success in identifying people at risk of stroke and heart attack.

The "community model of health referral" has been developed by Amber Valley Borough Council, working together with Active Derbyshire and other partners.

Around three-quarters of people who take a blood pressure test at sessions organised by partners in a part of the Amber Valley have been found to have high or very high blood pressure.

This compares to the estimated undiagnosed hypertension rate of one in three people.

Those people have been signposted to further services, support and treatment, including "move more" classes held in local community halls so they can make lifestyle changes together with a group.

Arch Primary Care Network (PCN) is also a key partner through its work on behalf of nine GP practices in Amber Valley and it has received funding from the partnership to help support its work.

The "community model of health referral" has been celebrated recently through a video that features people who organise and take part in the events.

Read more

Groups of women's health champions are being trained to support conversations and increase knowledge and understanding of health matters through a new project.

More than 40 women have signed up to be women's health champions and are learning how to support their local communities with information, advice and guidance.

Subject areas for the women's health champions include:

• menopause

• period pains

• how to check breasts for lumps

• the importance of cervical and breast screening

• sexual health and contraception

Learning sessions are taking place in Derby, Chesterfield and online and are led by health care professionals with expertise in these areas.

Amy Armiger, advanced clinical practitioner at Appletree Medical Practice in Duffield, is leading the project.

She said: "We know from the Women’s Health Strategy for England, which was produced in 2022, that there are large health inequalities for women.

"Derbyshire has responded to that through the improving women's health project.

"That means we have an opportunity now to focus and invest in women's health services locally to improve services and tackle some of those inequalities."

The women's health champions have a role similar to the community connectors who work with local groups to undertake regular blood pressure checks.

Their connection with local communities means they can overcome stigma, embarrassment or cultural barriers that may prevent women from talking about their health issues.

Read more

An information day for Autism awareness took place in the Community Room at the Derbion Shopping Centre in Derby on Thursday 3 April.

The drop in day included people from the Autism Advice and Information Service who hosted discussion and activities to promote and explain autism acceptance. Also in attendance were Derby City Life Links and Derby Living Well, which both provide mental health support, and from Derby Universal Carers Service.

The event was organised as part of Autism Acceptance and Awareness Month, which is promoted by the National Autistic Society.

Craig Kennady, chair of Derby and Derbyshire Autism Partnership Board works with the local NHS as an “expert by experience”.

He said: “Autism affects people in different ways but everyone can help, whether in a work situation, at school, college or with friends and family.

“Small adjustments can make a big difference for autistic people – allowing them to play a full role at work or school and to achieve their potential."

Watch a round up video from the event on Facebook or on YouTube.

If you are an autistic person and are interested in supporting the NHS and its partners in providing services as an “expert by experience”, please contact NHS Derby and Derbyshire via ddicb.enquiries@nhs.net.

Would you like NHS Derby and Derbyshire chair Dr Kathy McLean to better understand the work you do?

Kathy wants to get "out and about" to hear about the great work that is being done in health centres, clinics, hospitals, care homes, community centres and in the wider community.

Kathy is chair of both Derby and Derbyshire and of Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Integrated Care Boards, and she is chair of the NHS Confederation Integrate Care Systems Network.

She is keen to visit teams to see how the four "missions" of the Integrated Care System are being implemented.  She wants to hear about the challenges as well as the successes.

Please email christina.jones1@nhs.net if you'd like to host a visit.

Community Connectors working with Community One and the Pakistan Community Centre met with Dr Kathy McLean, chair of the Integrated Care Board for Derby and Derbyshire, to show the positive impact of the voluntary sector on the health of underserved communities.

Dr McLean first took a walking tour of two of the most deprived areas in the city - Normanton and Arboretum - to see the wide range of challenges faced by local communities. She went on to meet a local Imam as well as Community Connectors.

She said: "Only by seeing firsthand the community and listening to people can I begin to fully understand the serious challenges, inequalities and deprivation these communities are dealing with."

Read more

Derby City Council Public Health are re-commissioning their professionally assured digital health app library, powered by ORCHA – the Organisation for the Review of Care and Health Apps.

Whether you’re looking to cut down on alcohol, quit smoking, explore women’s health resources, or just live a healthier lifestyle, the ORCHA library is your go-to hub. With over 3,000 apps rigorously assessed for clinical safety and quality, you can trust that every app listed meets a high standard.

Read more

A new strategy is being developed to create "one workforce" for the health and care system in Derby and Derbyshire.

The aim is to create a single "ethos and approach" that people would find whichever organisation they are employed by.

That will help to help attract, develop and retain people so that health and care becomes a sector where people want to work and develop their careers, regardless of their role.

This "one workforce ethos and approach" was the subject of March's Derbyshire Dialogue, which you can watch again on YouTube.

The discussion was hosted by Lee Radford, NHS Derby and Derbyshire chief people officer, and Susan Spray, programme lead for careers and anchor development.

Lee said the new approach was needed because:

• there are 100,000 vacancies nationally in the NHS and 131,000 in social care

• in Derbyshire there are 138 vacancies in the NHS and 3,000 in social care

• people's expectations for the workplace environment have changed in recent years, with people valuing flexible working and a variety of roles and responsibilities

• people value a compassionate and inclusive culture in their workplace, but that this is not consistently achieved in our system

People who work in health and care are driven by a shared set of values, said Lee, including to finding shared solutions to shared problems, and by a sense of belonging, underpinned by equality, diversity and inclusion.

One potential way that recruiting teams are working to achieve this is by recruiting from groups of people who have not traditionally entered the workforce.

These include people who are making career changes later in life and people who have cared for relatives.

Employing organisations are also being supported to give opportunities to young people who have left the care of the local authority, or who have experienced care.

Susan explained how teams are introducing health and care options to school, college and university students, as well as job centres.

They are even encouraging primary school age children through clinics for teddy bears.

People who are further away from the jobs market and need additional support are being supported through work experience, confidence building and guaranteed interviews.

Employers are also being encouraged to take on apprentices as an effective method of getting workforce with the right skills and behaviours.

The Joined Up Careers team are currently listening to views of employing organisations in the system, wider partners, and education providers with a view to consulting on a new strategy over the autumn and implementing that strategy from the beginning of 2026.

Hundreds of students have been helped to consider career options in the NHS and social care over the past year.

They have learned about job opportunities at college and school events, taken part in work experience and undertaken entry level qualifications.

This has been achieved by the Joined Up Careers and Anchor Development team as part of the NHS's work to recruit the workforce of tomorrow and to make a positive contribution to local economies.

Among the achievements are:

• 120 learners achieved a level 1 or 2 qualification on preparing to work in adult social care
• More than 600 students completing virtual work experience and more than 400 taking part in face-to-face workshops
•  103 people provided with one-to-one employability support
•  32 careers events at schools and colleges, engaging with more than 6,000 students.

Among the recent events were careers fairs at Derby and Chesterfield Colleges during March, as part of National Careers Week.

Read more in the Joined Up Careers Newsletter, including:

• Apprenticeships in health and care
• Support for care leavers and care experienced young people
• Partnership with business to support care leavers and care experienced young people

Read more

Blog: How the Core20 Ambassadors are making a difference in Derby and Derbyshire

Column: Make some simple changes to help autistic people across our area

If you have any feedback, or questions, please email us at: ddicb.communications@nhs.net.

Disclaimer:
While every effort has been made to ensure the contents of this bulletin are accurate and up-to-date NHS Derby and Derbyshire Integrated Care Board do not accept any responsibility of any omission or inaccuracy as it is not deliberate. Nevertheless, we will appreciate provision of accurate information to improve our work. Where links are provided to external content, NHS Derby and Derbyshire Integrated Care Board holds no responsibility for such content or accuracy.