Derbyshire Healthcare 💙

It's been a year since Hartington Unit moved to the 54-bed Derwent Unit for adult acute mental health care. Bluebell Ward at Walton Hospital also marked its first anniversary for older adults with acute needs. Thank you to everyone who helped with these transitions.

As part of Neurodiversity Celebration Week, the Trust has spoken with a Trust administrator about her experience of being neurodivergent. Read Esther's story: derbyshirehealthcareft.nhs.uk/about-us/lates…

On the evening of 19 March - 20 March 2026, we begin to celebrate Eid al Fitr, which marks the end of the fasting month of Ramadan. Wishing all of our colleagues, friends, partners and those in our care a blissful Mubarak. May this Eid bring you great joy, peace, and happiness.

Today is World Social Work Day (17 March). Across Derbyshire, our social workers stand with communities, amplify voices and help rebuild belonging. Thank you to our social workers and those in the community for all you do.

Neurodiversity Celebration Week (17–23 March) spotlights autism, ADHD, dyslexia, Tourette’s and other neurological differences. It raises awareness, challenge misconceptions and promote inclusion in schools, workplaces and communities. Support info: derbyshirehealthcareft.nhs.uk/services/child…

To recognise Sign Language Week, colleagues took part in BSL Training, kindly provided by the @BDA_Deaf 💙 Last year we co-created a Focus Group with Deaf representatives from across the county. Thank you to those Deaf colleagues and partners for your support.

Delirium is a sudden change in mental functioning that can cause confusion, drowsiness, agitation or hallucinations. World Delirium Awareness Day highlights the importance of recognising and treating it early. Watch a short explainer on delirium: youtu.be/Lfkr-0I50HY

Today (11 March) is National No Smoking Day, themed ‘A smoke-free life starts with a smoke-free day’. Last week, the Trust Board signed a system-wide pledge to make Derby and Derbyshire smokefree by 2030. This includes reducing smoking inequalities locally and providing support.

Today is International Women's Day 2026 (8 March), a day that shines a light on work that champions gender equality, fostering diverse perspectives, enhancing innovation and ensuring fair opportunities for everyone to thrive. More information on IWD: internationalwomensday.com

To coincide with Eating Disorders Awareness Week (23 Feb to 1 March), our adult Eating Disorders Service has launched a new set of pages on our website. The pages help signpost members of the public and health professionals to information more quickly. ➡️derbyshirehealthcareft.nhs.uk/services/eatin…

Congratulations to Lesley Newton‑Griffiths, Health Protection Unit Nurse, who was presented with a 50 Years’ Service Award by Chief Executive Mark Powell, for her longstanding contribution to patient care🏆 Read all about Lesley's achievements: derbyshirehealthcareft.nhs.uk/about-us/lates…

As part of Mental Health Nurses Day (21 Feb), you can read about some of the Trust’s nurses and their experiences in our latest spotlight features on the Trust's website. 👉derbyshirehealthcareft.nhs.uk/about-us/lates…

Today we celebrate Mental Health Nurses’ Day, recognising the vital, compassionate and specialist care our mental health nurses provide every day. Thank you to all our mental health nursing colleagues for the expertise, dedication and care you bring to our communities💙

As the Christian season of Lent begins, we offer our warm wishes to everyone in Derbyshire who is observing this time of reflection and service. May these 40 days bring peace, strength and light to you and your loved ones.

We extend our warmest wishes those observing Ramadan. Ramadan is a month of fasting, reflection and compassion. It is a time for spiritual focus, charity and connection with others. We are proud to support our staff, patients and communities throughout this important month.

Wishing a happy Chinese New Year to our Chinese communities across Derbyshire and beyond. The Spring Festival marks the start of a new lunar year and a time for celebration, family and hope.

To all of colleagues, friends, neighbours, partners, communities and those in our care, may this Shrove Tuesday bring reflection, renewal and peace to you and your loved ones 🩵

Helping children and young people maintain good mental health is more crucial than ever. Find out about local support under the 'Children's Mental Health Week' section on the Trust's website: derbyshirehealthcareft.nhs.uk/about-us/lates…

For Children's Mental Health Week the Trust is sharing useful ways to support a child or young person to thrive in life. Here are our top tips in supporting their mental wellbeing 👇

Talking to children and young people about their mental health can support improved wellbeing, better communication and a healthier emotional lifestyle. Here are our tips for how to do this.