14th January 2025
Proposed changes to the Babington rehabilitation service
Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Foundation Trust (DCHS) is planning to make changes to the Babington rehabilitation service from 1 April 2025. The service currently operates four days per week (Monday to Thursday) at Babington Hospital in Belper, providing outpatient therapy sessions for Amber Valley residents aged 65 and over. It offers initial patient assessments and subsequent therapy support (physiotherapy and/or occupational therapy), catering for individuals with long-term conditions, frailty, or those at risk of falls.
Why are we proposing a change?
- Unique service model: This type of outpatient therapy service is unique to Amber Valley. Patients with similar needs elsewhere in Derbyshire are supported in their own homes by community therapy teams, musculoskeletal (MSK) services, or stroke-neuro services. Or access voluntary services such as Age UK for group sessions.
- Accessibility issues: Currently, only patients able to travel to Babington Hospital in Belper can access this service, creating inequity.
- Limited home visit option: Patients in Amber Valley do not currently have the option of home visits due to available staffing.
- Funding challenges: Historical adult social care funding for the service stopped in early 2023, placing additional pressure on staffing and the service's sustainability.
What would change from April 2025?
- The service will become part of the community therapy teams: We are planning to integrate the Babington rehabilitation service into our local community therapy team, creating a consistent service model across Derbyshire and greater resilience in service delivery.
- Home-based care: The community therapy team will see and treat local patients in their own homes rather than in an outpatient environment, where treatment in the patient’s home is required.
- Improved outcomes: Familiar home environments promote comfort, recovery, and the application of therapy techniques in everyday life, improving outcomes and overall patient experience.
- Expanded access: This change will make the service accessible to a larger number of patients, especially those unable to travel, and it will operate five days per week rather than four.
- A range of support options: Age UK’s falls prevention services for those who have fallen, or who are at risk of falling, will be available to relevant patients and will replace some of the current group sessions provided at Babington Hospital, meaning a more accessible offer for local people. This service will be delivered across Derby and Derbyshire.
- Implementation timeline: The proposed implementation is planned for April 2025, subject to the outcomes of the staff consultation, which will conclude in mid-February.