Pages
Pandemic poems penned by Derbyshire NHS’ Heather Longbottom go into print!
https://dchs.nhs.uk/news/pandemic-poems-penned-derbyshire-nhs-heather-longbottom-go-print
Changes to the NHS Pension Scheme April 2022
As you may be aware there are some important changes to the NHS Pension Scheme which could affect members from April 2022.
https://dchs.nhs.uk/my_dchs/show-me/staff-news-my-download/changes-nhs-pension-scheme-april-2022
We need your help to continue shaping our work on workforce race & disability equality and inclusion
Farming community invited back to Bakewell Agricultural Centre for health MOT Day
https://dchs.nhs.uk/news/farming-community-invited-back-bakewell-agricultural-centre-health-mot-day
Have you got an NHS workforce story to tell?
https://dchs.nhs.uk/news/have-you-got-nhs-workforce-story-tell
World Arthritis Day - 12 October 22
The theme this year is - 'It's in your hands, take action'. It aims to encourage people with arthritis, their caregivers, families, and the general public to avail every opportunity to take action to improve their lifestyle.
https://dchs.nhs.uk/my_dchs/show-me/staff-news-my-download/world-arthritis-day-12-october-22
Podiatry - Community Podiatry Service
The community podiatry service provides assessment, diagnosis and treatment to a range of patients with lower limb and foot problems, including; - People with long term conditions such as diabetes, vascular disease, amputees, connective tissue disorders, stroke, Parkinson's disease - People with multiple and complex needs e.g. dementia, falls - People with biomechanical problems e.g. gait /postural problems - People requiring wound care to the foot - People requiring nail surgery - People with severe foot and ankle problems and conditions.
https://dchs.nhs.uk/our-services-and-locations/a-z-list-of-services/community-podiatry
Files
Disclosure Ref 2024286 - HR case management software contract.pdf
Freedom of information disclosure relating to HR case management (HRCM) Solution
Disclosure ref 2025201 - Chronic pain waiting list (1).xlsx
Freedom of Information disclosure ref 2025201 relating to chronic pain waiting list
Disclosure Ref 2025234 - Equality impact assessment for vegans .doc
Freedom of information disclosure relating to equality impact assessment for vegans
Disclosure Ref 2025274 - Uniform policy.doc
Freedom of information disclosure relating to uniform policy
Hybrid Working and Mobile Devices Policy
DCHS Hybrid Working and Mobile Devices Policy The aim of this policy is to protect DCHS information that is processed remotely or is stored on mobile devices from loss or unwanted exposure, and to minimise the risk of theft of mobile working devices.
Uniform and Dress Code Policy (P3)
Staff working within Derbyshire Community Health Services (DCHS) NHS Foundation Trust are required to adhere to a safe, hygienic and appropriate uniform and dress code policy. Therefore the purpose of this policy is to clarify the standards that staff are required to comply with. DCHS recognises the importance of appearance and attire in providing a professional image when working with clients and representing the Trust. All staff working clinically or visiting a clinical area have a responsibility for safeguarding patients in respect of reducing hospital acquired infections, therefore all clinical staff should adhere to the best practice guidelines as set by the Department of Health’s Best Practice Guidelines found in Uniforms and Work Wear DOH March 2010, An Evidence Base for Developing a Local Policy (DH)
SOP for the supply or issue of Steroid Emergency Cards (S87)
Identify / supply to patients who require a Steroid Emergency card in the Community Hospitals setting, Urgent Treatment Centres, Podiatric Surgery, Integrated Community teams and specialist services such as Respiratory teams and Physiotherapy if a new Steroid Emergency card is needed or a Steroid Emergency Card has been lost
Medicine Code (S2)
This Code defines the roles and responsibilities of all health care professionals and ancillary staff involved in the ordering, storage, distribution, prescribing, dispensing and administration of medicines within DCHS. This Medicines Code extends the previous Medicines Codes and reviews them in light of current legislation and guidelines.
Safe Use of Bed Rails and Bed Area Equipment Within Inpatient Areas Policy (P22)
Some people in hospital may be at risk of falling from bed for many reasons including poor mobility, cognitive impairment, e.g. dementia, brain damage, visual impairment, and the effects of their treatment or medication. The National Audit of Inpatient Falls 2015 reported that twenty two per cent of patients who fall in hospital do so from their bed. The use of bed rails can be challenging. This is because bed rails are not appropriate for all patients and can create a barrier to independence that can create a greater risk of falls to mobile but confused patients who may attempt to climb over the rails. However a review of literature indicates that falls from beds with bed rails are usually associated with lower rates of injury (NRSL 2015). Bed rails and other pieces of bed equipment are not appropriate for all people, and using bedrails, bed levers etc. involves risks. National data suggests around 1,250 people injure themselves on bed rails each year. This is usually scrapes and bruises to their lower legs. Based on reports to the MHRA and the HSE, deaths from bed rail entrapment could probably have been avoided if MHRA advice had been followed. Staff should continue to take great care to avoid bed rail entrapment, but need to be aware that in hospital settings there is a greater risk of harm to people falling from beds.
Learning from Death’s Policy (P72)
This policy confirms the process to ensure a multi-disciplinary, consistent and coordinated approach for the review of deaths that occur in all DCHS in-patient and community team caseloads. The aim of the learning from deaths process is to identify any areas of practice both specific to the individual case and beyond that could potentially be improved, based upon peer group review. Areas of good practice are also identified and supported. To describe in detail the three-stage mortality review process within the Trust, detailing how reviews should be completed, by whom and when to ensure that learning from deaths is made a Trust priority and leads to developments and improvements in patient care.