News

Dear Derian House Colleagues,

 

I am sorry for not sending my monthly updates for a couple of months but here is the August CEO Message.

 

It is hard to believe we have said goodbye to August, schools will be returning after the summer break very soon and we will now look forward to all the Autumn activities across Derian House. I do hope you all had a great summertime with family and friends and enjoyed some of the lovely weather we have enjoyed or have managed to get away on a holiday either in the UK or overseas.

 

As we enter the new month we now have the lowest level of restrictions we have seem for nearly two and a half years, it feels rather strange to cease testing and although we still have masks for direct patient care or when you’re a little unwell it is great otherwise to be free of them at all other times. We need to be mindful as we approach the Autumn/Winter period of keeping each other safe so please wear the mask when you feel you need to protect others.

 

The hospice continues to be busy with a range of increased respite, day care and many other activities and it is great to see so much activity everywhere. It has also been busy with lots of fundraising and other events keeping Derian at the front of everyone’s minds across our region. Well done to EVERYONE for their continued dedication, commitment and hard work which is much appreciated.

 

Here are a few updates on August and the activities and developments :-

 

• Use of all our care services continues to increase as we reach more families across the North West and I am sure we will see this continue to grow over the coming months.
• Our gardens have been looking lovely throughout the Summer and have been enjoyed by everyone who has visited.
• We continue to refresh areas of the Hospice with additional works and licks of paint where needed.
• There have been lots of fundraising activities with one of the most notable being ‘Diving for Derian’
• Please make sure you check the Intranet for the latest news and information.

 

Around and About the Hospice (and beyond) – things to know for September …..

 

• Sensory Garden, Works will start on the refurbishment of this garden on the 12^th September and will take around 6 weeks, we will pop images of what is coming in the link corridor shortly.
• Painting, Ongoing painting will be happening across the Hospice to freshen up corridors and rooms, these will not impact any operations and the Estates team will coordinate with the care team.
• Together for Short Lives,Conference commences on the 7^th/8^th September in Manchester, Lynn will be presenting on day one and KiKi (our Patron) is also presenting the Keepsake Circle project on day 2 so great profile for Derian.
• Great Big House Giveaway, ticket sales finish at 11.59pm on the 13^th September with the winner being announced at the Kingswood Gala Ball on the 17^th This promotion has been a huge success with over 500,000 individual tickets in the draw and currently raising lots of money for Derian.
• Final ‘Dive for Derian’, the last of the year will take place on the 25^th
• Bail me Out, The activity where company bosses get arrested and have to raise a minimum of £999 to be released happens on the 23^rd
• Derian Voices – our choir are looking for additional staff or volunteers to join and perform at the Lights of Love service in Blackburn Cathedral.
• Options Appraisal, The assessment of the options is ongoing and once we have any updates we will share them with you ll.

 

As you can see, lots going on.

 

Thank you all for your continued support and commitment and if you have any questions please do not hesitate to ask me, any member of the senior team or your line manager.

 

David