News

Dear Derian House Colleagues,

 

Welcome to November and my latest CEO Message.

 

It has been a busy couple of months across the Hospice for every department as we continue to welcome more families in-house or visit in the community. It is vital that we continue to reach more new families as well as ensure those already using the service receive the care they need. We are working closely with a range of services to ensure Derian is at the front of mind across Lancashire, South Cumbria and Greater Manchester, we continue to share the great work you all do with senior colleagues at NHS England and the more regional commissioning bodies. We are also sharing our work with both Hospice UK and Together for Short Lives along with our friends at other children’s hospices.

 

Fundraising, Marketing and Communications are always extremely busy in the last few months of the year. We have a range of activities within the community and business world to raise valuable funds for Derian and alongside this we have our winter campaign with Holly and her families story. As well as the usual mailings we will be showing our first ever Derian TV advert which will expand our audience and raise more money, here is the link for those who have not seen it : https://youtu.be/2mj-VkYtx_Y  (open in Chrome). In 2022 our team across Fundraising, Marketing and Communications have to date raised more money than any other year since the hospice opened – well done to all.

 

I regularly walk around the hospice and commend our Housekeeping and Estates team for ensuring everywhere looks great, I have recently received several comments from visitors saying how clean and fresh everywhere looks at Derian. I Would also like to welcome Jack as our new Catering Manager who joins Kath and Andrea at Danni’s Diner.

 

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

 

• Sensory Garden, Works are well underway and we look forward to seeing the finished area in a short number of weeks.
• Great Big House Giveaway, ended in the middle of September and in October the family received the keys and are now living in the house with their new baby.
• Derian Voices – our choir are looking for additional staff or volunteers to join and perform at the Lights of Love service in Blackburn Cathedral.
• Family Survey, was received has been overwhelmingly positive with lovely comments about many of our team and activities.
• Budgets, we are now setting the budgets for 2023, our Finance colleagues are working hard and supporting the Christmas orders and other donations at this extremely busy time.
• Shops, are currently BOOMING with amazing sales across all of our stores, thanks to the store teams and our trusty drivers and warehouse colleagues.
• Recruitment, we have many new colleagues who have already or are due to join, please welcome them if you see them around the hospice.

 

As you can see, lots going, if I have missed your area then sorry (and please let me know).

 

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