News

Welcome to Children’s Hospice Week – a celebration of the nation’s 53 hospices for children, and the wonderful work they do to help youngsters whose lives are too short.

For families caring for a seriously ill child, Derian House is a safe haven where they and their children can get care and support, enjoy their time together and make precious memories.

Throughout the course of this week, we’ll be sharing stories about the care we offer here at the North West’s children’s hospice over on our social media pages, so keep an eye out!

In 2024, we helped over 400 babies, children and young people – whose lives are too short – make happy memories in an environment of fun, respect and above all, Outstanding Care.

Please be aware that every Monday at 11:00am, the fire alarm in the hospice will be tested.

Should the alarm sound at any other time this should be classed as a real situation and the building evacuated.

Good afternoon everyone,

Following on from my last email, in which I gave an update on our cyber security incident, I now have the details regarding support that will be made available to all staff.

Although we have no evidence that your information was accessed, we cannot rule it out.

And so, as part of our commitment to your personal data security, we are happy to offer 12 months of credit and identity monitoring by TransUnion at no cost to yourselves.

Please let HR know at HR@derianhouse.co.uk know if you are interested in this service and we will send you the information and individual activation code that you will need to set it up.

Please keep vigilant for any suspicious activity and we have been advised that it’s wise to set up two-step authentication on all online services.

At the recent We Are Derian Forum, a few of you asked me about whether a recent increase in spam calls is linked to our cyber incident. I have sought advice from CFC, our cyber security specialists, and can confirm that this is not linked.

As always, if you have any questions, please speak to me or any of the directors.

Hello

Thank you all for your patience with regards to the wifi (we are no longer using ‘Derian Radius’), we are now using ‘Derian Secure’, please follow the below steps – once everyone has moved to this wifi, the standard ‘Derian wifi’ will be stopped.

• Click on the wifi icon at the bottom right of your screen

• Click on the arrow at the side of the wifi symbol

• Select ‘Derian Secure’ wifi and connect

• Tick the box  – Use my Windows user account

• You should get the following message – ‘Continue Connecting?’ Press Connect

You should now be connected to ‘Derian Secure’, any issues please let me know.

Kind Regards

Kirsty Yates

Hello Everyone

We have two rotational posts available for Registered Nurses.  These will be rotating between In house and out in the Community, please see attached job description.

If anyone is interested in applying for one of the two positions please send your expression of interest to me by 16 May 2025.

Thanks,

Kim

Hi Everyone,

As our printers are not yet re-configured to print automatically through their own server, we have been printing documents by plugging directly into our printers.

However, this week some information has been found on the Care Team printer which includes confidential staff and donor information.

Can you please ensure that when printing you are selecting the correct printer from the drop-down menu on your print screen and that your computer is plugged into the printer you are using before you print documents.

We are working with Evolve (printer supplier) and eVentura to address the printing issue and will get these back to normal as soon as possible.

Many thanks,

Anthony Mohammed

Dear team,

Well, we are now in week 3 of the aftermath of our Cyber Security Breach, and I am happy to say that we are now in a much more positive position, with efforts to get us back up and running making step by step progress every day.

I know that we still have some way to go before everyone’s systems are back to normal, but I want to thank you all for the patience and resilience you have shown. It’s been great to see everyone pitching in and looking after each other.

Eventura continue to be on site or available remotely working on staff issues to a priority order. If your access changes please report this to your line manager as they will update the priority list daily.

On Thursday evening we gave a full update to trustees about our ongoing situation, including the steps we are taking to recover from it, and yesterday (Tuesday) I briefed Karen Swindley (Chair of the Trustee Board) in more detail as a latest update.

Eventura continue to carry out work in response to the incident and to ensure that we are as secure as we can be.  As part of this work, and as a precaution, we have temporarily disabled the Virtual Private Network (VPN) and so for now people will not be able to log onto their machines remotely to access the IT infrastructure (servers and drives) whilst working from home.

Implementing our VPN with two-factor authentication will be part of our work to add further strength to our security going forward.

In addition, you will start to see our new firewall appear, this will appear as Mimecast, and will replace the Barracuda system that we had in place.  Please check these emails as the security has been heightened and some emails may be gate-keeped for you to then release.

As you will understand, we would again ask that all of this is kept confidential – given that it is relevant to the ongoing security of our systems.  I will run through any questions at today’s We Are Derian.

Despite a difficult couple of weeks, thanks to your dedication, we have managed to keep the hospice open and running for families who need us most, and this is the most important thing.

Hi all

Please could you all ensure to fill up the fleet cars with petrol before bringing them back to the hospice.

We have had an incident today where someone has gone to the fleet car and it was on red.   This then causes a delay for staff if they are going to an appointment as they have to call at the petrol station first.

Many thanks for your cooperation in this matter J

Hi Everyone,

We recently asked for suggestions of what we could name the new playground and asked for your help for shortlisting to help choose the top 5. Thank you to everyone who got involved. It was difficult to choose only 5, but now we have, we are asking for your help again by voting for your favourite.

Top 5:

Voting is open to everyone.

Please can you all share this with as many children, young people and families as possible.

You can vote by Microsoft form here: https://forms.office.com/e/DGn71XLV5C or by email engagement@derianhouse.co.uk.

Closing date for votes is Friday 11^th April.

Any questions please feel free to get back in touch.

Thank you in advance for your support.

Exciting News!

Our Summer Raffle has now launched are we’re pleased to announce all staff and Volunteers (excluding Trustees & Directors) are eligible to play  – So don’t miss the chance to win one of our fabulous cash prizes, including our first prize of £5,000!

The raffle costs just £1 per ticket and with a guaranteed winner, someone has to take home the top prize, and it could be you!

There are also runners-up prizes of £1,000, £500 and 20 lucky winners of £25.

Raffle tickets can be purchased from reception Monday – Friday 9.00am – 5.00pm or alternatively can be bought online at www.derianraffle.co.uk.

We would also love your help to sell tickets to your friends and family, so if you’re a super selling machine, please speak to Sarah Proctor, ext.206/ sarah.proctor@derianhouse.co.uk

Oh, what a night! 

We enjoyed a star-studded evening at the Smiley Charity Film Awards, held at indigo at The O2 last week

Thanks to our supporters’ votes, The Little Things documentary was shortlisted for Best Film in the ‘Longform – Over £5m Turnover’ category… 

…and despite not winning, we took home BRONZE in the People’s Choice Award 

With celebrity guests including host Lisa Snowdon, This Morning’s Jeff Brazier, and TV icons Patsy Kensit and Patsy Palmer, it was an evening we’ll never forget 

Sharing the room with over 200 inspirational charities from across the country was a huge honour, with some incredible films showcasing the important work of the non-profit sector 

Well done to all of the winners and thank you so much to the Smiley Movement for having us 

Hi all,

We want to share some good news!

Our language and accessibility toolbar is live on both our Derian main website and our family website.

Recite Me is an accessibility assistive toolbar which will allow our website visitors to customise the webpages in a way that works best for them.

The Recite Me toolbar features include:

• Screen reader
• Multiple reading aids
• Live translation feature that has over 100 languages including 65 text-to-speech.
• Styling options – changes to font size, type and colour.

Our families will now be able to translate the pages in their chosen language and with 65 languages being about to read out loud.

This means that our websites will be accessible for families for whom English is a second language, those who don’t read English, and those who don’t read at all.

Alongside this, the toolbar will help individuals who may have a disability, learning difficulties or visual impairment as the features will be able to support them by customising the pages as they need, meaning that even more people will be access Derian House information.

We will be working on advertising the toolbar, demonstrating on how it works, along with highlighting all its benefits of the toolbar over the coming weeks, so please keep a look out for this.

Please start sharing this news with our families and other professions who may wish to refer families to Derian House, as Recite Me will make our website inclusive and a place where people can access information in an easy way.

The toolbar is found:

https://www.derianhouse.co.uk

https://www.derianfamily.co.uk

If you have any questions please let us know.

Hospice leaders from across Greater Manchester are heading to Parliament today to ask MPs to support their calls to reform the funding model for hospices.

Since 2020 hospices in Greater Manchester have seen their total costs increase by 33%, with most of this cost having to be met by fundraising from the local community.

Now, the Greater Manchester Hospices Provider Collaborative, made up of Greater Manchester’s adult and children’s hospices, is asking MPs to sign a joint letter to the Minister of State for Health and Social Care, calling for the government’s new 10-year health plan to include commitments to improving palliative and end of life care, and reforming the hospice funding model.

Karen Edwards OBE, Chief Executive of Derian House Children’s Hospice in Chorley, Lancashire, said: “Hospices play a vital part in our healthcare system, but this care is at risk. Increasing demand, long term underinvestment and rising costs, mean many hospices are struggling to maintain their services. This, in turn, places more demands on the NHS.

“We are travelling to London today to meet with MPs to ask for support for fairer funding for hospices. We want their support to reform the funding model for hospices with a new 10-year health plan. Currently £11.7bn is spent on health care for people in the last year of life in the UK, but 80% of that funding is spent in hospitals. We believe this money could be better used by investing in hospice care, which currently only receives 4% of this funding.

“We are forever grateful for our community for doing so much to support Derian House Children’s Hospice, but we shouldn’t have to depends on our supporters as much as we do to fund these essential services for children.

“By investing in hospice care, we can reduce hospice admissions and make it more likely that people can die in their place of choosing. It is better for people, their families and the NHS.”

In Greater Manchester, hospices rely on their local communities to raise two thirds of their total funding. Demands on hospice services are only set to increase and the current funding model means they need to ask more and more of their communities every year – at a time when the cost of living is at an all time high.

The Government has made a commitment to invest £100m in additional capital spend in hospices over the next two years, which has been welcomed by Greater Manchester’s hospices, but only offers a short term solution. Long term reform is needed to protect hospice services.

The parliamentary event has been sponsored by Josh Simons MP, Member of Parliament for Makerfield.

Hi all,

Just a reminder that Abbey ICT will still be with us for IT support until the end of March.

Please email support@abbeyict.com if you need anything, and we will still have onsite presence from a member of the team every Wednesday.

Top o’ the mornin’ to ya!

On Monday 17^th March, we’ll be painting the town (Derian House) GREEN as we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.

Please wear green clothing if you can, but also adhere to IPC policies if you directly care for our CYP.

Good afternoon everyone,

As you will know, our Smile Park is currently in the middle of a major refurbishment… and with that comes a rebrand!

Our family engagement team have been working on a project to allow our families the chance to name our brand new and inclusive space, and we’ve decided to open it up to staff and volunteers, too.

We’d love you to help us name the playground – closing date for entries is Monday 24^th March, and all entries will then be shortlisted with a new vote with the final five going live shortly after for all of our social media followers to choose our winner.

Whoever wins will then be invited along to an official opening in the spring.

Here’s a link to a video of the virtual tour of the new ‘Smile Park’ on Facebook – you can either comment your entry on the post or email engagement@derianhouse.co.uk.

https://www.facebook.com/derianhouse/videos/1615199169103601

Hi All,

Please see email below – if anybody would like tickets, please let me know.

Thanks

Emma (Fundraising Manager)

————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

I’m reaching out on behalf of everyone here at Manchester City to invite you to join us at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday 23rd March for our Women’s Super League clash with Chelsea!

We would be delighted to provide complimentary tickets for any service users, staff, or volunteers who may wish to attend.

If this is something you might be interested in, please let me know how many tickets you would like and don’t hesitate to get in touch should you have any questions.

Please note, all tickets will be distributed via email.

All the best,

Alice

HOSPICE OPENING & CLOSING DAYS

• This week, we have children and young people booked in from Monday until Saturday evening. We’ll be closed overnight on Sunday 16^th and Monday 17^th, re-opening on Tuesday 18^th for five nights.

MONDAY 10^th

• It’s-a-me, Mario! Our children and young people will be taking part in themed arty fun in the Messy PlayZone this morning to celebrate Super Mario Day.

• The hydrotherapy pool will be open for swimming lessons this afternoon.

TUESDAY 11^th

• Derian Playgroup will be held in the Seaside Room this morning, where our babies and toddlers will be enjoying a morning of music, messy play and fun from 10:00am – 11:30am.

• Our first paediatric palliative care study day will be taking place today, led by our Education Team. The day is aimed at healthcare professionals who support CYP and their families who are receiving palliative and end of life care in acute and community settings.

• Let’s get our bodies moving, it’s music and movement time! Join us in the Sensory Room this afternoon.

WEDNESDAY 12^th

• Cornerstones – our support group for bereaved grandparents – will take place in the Seaside Room from 10:00am – 12:00pm.

• We Are Derian staff forum will be held in the Seaside Room from 2:00pm – 3:00pm. All staff are welcome to attend.

• Sensory Story Time for our children and young people will take place in the House Lounge this morning.

• We’re off on a trip out in the fun bus to rebound therapy this afternoon for some bouncing fun!

• Pet Therapy pooch Shuna will retire today, with a goodbye celebration being held in the Seaside Room for her in the Seaside Room from 3:00pm.

THURSDAY 13^th 

• We’re hosting our very first Iftar event this evening in the Seaside Room from 5:00pm – 7:00pm, where we’ll be celebrating the holy month of Ramadan with influential members of the Muslim community and Derian families involved in our Ramadan campaign.

• Spring has sprung – meet us in the Messy PlayZone this morning to make flower wreaths to take home.

• Our children and young people will be enjoying fun and splashes in the hydrotherapy pool this afternoon.

FRIDAY 14^th

• Let’s make some yummy baking treats in Danni’s Diner for us to take home.

SATURDAY 15^th

• The first-ever Coffee & Chat for volunteers will be held at the hospice here this morning from 10:00am. It’s a drop-in session for any of our volunteers across the organisation to enjoy a pastry, meet one another, and find out what’s currently going on at Derian House.

• What will we find in the grounds of the hospice in our Great Derian Scavenger Hunt this afternoon?

SUNDAY 16^th 

• There will be no kitchen staff in today, so any staff working will need to bring their own meals.

• The Keepsake Circle Chapter Four will launch today at an afternoon tea for all the families who have taken part in this year’s special song-writing project with our Patron, Kiki Deville.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

• The latest CQC briefing sessions will start up again at the end of this month. To book a place on either Thursday 27^th March (10:00am – 11:30am), Friday 28^th March (1:00pm – 2:30pm), Tuesday 1^st April (10:00am – 11:30am), Thursday 3^rd April (10:00am – 11:30am) or Friday 4^th April (1:00pm – 2:30pm), please email Julie Hatch (Executive Assistant).

• If you would like to share with the rest of Derian what your department is up to in the next 7 days, please send an email to cameron.murray@derianhouse.co.uk before Friday the week before.

Have a great week everyone! 🙂

Dear All,

We have been gifted a complimentary table to the ‘It’s All About the Kids Gala Ball’ on Saturday 15^th March at The Hilton, Deansgate, Manchester. Please find details attached.

The ball will raise money for Derian House, along with three other charities, and the evening will include top class entertainment by Britain’s Got Talent winners and West End stars.

If you and a guest would like to attend, please can you let me know asap.

Thank you and any questions, please just let me know.

Kind Regards

Emma

Good Morning to you all.

I’d just like to send a little reminder that the dining room is shared by all staff, children, and families, so if we could all be mindful when we have enjoyed our lunch, it is everyone’s responsibility to please give the table a quick clean with cleaning products provided and leave your area as clean as possible.

Many Thanks

Alison Burke

Dear All,

As the Hospice gets busier with overnight stays and an increase to 5 nights per week, could we please ask the following –

• No-one walks through the bedroom corridor before 10am apart from Clinical staff and housekeeping – this will ensure privacy and dignity for our children when getting bathed and ready in the mornings.
• There are signs on the door to remind everyone. If you need to access the bedroom corridor before this time, please speak to the team leader or shift coordinator.
• Please be mindful if you are on the lodge corridor before 10am that some of our teenagers and young adult like a lie in, so please keep noise to a minimum.

If you have any queries, please speak to any of the senior team.

Thank you for your cooperation in ensuring that all our children have a great stay at Derian and their privacy is respected.

Regards,

Bridget

Bridget Thomas
RGN, Dip Children’s Nursing, BSc(Hons) Health Visiting, MSc
Clinical Director

It’s World Book Day next Thursday 6^th March.

Please join in with us and dress up as your favourite story book character for the day, however big or small, let’s make it a great day for the children and young people.

If you have the story at home, feel free to bring that in too.

When planning your outfit, please still adhere to infection control measures.

Thank you everyone and look forward to seeing some inventive costumes next week.

Kind regards,

Claire van Opstal

We’re proud to be joining hospices across England, Scotland and Wales to protect the future of hospice care. We’re very excited to be part of a nationwide campaign to help raise the profile of hospices and the incredible work we do. Gifts in Wills help fund the care of 1 in 10 children and young people at Derian House, that’s why we’re asking our incredible supporters and community to consider leaving a gift to our hospice.

Look out for the Hospice UK TV advert launching on Monday 17 February, but if you just can’t wait – you can watch it now on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DB_ntxBHIf4

Did you know you can make your Will for free? Not only does writing a Will provide comfort for yourself and the ones you love, but it can also be a chance to support a cause you care about. Click here to request an information pack https://www.derianhouse.co.uk/legacy/

Together, we can help hospice care live on for all, for now, forever.

Good afternoon

For information, the white lines will be painted on the car park on Wednesday 5^th February 2025 ( tomorrow ) therefore this area will be closed.

Could I please ask for your co-operation and leave this area clear so the lines can be marked.

Thank you

Hi all,

****MOOREPAY UPGRADE****

This message is to inform you we have a scheduled Moorepay upgrade which will take place on  MONDAY 3^RD FEBRUARY – TUESDAY 4^TH FEBRUARY

Whilst the upgrade takes place you are likely to receive notifications, however, ***DO NOT*** action any request and do not attempt to access Moorepay until you have received instruction from ourselves in the Finance Team

The upgrade will bring the following enhancements:

• New easy-to-use interface and simplified menu structure
• Guided user support to take you through the software (pages and processes)
• Access to detailed payslips via both the Web Application and NEW Mobile App

Important information

• Once instruction has been received from the Finance team – You will be required to click the link in the verification email, set up a new password and successfully log in on a browser window.
• Please choose a new password which is at least 9 characters long and includes a minimum of 1 lower case letter, 1 upper case letter and 1 simple symbol.
• You MUST log in successfully on the website first, before you will be able to log into the Mobile App
• The NEW Mobile app is downloadable from your usual app/play store on both apple and android devices.
• Please remove any old saved or bookmarked URLs as from this time you will need to use the following URL to access Moorepay https://app.moorepay.co.uk/
• If you are unable to log in within 24 hours of the verification email being received, please navigate to the above Moorepay URL, enter your username, click ‘NEXT’ and use the “Forgotten your password?” process. The link in this email will last for 2 hours, at which point, you will need to request the forgotten password e-mail again.

If you have any questions regarding the above, let us know.

Many Thanks

New year, new you? 

2025 is the perfect chance to start a brand new chapter, so why not do something incredible for Derian House instead of the same old resolution?

For more info or to sign up to any of these events, visit the link below.

https://www.derianhouse.co.uk/events/

Good morning everyone,

Fancy kicking off your new year resolution fitness goals off with Derian’s Top Dog this February? 🐾

We’re asking people to raise £100 by walking 100km throughout the month of February 2025 – this works out about 3.5km/2 miles per day but you’re very welcome to split the distance however you like. This is the third time this event has been launched and has raised over £20,000 for the hospice and I know we’ve had a lot of staff and their four-legged friends take part so we’d love for you to join us again this year!

We’re launching this event with a 3km walk on Saturday 1^st February 2025 at Café Ambio, Astley Park, Chorley at 10am – even if you do not want to take part in the event, you’re more than welcome to join us for the walk!

For more information to get involved, please let me know.

A little reminder that December payday is Friday 20th December – early in time for Christmas.

Good morning

We have installed designated Fleet Vehicle parking signs, of which 2 are specifically for the electric fleet vehicles in the layby and 3 other spaces have been designated for the remaining fleet vehicles.

I would respectfully request that under no circumstances are these designated spaces used for any vehicle other than fleet vehicles to ensure they are always available and accessible as needed.

Thank you for your understanding.

Kind regards,

John Boe

Head of Facilities and Infrastructure

Hello Everyone,

I just wanted to make sure that everyone is aware of the Wellbeing support that we offer at Derian House:

1. Sage Benefits

We are all covered for Sage Employee benefits which offer a range discounts and benefits, see attached. One of these benefits is a counselling service which is totally confidential.  To access the counselling service you would need to access the portal to arrange.  You can use this counselling service for any needs not just work related.

To access your benefits, simply visit https://www.sageemployeebenefits.co.uk and log in with your username name@derianhouse.co.uk and password.

2. Counselling Sessions

For work related stress or support you can access two counsellors Sam and Suzie.  You can contact them direct to arrange sessions with them and it is completely confidential.

suzdavis@madasafish.com

samantha.crapnell@number11counselling.co.uk

3. Anonymous email

On the Derian Intranet under Staff Forum there is the ability to send an anonymous email with any queries or concerns.

4. Wellbeing Sessions

John Pilling sends out regular wellbeing messages and holds regular mindful meditation sessions.

As always if you need anything further please let me know.

Thanks

Kim

Hello all,

A polite reminder about the process of using the fleet (pool) cars:

Monday to Friday (office hours) – Please ask at reception for your car keys (this is so reception can document that you have arrived for your keys), on return please drop them back off with reception (or admin if no one is at reception), again this is so reception can mark the booking with ‘returned’.

When using the pool cars please make sure you fill out the mileage sheet (please leave the pen in the document folder), and if there are no wipes left to clean the car after use, please notify the housekeeping team.

Hello All

The results of the survey that I sent out (re celebrating xmas) was equal between a party night and a meal then drinks……it’s a little late to organise a party night and a lot of places are already booked up!

I have been in touch with Halfway House (on the A6) and they can fit us in on Friday 29^th November or Saturday 7^th December they have a festive menu – 2 courses for £24.95 (to sit in the dining area), and a DJ for entertainment – or we can just go and be in the bar area (can’t reserve seats) and have festive drinks, bar snacks (dependent on how busy they are) and enjoy the DJ.

If you would like to attend the Christmas Celebrations at Halfway House, then please let me know as soon as possible, please reply with preferred date and either festive meal or festive drinks (and I will go with the majority) then I can get it booked and pay deposits etc if need be.

This is a great place to either stay and enjoy the DJ or move on to either Preston or Chorley later on in the evening!

Don’t forget to ask your volunteers.

*Please note I have checked the hospice bookings and there are no CYP staying on either of these nights*

Kind Regards

Kirsty Yates

Admin Team Leader

Hi everyone,

As you are all aware recruitment of Registered Nurses is a key priority for us.  We held an open evening last week and will be carrying out another round of interviews in November.  We are also offering an incentive for any staff member who recommends a Nurse to Derian, you could receive a £500 bonus (subject to deductions) when you recommend someone and they commence in their role.

So get thinking if you know a great Nurse who would love to be part of Derian House and our growth plans for the future.

Thanks

Kim

Refer a nurse leaflet

An exclusive red carpet screening of ‘The Little Things’ – an emotional documentary inspired by Derian House – debuted with a special appearance by Benidorm star Steve Pemberton this weekend.

Lancashire-born Steve Pemberton, who is an Executive Producer of the film, joined 300 families and friends of the Chorley-based charity at the VIP event at Bolton Cineworld.

It was a family affair as Steve’s son Lucas Pemberton wrote the original film score for the production, which is now searching for a distributor so it can be shown to the rest of the world.

The Little Things has already received two five-star reviews, and has been nominated for ‘Best British Documentary’ at the Docuworld 2024 Film Festival.

If you haven’t yet seen the film and would like to attend a showing at Derian at the Movies, here are the three dates that you are welcome to attend (all starting at 14:00pm):

• Friday 8^th November
• Wednesday 13^th November
• Tuesday 19^th November

The film’s runtime is 98 minutes long, so please be seated for 13:55pm… there’ll be complementary popcorn and tissues provided.

If you’d like to attend one of the screenings, please drop me an email.

Good Afternoon,

Catherine has arranged for Flu and Covid Vaccinations to be available for all staff.

These will be administered by the NHS on Thursday 24 October and Wednesday 30 October in the music room.

You can have either or both vaccinations.

No need to book just turn up on either day.

Thanks,
Kim

Hi Team Derian,

With lots going on around the charity, I thought it a great time to update you on a few things….. happy reading!

1. There’s still time to book your tickets for the exclusive friends and family screening of Derian House documentary, The Little Things, taking place at Bolton Cineworld on Saturday 19^th October at 5:45pm. Some additional seats have now become available so if you have already booked but would like to add a guest this is now possible. Please email movie@derianhouse.co.uk.  We have over 200 people joining us on the night and it is going to be wonderful.

2. It’s been Hospice Care Week, and the theme of this year’s week of celebration is retail, which is very fitting seeing as our retail team has been working round the clock to get our Chorley store ready for opening after its big revamp. The Chorley store will set the standard for how we want our shops to look and feel and we can’t wait to see the finished product.

3. Our Family Engagement & Advocacy Team got a special thank you from trustees for their work in setting up this piece of the jigsaw in our offer for families. The team are currently working with families on what improvements we can make to services, access and the way we communicate with them.

4. Over in fundraising our very first fire walk event was a red hot success with “Walk This Way” raising a wonderful £13,472.64! Well done to everyone involved, and all of the staff who took part, some even in fancy dress.

5. Our annual supporter magazine, Stories & Smiles (formerly Danni’s Diary), is out now. The newsletter is jam-packed with good news and family stories from the year. You should all feel really proud of the part you had to play in making these success stories happen.

6. You may have noticed the front of the hospice has been lit up blue and pink. This is to mark Baby Loss Awareness Week, which runs from 9-15 October. The idea of lighting up the hospice to remember all of our babies was first suggested by the parents of baby Iris last year and we’re really pleased to be able to carry on this important tradition. Thanks to our facilities team for their work on this.

7. We hosted a successful afternoon tea event last week to celebrate the end of the Morrison’s and Together for Short Lives Partnership. So far, the stores have raised £149,925 for Derian House, with more money still to come in.

8. Our personalised stamps for bereaved parents, launched as part of our Say my Child’s Name campaign last year will be returning in time for Christmas thanks to a generous donation by Leyland Trucks, who have paid for 100 stamps to help parents who have suffered a loss to remember their child in Christmas cards this year.

9. We had a very successful QSI meeting this week with Trustees with focus on due diligence,  governance, safety, data, performance, risk and an update on progress against our strategic plan.

• We’ve produced an article written to celebrate that we currently have all aspects of the NMC register covered which includes health visiting, learning disabilities, midwifery, children’s,  adults, mental health nursing and public health.

• Welcome to new staff who started in the last couple of weeks –

• Maria Williamson – Perinatal Midwife
• Vicky Tadman – RN
• Sam Jackson – RN
• Shannon Gaynor – RN

• Joining us in the coming weeks are Vicky Robinson as Community Team Leader and Beverley Alty, as Lottery and Individual Giving Administrator.

• Sadly, it didn’t work out for Tracey Scott who joined to lead our Finance team, and so we are now reviewing the position and will be hopefully filling the gap as soon as possible

• Recruitment remains a key priority and we have a 2^nd Open Evening for nurses this week.  We are also offering an incentive for staff who recommend nurses to Derian, look out for the leaflet and your chance to receive a £500 bonus (subject to deductions) when you recommend someone and they commence in their role.

• A massive thanks to the care team who have changed shifts and swapped days to accommodate end of life and sunflower admissions and potential admissions recently, we wouldn’t be able to offer this element of care consistently without your flexibility.

• Bridget and Kim are currently sorting the details for our flu jabs, more details as these are offered.

• And finally, I’m pleased to share that Kim has decided not to leave Derian, and therefore the hunt for a new HR Director is no longer required.

Have a great week everyone

The 16^th October is Restart a Heart Day in the UK. Did you know that less than one in 10 people survive an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest? By learning CPR and feeling confident to use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), you can give someone their best chance of survival.

The Education Team at Derian House are inviting you to learn CPR in the clinical skills lab between 9am-1pm today.

We can also show you how to use an Epipen and tell you how to spot the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis and how to use an AED.

If you want to book in a time slot please email us or call 01257 233300 ext 230

For more information about Restart a Heart day visit resus.org.uk/rsah

Good Evening,

Following recent incidents around the country, it is now more important than ever that we know who is on our site at all times.  Therefore, with immediate effect, ALL visitors to Derian House must sign in on arrival and sign out when they leave.  Not only is this for security reasons, but also should an emergency situation arise and we have to evacuate the building then we will be able to conduct an accurate roll call.

I do understand it may be upsetting for families attending the Sunflower Room, but it is also for their safety that they sign-in on arrival, and must follow the procedures we have in place.  Additionally, any parents/carers collecting one of our children or young people from respite or day care must also sign-in.

I am aware some staff members who see parents/carers in reception, will say “come with me” or “it’s ok they don’t need to sign-in as they are with me”.  This is not acceptable and must no longer happen, visitors must always sign-in.

In an effort to make visitor sign-in easier, I am going to look into the possibility of being able to pre-book visitors on the system.  This would enable you to inform reception if you are aware of visitors attending site and they could be pre-booked which would make signing-in an easier and quicker process.

Thank you for your understanding and co-operation in ensuring we keep Derian House a safe and secure environment for all.