News

Staff wellbeing

CT opened the forum by acknowledging that it has been a difficult period with the loss of a number of well-known young people in the hospice.

Danny Schofield (DS) acknowledged that there have been several recent deaths of children and young people, and that a range of support is already available within the hospice, including team briefs, catch-ups and debriefs. DS asked whether staff felt there was anything further that could be offered during difficult periods and invited Fazila Vaida (FV) to lead the discussion.

FV opened the conversation by acknowledging that the support already in place is valued and important, while noting that some options can feel more formal. FV asked whether staff felt there were other ways they could be supported to process difficult experiences.

Staff discussed the importance of having access to a quiet private space away from public areas, particularly for colleagues who may need time to decompress during or after emotionally difficult moments. The diner was recognised as a positive shared space where people can come together at mealtimes and feel part of the wider team, but staff also noted that a separate space for reflection would be beneficial.

There was a discussion about how a private space could be provided, with ideas including using the sibling pod on a bookable basis and the redistribution of workspace that is happening around the hospice.

The upstairs staff room was also discussed, although it was felt that this space is mainly suitable for changing and would not fully meet the need for a quiet area to decompress.

Everyone thought that having the sibling pod as a bookable space would be a good idea.

CT noted that the care team have more regular experience of supporting children, young people and families at end of life, and may therefore have developed helpful tools and approaches. CT asked whether any of this learning could be shared with non-clinical colleagues to support them too.

VR explained that the community team regularly have informal debriefs. They all come together to discuss what happened and how people are feeling. VR wondered whether it would be a good idea to extend this to the rest of the staff.

It was agreed that debriefs would be opened to all staff where appropriate, so colleagues across the hospice can access informal support following difficult events.

Karen Leigh-Whiston (KLW) asked whether the Community Team would be happy to facilitate this themselves, or whether it would be more appropriate for an external facilitator to be brought in.

The Community Team agreed that the informal nature of the sessions works well and helps create a comfortable environment.

Vicky Robinson (VR) suggested having the iPads available with Dojo accessible, allowing people to look through photos and share memories of the BCYP.

CT acknowledged that everyone processes situations differently and that individual needs should be recognised.

FV concluded by agreeing that having a private space where people can take some time for themselves would be beneficial.

 

Values

KLW advised that the organisational values have now been agreed and formally signed off.

The DERIAN acronym will remain in place; however, throughout the consultation process, three overarching themes consistently emerged: Safe, Compassionate, and Accountable.

These will therefore become the organisation’s core values, supported by the DERIAN values:

 

D – Dedicated.

E – Empowered.

R – Reliable.

I – Inclusive.

A – Ambitious.

N – Nurturing.

 

KLW explained that work is now underway to embed these values into everyday practice. This will begin with the recruitment process and continue throughout induction, supervision, and appraisal processes.

 

Staff were then invited to share ideas on how the values could be incorporated into day-to-day working.

Staff suggested a range of ways to keep the values visible and meaningful, including displaying them more prominently in the workplace, creating a display board for each value, incorporating them into reflective practice, recognising colleagues through value-based nominations, including them in regular catchups, and introducing a ‘Value of the Month’.

 

There was also discussion about presenting the values through video content to help bring them to life.

 

Strategy

CT advised that the strategy is now ready to be shared with the wider team. She did not go into detail at this stage, as three sessions have been arranged to introduce the strategy. Staff will be encouraged to take part and contribute to shaping how it is delivered.

 

CT also provided an update on Incident 375, advising that the inquest has been rescheduled to later in the year. She explained that some families have started to ask questions and advised staff that a crib will be prepared to support them in responding appropriately, should they receive any enquiries. Staff were also reminded to follow the usual media enquiries procedure by directing any press enquiries to CT and the Communications Team.

 

New roles and opportunities

DS advised that the Care Team has experienced a period of growth, with several new colleagues joining the team, including Advanced Clinical Practitioners (ACPs), nurses and Clinical Support Workers (CSWs).

A new housekeeper will also be joining the team shortly, alongside a volunteer art therapist for the summer and a student counsellor.

DS advised that vacancies for a Hydro Pool Coordinator and a Music Room Coordinator will be advertised shortly. Staff were encouraged to share these opportunities with anyone who may be interested.

KLW added that the Finance Team is currently interviewing for vacancies. Recruitment is also underway for a Head of Communications, Community Team nurses and Clinical Support Workers (CSWs).

 

Any other business

Sam Lamb (SL) provided an update on the Estates projects. The fire door works are nearing completion, with only the pool doors and some snagging work remaining. Staff were asked to report any fire door issues or snags to SL. Compartmentation works are continuing.

Work on the hoists has now commenced, except for the pool hoist.

The Forest School project is also due to begin, with a company funding and constructing the facility.

Approval is currently being sought for the Lodge courtyard project.

There is some snagging work to complete on the electric doors, work on the lift is ongoing, and staff are reminded to complete the required training for the lone worker app.

 

Sarah Proctor (SP) provided an update on the lottery, sharing that there had recently been a £10,000 winner, with CT making the call to notify them.

CT shared the winner’s story, explaining that her daughter is a talented cello player. The winner supports the lottery because her sister, who sadly passed away, was previously a music therapist at Derian House. She felt the win was a meaningful tribute to her sister, allowing her to purchase a high-quality cello for her daughter and treat the family to a holiday.

SP advised that staff are welcome to support with winner calls if they are interested. Karen Smith (KS) recently contacted a £1,000 winner who, after learning more about the work of Derian House, chose to donate the prize money back to the charity.

 

CT also provided an update on Derian Wishes, advising that the initiative has generated significant interest. While many wishes have involved technology, there have also been several unique requests, including playing darts with Luke Littler and drumming with the Courteeners.

 

The forum discussed ways in which the wishes initiative could also support families with practical day-to-day needs, such as house cleaning, garden maintenance and help with managing household tasks, recognising that these can become increasingly difficult for some families. Opportunities to provide this support through FL and corporate volunteers are being explored. There was also discussion around introducing volunteer drivers to help families attend appointments and events at Derian House when transport is a barrier, as well as supporting travel for holidays and assisting volunteers attending events.