3 July 2023

 Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation will open a brand new £2m Health and Wellbeing Hub on Wednesday (5 July) – the same day the NHS celebrates its 75th birthday.

An opening ceremony featuring an NHS75 baton relay across the hospital site, which the Mayor and Mayoress of Chesterfield will be taking part in, will mark the opening celebrations.

The Health and Wellbeing Hub was almost entirely funded by an appeal led by the Chesterfield Royal Charity, with the ongoing annual costs for running the facility now to be managed by the Trust.

Atul Patel, Chair of the Chesterfield Royal Charity and Non-Executive Director of the Trust, said: “The Hub was built after colleagues fed back how the impact of Covid changed them, their families and their working lives.

“We knew we needed to ‘care for the carers’ and this is just one of the very visible ways we are doing just that. The Hub will provide respite, relief and an easily accessibly space and facility for colleagues.

“We would especially like to thank our main sponsors: NHS Charities Together, DSFS and Westfield Health. Thank you to everybody who held a cake sale, a sponsored run, a raffle – it all contributes to allow us as the charity to give the gift of extraordinary.”

Dr Hal Spencer, Chief Executive, commented: “Firstly, a huge well done to everybody involved in this incredible project and an even bigger thank you to the donors too.

“Here at Chesterfield Royal Hospital, we want to be recommended as a place to come to work and for the clinical care we provide. I truly believe that the Health and Wellbeing Hub the greatest asset and cornerstone cited in those recommendations! Colleagues will be able to utilise: 

  • Counselling rooms, ensuring support for the mental health & wellbeing of our colleagues; complimentary therapies
  • A fully equipped gym, with equipment specially selected by our Health and Well-being Team 
  • Areas for group or individual reflections after traumatic incidents.

“This really is one of a kind and something I am so proud of us opening on the NHS75. Along with our ED, Paediatric Assessment Unit, the Community Diagnostic Centres and much more, we are redefining the role and abilities of this fantastic hospital. I hope the whole community continue to support the Chesterfield Royal Charity so that even more can be done to support and keep developing.”

Hannah Peate, Health and Wellbeing Lead for the Trust, added ‘’This Health and Wellbeing Hub will grow and develop to support the colleagues who everyday work so hard to deliver care to our patients. Colleagues from across the organisation have worked tirelessly to make this a reality, it’s been a true collaboration across numerous departments. This will provide a holistic space for colleagues to come and decompress through to undertaking a Health and Wellbeing workshop or participating in a class or accessing the gym.

“I’m excited to welcome our new Health Improvement Advisors – who will be driving the classes and making sure we get the very most out of the Hub.  I would also like to recognise and thank our wonderful Wellbeing Champions and Mental Health First Aiders for the work they do to support our colleagues on a daily basis across the Trust.’’

There will be no charge for use for Chesterfield Royal Hospital employed colleagues. The Trust will be looking to open facilities in the Hub 24/7 in the future.

The gym equipment – including functional fitness, studio, cardio and strength training machines and free weights – has been sourced through competitive tender and is the best in the business for the best value. Accessibility issues have been considered we have included easy to operate machines with accessible seats including having adjustments for colleagues with additional/other needs – such as those who are partially sighted etc.

Dr Helen Phillips, Chair of the Trust, concludes: “The NHS’ 75th birthday is a perfect occasion express how truly proud we are of the people who work here and across our system. This brand new, purpose-built, Health and Wellbeing Hub is the perfect way to mark this momentous day. The Hub will provide support, facilities, and a moment away from the hustle and bustle of a busy acute hospital. It’s been incredible to see the support Chesterfield Royal Charity received in their fundraising - from members of the public to local businesses and colleagues of the Trust. A special thank you to those people who contributed and continue to help us to deliver initiatives as exciting as this one!”

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