Destination Chesterfield

Champion of the Week

Karlie Thompson, Associate Director of Communications, Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.

Hi! I’m Karlie Thompson, Associate Director of Communications at Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. I’m a proud member of the Destination Chesterfield Board, and the hospital is a Chesterfield Champion.

What is your organisation looking forward to?

Every day, the media highlights the huge changes shaping health and care. These changes are happening at every level: Nationally, regionally and here at Chesterfield Royal Hospital. Like hospitals across the country, we are all working in an exceptionally challenging environment, with rising demand and increasing pressures, while staying focused on delivering safe, highest-quality care for our patients.

At the same time, there is opportunity in this change: We can work differently, use technology more intelligently, strengthen our partnerships and design services together with the people who use them directly.

Our future will see Chesterfield Royal Hospital remain a trusted local hospital, while evolving into a more connected, modern and community-focused organisation.

What makes Chesterfield and North Derbyshire a good place to work?

People genuinely care here – about their work, about each other and about the place itself. For me, Chesterfield Royal Hospital is small enough to care personally, but has the scale to make a real difference clinically.

As a major local employer with more than 5,000 staff, and as a Trust serving communities across North Derbyshire, we have the opportunity every day to improve lives and help shape a healthier future for the area.

Why are local communities so important?

Chesterfield and North Derbyshire are at the heart of everything we do. Our purpose is rooted in a place with a strong identity, deep community spirit and people who rely on us throughout their lives. The hospital is part of everyday life, and our connection goes far beyond delivering treatment.

We care for around 400,000 people across North Derbyshire. Babies are born here, families grow up here, colleagues live and work here, and people come to us for support, expertise and compassionate care – a responsibility we take seriously.

As a trusted district general hospital, we have strong partnerships through Royal Primary Care, community services, local authorities and the voluntary sector. Together, we can help shape a healthier future, not just meet day-to-day needs.

Our strategy reflects this commitment: Delivering care that is more joined‑up, more proactive and closer to home. Chesterfield communities don’t just define our work – they define who we are.

How would you describe Chesterfield and North Derbyshire, using only three words?

Warm. Grounded. Ambitious.

What experiences would you recommend sharing in Chesterfield and North Derbyshire?

I’m a mum, and my two children adore Chatsworth House. They also love Queen’s Park – and there is so much in and around the area. The list is long, and we’re still discovering new places four years on. There is always someone willing to help and point you in the right direction.

What does being a Chesterfield Champion mean to your organisation?

Being a Chesterfield Champion means being proud of our place and the people who make it what it is. For us, it is about more than promoting a town – it’s about celebrating a community we’re deeply connected to. We do that by championing our people, our partnerships and the stories that show Chesterfield at its best: Caring, resilient, welcoming and full of pride. I’m so proud to work at an organisation – and in a place – like this.