Development

Families set to benefit from new play and fitness facilities in Staveley

Staveley residents are set to benefit from the first improvements to the town as part of the Staveley Town Deal, which sets out ambitious plans to pull in more than £25m worth of funding to the area over the next five years.

Initial funding worth more than £140,000 will be used to invest in new play and fitness facilities at King George V Playing Fields. This will create a fantastic new space for families to create memories together and for residents to exercise in.

The money has been secured thanks to a Chesterfield Borough Council bid to the Government’s Town Deal Accelerator Fund – submitted on behalf of the Staveley Town Deal Board as part of wider plans to regenerate the town.

It follows further investment by the council in the park which saw creation of bowling facilities and a new skate park; together all these improvements will ensure that the park has facilities suitable for every age group.

Ivan Fomin, Chair of the Staveley Town Deal Board, said: “It’s fantastic to see the Town Deal delivering funding for facilities that will directly benefit local residents. These improvements are the kind of grassroots project that I hoped we could deliver as part of the Town Deal. It may not be a high financial cost compared to the total value of the Town Deal, but it will make a massive difference to local families.”

The planned works include a new play area which will have a range of equipment for both juniors and toddlers. It will also aim to encourage imaginative play through its design and features, like play panels.

As well as the play area, a new fitness zone will be created. Within this there will be an outdoor gym area where residents can do more than 200 different types of exercise. It will also feature a multi-use area for basketball and football.

Councillor Jill Mannion Brunt, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for Health and Wellbeing, said: “As we’ve all seen over the last year, providing excellent outdoor facilities is important for everyone. They provide a space for the community to socialise and are an important place for young people’s development. They are also becoming more popular as exercise venues.

“We are working closely with our funding partners to help deliver this fantastic new play and fitness space in King George V Playing Fields. I am sure that local residents will create lots of great memories in this space and keep active for many years to come.”

Paul Greenfield, Area Sales Manager for Kompan, said: “Kompan are the UK’s leading outdoor play, sport and fitness provider and we are delighted to have been selected as Chesterfield Borough Council’s partner for this exciting project. We look forward to bringing our fun and exciting play products, and state of the art fitness range to the community of Staveley.”

The work is set to begin in March and will be managed by Chesterfield Borough Council and delivered by Kompan.

Find out more about regeneration in Staveley here: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/developments/staveley/

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Polar Windows secures more than £1 million in commercial contracts despite covid-19 pandemic

Chesterfield’s Polar Windows has managed to secure more than £1 million worth of commercial contracts recently, despite the challenges caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

The company, which has now been trading in the town for more than 32 years has secured several projects both locally and nationally, which has enabled it to increase production and turnover.

Three more staff have been taken on in the factory;  a new commercial admin apprentice and a commercial Project Manager have also been added to the team, taking the total number of employees at Polar Windows to 35.

Once a small family business, Polar has grown into an ever-evolving company with seven fully skilled fitting teams and a reliable portfolio of carefully selected quality tradesmen. The domestic business spans a 30-mile radius across three counties – Derbyshire, Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire.

It is also chesterfield’s leading and only commercial manufacturer of UPVC Energy Rated windows & doors, as well as being suppliers & installers of a whole host of other high-quality enhancements for the home. This ranges from Conservatories, soffits and fascia’s, porches, Roof Lanterns, rubber flat roofs to solid warm roofs, extensions, and conversions.

Some of the recent commercial contracts secured by the company include:

  • 172 New Builds in Homewood ,Chesterfield. This is a 3-year contract . This contract involves installing A-Rated Energy Efficient upvc windows and doors along with GRP Composite Entrance doors.
  • 175 New Builds in Goole- This is a 3 year contract – This contract involves installing A-Rated Energy Efficient UPVC windows and doors along with GRP Composite Entrance doors.
  • 21 New Builds in Brockwell, Chesterfield, – This contract involves installing A-Rated Energy Efficient UPVC windows and doors along with GRP Composite Entrance doors.
  • Manufacture and Installation of over 200 High specification windows and doors to a number of wards /Departments at Leighton Hospital in Crewe.
  • 32 New Builds in Pilsley, Chesterfield- This contract involves installing A-Rated Energy Efficient UPVC windows and doors along with GRP Composite Entrance doors.
  • 12 New Builds in Brimington Chesterfield. This contract involves installing A-Rated Energy Efficient UPVC windows and doors along with GRP Composite Entrance doors.

Group Sales Manager, Richard Crowe said: “Whilst it is easy to sum up 2020 as a year of challenge and global crisis, the last 12 months have spurred a great deal of reflection, resilience , spirit and togetherness within our business.  From initiatives such as the introduction of remote selling & quoting software, to the switch from paper invoices to paperless digital invoicing, our staff have shown what hard work and determination really can create, especially when combined with good old community spirit.

“As a result, we are now reaping the rewards. Bearing in mind we had 3 months of not trading with the national lockdown. In 2020 we have seen an increase in global turnover of over 11%, and our production output has increased by 10%.

“We also invested in a brand new purpose built window & conservatory village show site on Chesterfield Road in Duckmanton just off of junction 29A. This incorporates two fully furnished on site conservatories with a plan for two further conservatories to be added in late 2021.

“The show site also boasts an  indoor window and doors showroom for our customers. We also took delivery of a fleet of seven brand new vans for our installers. I would never have thought back in March 2020 that all of this would be achievable.

“In summary, 2020 has been the most difficult but rewarding year in my working life to date. To achieve what we have achieved under the circumstances has proved to me the sky really is the limit for us.  2021, Bring it on!”

Polar Windows supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

 

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Have your say on ambitious regeneration plans for Chesterfield

People are being encouraged to have their say on ambitious plans to transform the area between the town centre and Chesterfield Train Station – creating a vibrant gateway to North Derbyshire and setting out potential sites to create around 850 new jobs.

The HS2 Station Master Plan was approved by the council’s Cabinet on 2 February and will now be put out for public consultation. Residents, businesses, train passengers and visitors to the town can have their say between 8 February and 8 March.

The proposals – which can be viewed in an innovative virtual exhibition – set out a vision for the future development of the area and are also designed to make the most of the once-in-a-generation plans for a High Speed Rail (HS2) link at Chesterfield.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “Despite the challenging economic times posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, Chesterfield is not standing still and we’re pressing ahead with our £1 billion growth programme – carving out a prosperous future for our borough, while creating jobs and homes for local people.

“Our HS2 Station Master Plan is a key element of this work and we’re now asking for local people, businesses, train passengers and visitors to give us their views to help shape the future of our town.

“We want to create a vibrant gateway to North Derbyshire and the Peak District, to better connect this key site to our town centre, and to bring unused and underused land back to life for the benefit of local people. The proposals also have sustainability at their heart – setting out infrastructure improvements to support cycling, walking and better access for public transport.”

Due to the ongoing Covid-19 restrictions in place, people are being invited to take part in a virtual consultation, with an online exhibition setting out the key proposals. They include:

  • Establishing the principle of new development plots to accommodate a mix of uses with the potential to generate a minimum of approximately 850 jobs
  • A new station link road (a through route) between Brimington Road and Hollis Lane with improved public transport access
  • Closure of the A61 on-slip road
  • A new public ‘boulevard’ for pedestrians and cyclists (including segregated cycle lanes) leading from the station to Corporation Street
  • Replacement of the existing A61 footbridge between the station area and Corporation Street with a new wider bridge, including a segregated cycle route.
  • Suggested changes to Corporation Street to improve accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists whilst retaining vehicle access to businesses.
  • A ‘transport hub’ including a multi-storey car park (with around 550 bays) and charging points for electric vehicles
  • A cycle hub with e-bike hire and secure cycle parking
  • An overall layout that has the potential for a higher quality of natural habitats including more tree planting
  • A new station forecourt to better accommodate buses, coaches, taxis and a drop off/collection point.
  • A continuous cycle link from Hollis Lane area through to Crow Lane

Councillor Gilby added: “Our proposals also seek to harness the once-in-a-generation opportunity presented to our region by the HS2 project – a chance to cement Chesterfield’s position as a thriving place to invest and do business.

“But it’s important to note that this plan can be delivered ahead of – and independently to – the national project if needed.

“This is a flagship plan for our borough’s future, and we’re keen to hear the views of as many people as possible. Their input will help shape the final version of the Master Plan, which will be used to drive forward regeneration in the town centre.”

Funding for regeneration at and around the station and the preparation of a masterplan has been obtained by Chesterfield Borough Council and Derbyshire County Council through both the Sheffield City Region (SCR) and East Midlands (D2N2) Local Economic Partnerships.

Visit www.chesterfield.gov.uk/HS2-station-master-plan to find out more and access the consultation, which is being run by consultants AECOM. Online materials include a 3D ‘fly-through’ video of how the site could look. (Please note, the virtual exhibition cannot be accessed until the consultation opens on Monday 8 February).

Hard copies of the documents can also be requested and will be provided in a Covid-safe way – please call 01246 959707.

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Recognition for Woodhead Group’s commercial Manager

As a challenging 2020 drew to a close, Michael Broadhurst, Commercial Manager at Robert Woodhead Ltd, was the pin point of positivity and encouragement for the future. A major achievement for Michael was receiving the G4C Future Leader Award at the East Midlands Constructing Excellence Awards in December.

Michael first joined the company as part of his Degree at Sheffield Hallam in Building Surveying. The sandwich course he embarked on enabled him to build on his skills as a Trainee Project Co-ordinator on a 1 year placement.

Michael impressed so much during his placement that the company offered him the chance to continue his degree part time whilst continuing employment. He was part of a number of award winning projects such as the Cross Street Eco Town development whist completing his degree, graduating with a 1st Class Honours.

Michael has adopted the businesses values of Robert Woodhead ltd; Collaboration, Respect, Courage and Integrity, which are major elements to flourishing within his role.

He said: “It’s the team work approach, living and breathing our values and the collaboration between one another which ends in great results. The company invested in me that I am hugely grateful for and that’s a testament to them and the belief in their employees.

“The hard work by all is prominent throughout the company. Coaching and mentoring one another gives others the confidence for progression. Everyone joins together to allow collaborative progression and growth as a whole.”

His clear work ethic portrayed throughout his role enabled Michael, when he was 26 years old, to scoop the Young Achiever Award back in 2016 at the Constructing Excellence Awards.

Since this achievement Michael has received outstanding mentoring and support from Chris Tutin and Alistair Taylor, both Associate Directors of Robert Woodhead Limited.

Chris commented on Michael’s progression and determination to succeed within his role: “I have had the privilege of working alongside Michael for a number of years. As a Project Co-Ordinator he showed an immense amount of promise. I am glad to say that through his own hard work that promise has seen him develop into a substantially competent QS and more recently a deserved Commercial Manager.

“I am proud to call Michael a colleague and friend and am so pleased that his dedication has been recognised with this award. As the title suggests, I expect Michael to become a Future Leader within our industry one day.”

Michael believes the key to adopting and pursuing the correct skills to become a leader all branches from collaboration. The “honesty and trust” which is developed between colleagues is a vital piece in the jigsaw to becoming a confident and respected leader.

Shanice Wallace, Quantity Surveyor at Robert Woodhead Ltd commented on the mentoring she received from Michael over the years: “Michael is a great mentor, he allows the learning process to flow naturally and is always there to provide support when needed. His expertise has definitely been invaluable in my journey to becoming a Quantity Surveyor.”

A small piece of advice from Michael for others starting their journey in the industry was: “You can’t be a successful leader, if you don’t have a successful team working collaboratively. Go that extra mile and take the time to continually develop yourself and encourage others around you to flourish.”

Woodhead Group supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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MPs praise Chesterfield College for its work in developing skills for the future

The Minister for Apprenticeship and Skills, Gillian Keegan MP, visited Chesterfield College virtually last week (Thursday, 28th January).

During the visit, she praised leaders of the college for the work they are undertaking and confirmed that the strategic direction of the organisation meets the ambitions of the Government’s vision for further education, and the role colleges will play in future skills development across the UK.

Local MPs, Toby Perkins, Lee Rowley and Mark Fletcher attended the visit, and pledged their support for the college and the vital role it plays in the development of local communities.

They also praised the college for the work it had undertaken before and during the pandemic.

The visitors explored how the college supports employers, students and apprentices whilst also discussing the challenges and opportunities facing the further education sector.

Topics for discussion included how the college is addressing local skills needs, creatively developing the curriculum, adapting to meet financial constraints, and responding to meet the needs of students and apprentices in lockdown.

Julie Richards, Principal and Chief Executive of the Chesterfield College Group explained: “Our vision is to be recognised as an outstanding college by the communities we serve. We equip our students and apprentices with the skills, knowledge and behaviours they need for success in both their career and personal life.

“The college aims to be the first choice for education and skills in our local area, equipping individuals and employers with the skills they need both now and in the future, supporting our economy to grow and prosper.

“We are making significant progress in realising our vision and the proposals set out in the recently announced FE White Paper places the college in a very favourable position to address the ambitions of Government.

“However, to support the growth and development of people through further education we need parity of funding with schools and support to ensure both young people and adults can access the skills they need for a bright and prosperous future.”

Gillian Keegan MP said: “It was great to be able to virtually visit Chesterfield College to hear how they are supporting learners to build the skills they need to be successful in their future careers.

“I really enjoyed speaking to students Jack and Georgie, who have so much enthusiasm for their studies, and have continued to work hard during the lockdown to develop their skills and knowledge.”

The Minister met a student and an apprentice during the visit and asked about their experiences of learning with the college. Beauty Therapy student, Georgie McGregor and Electrical Installation Apprentice, Jack Harris who is completing his apprenticeship at the Chatsworth Estate in Derbyshire, explained how the college is helping them to realise their ambitions.

The Minister asked them how lockdown was affecting their learning and what opportunities had arisen. She also asked about careers advice and the importance of supporting young people into the most appropriate study options.

Georgie told the Minister: “The college has a great programme to advise students of our careers options. We are provided with advice and guidance relating to the different routes open to us when we go out to the big wide world. Employers take part on our online learning which helps us to understand how to apply our skills in industry.”

“We are currently focusing on theory as part of the Level 3 course, by working online with live lessons delivered by our tutors. Getting the theory done means as soon as we can get back in the classroom we can use the knowledge we are gaining now to support us as we develop our practical skills.”

Jack explained how he spent his time during furlough getting ahead in his studies and completing 10 practice papers for his exam. His hard work paid off and he achieved a pass of 98%.

He told the Minister how the college has supported him as he has progressed through the levels of study and how hard he is working to fulfil his ambition to become Head Electrician at the Chatsworth Estate.

The Minister praised Jack and Georgie for their attitude and using their time wisely in lockdown.

She wished them well in their studies and promised to return to visit in person as soon as she is able, asking if Georgie would do her make-up when she comes to see the facilities and more of the initiatives she had heard about during her virtual visit.

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Chesterfield Mayor praises vaccination roll out after receiving first dose

Chesterfield’s Mayor has praised the local Covid-19 vaccination roll out after receiving her first dose last week, and is now urging residents to take the call and get vaccinated too.

Councillor Glenys Falconer received her first vaccination at the Chesterfield Borough Council-owned Winding Wheel Theatre on Friday 22 January after she was called up as part of the roll-out of the jab across Derbyshire.

Chesterfield’s iconic Winding Wheel Theatre and the Wheatbridge Surgery were the latest Covid-19 vaccination sites to open in the town earlier this month.

Councillor Falconer said: “I’m really impressed with the way vaccines are being rolled out here in Chesterfield. The vaccination site at the Winding Wheel Theatre is really well organised and the whole process was quick and straightforward.

“I’m really grateful to the NHS staff and volunteers who are working hard to deliver the vaccine to our residents.

“I was contacted directly by my GP to make an appointment. People will be contacted directly when they are in line for the jab, and I would encourage everyone to take this up and help us to ensure that we can protect the most vulnerable in our community.”

Vaccinations are all by appointment only and patients should not contact their GP about a vaccination unless asked to do so.

People should not attend a vaccination centre without an appointment.

For more information visit joinedupcarederbyshire.co.uk/covid-19-information-and-advice

Meanwhile, Chesterfield Champions, PCT Healthcare and Casa Hotel have worked together to get a vaccination centre up and running at the hotel site, with jabs starting to take place from next week (1st Feb.)

You can read more about the initiative here: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/2021/01/chesterfield-champions-work-together-in-offering-support-to-local-vaccine-rollout/

Destination Chesterfield is continuing to provide local businesses with the latest support and advice throughout the current Covid-19 lockdown. For the latest updates, head over to our Coronavirus business support page: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/business-support/coronavirus/

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Derbyshire Institute of Sport supports the coaching community

Sports coaches can now join a monthly webinar to learn from world-class coaches and experts who have worked with Olympians and Paralympians.

The new programme is being launched by the Derbyshire Institute of Sport (DIS) and is open to anyone who coaches local teams or individuals in any sport.

Managing director of the DIS, Chloe Maudsley, said: “Great coaches are the reason that athletes and sports players become champions. That’s why we have launched this new programme to share our knowledge with sports coaches so that they feel supported in their work to develop young athletes to achieve their dreams.”

Collectively, the DIS team has decades of experience of working with word-class athletes and professional sports stars.

Webinars will take place at 8pm on the third Wednesday evening of each month throughout 2021. The first webinar is on Wednesday Feb 17 when the speaker will be clinical dietitian and sports and exercise nutritionist Nicky Gilbert.

For many years, Nicky supported players at Nottingham Forest Football Club and has also worked extensively with high-performance athletes and coaches in a wide variety of Olympic and non-Olympic sports. The title of her webinar will be ‘Essential facts about nutrition for developing athletes’.

Chloe said: “Through this programme, coaches will be connected with other coaches and have the opportunity to learn and discuss key topic areas. They will also have the chance to get to know the team at DIS – including former Commonwealth Games athlete Laura Wake, performance psychologist Dr Phil Clarke and physiotherapist David Sprot.”

There will also be a chance to apply to join an exclusive Champion Coaches Forum which will be led by Andy Wood, co-founder of the DIS. Andy led national badminton teams through five Olympic cycles – three for Great Britain, one for Bulgaria and one for Australia. This exciting new forum is due to be launched this summer.

The webinars will cost just £10 per session on a pay-as-you-go basis with no commitment or membership fee required. To book your place, email info@derbyshireis.co.uk or ring 07974 231 564.

DIS supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Kickstart scheme creates almost 900 new jobs for 16 to 24-year-olds

Businesses have been urged by East Midlands Chamber to use gateway providers to create work placements in the Kickstart scheme – after it helped to create hundreds of roles for young people in the region.

The chamber of commerce for Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire has so far helped to facilitate 887 new roles across the three counties. All these have been approved by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), which will provide a £1,500 grant to employers for each six-month placement created for a 16 to 24-year-old.

Further applications have been submitted for another 900 roles as part of the organisation’s role as a gateway provider, which has so far been required for businesses with fewer than 30 vacancies.

East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire) deputy chief executive and Kickstart lead Diane Beresford said: “Using a gateway provider removes the headache of trying to understand the Kickstart application process and ensures businesses receive the full support they need when submitting an application, as well as filling the vacancy with help in tasks such as writing job adverts.

“The Chamber has pledged to work with employers and the young people they hire during the placement to identify any suitable progression opportunities, while we are also able to manage and deliver the mandatory employability support programmes on their behalf with additional sector-based workshops.

“All this free support means companies can concentrate on what they do best, which is running their business, while giving opportunities for the young people that extends far beyond the initial six-month period.”

Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced yesterday (Monday 25 January) that businesses can now also apply direct to DWP for a placement.

Diane said the Chamber remained open to offering gateway services to businesses that want to create a placement as part of the £2bn scheme.

She added: “The Government’s drive to support the creation of new jobs at this challenging time for business is laudable.

“Hundreds of businesses in the East Midlands have already stepped forward to create new opportunities as part of the Kickstart scheme, and we’re proud of the role we’re playing in supporting businesses to secure approval for these placements as an official gateway provider for the scheme.

“It is essential that the Department for Work and Pensions works through current applications in order to support more coming through, and that it continues to encourage small business to work with gateways as an essential support mechanism for businesses to provide a helping hand navigating what can be complex bureaucracy.”

To find out more about how East Midlands Chamber can support businesses with the Kickstart scheme, contact education and business partnership manager Pieter Eksteen on 07468 474307 or email pieter.eksteen@emc-dnl.co.uk.

 

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Supporting Our High Streets – make the local choice

Stay at home and shop local online is the message from Chesterfield Borough Council and Destination Chesterfield during this lockdown.

Supporting Our High Streets is the theme of our new campaign this winter. The campaign aims to highlight that many local businesses have an online shop that is open during lockdown and a lot offer delivery as well as click and collect options.

To help residents find the best local buys online, local businesses with an online option have been listed on one convenient webpage at www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/shopping/shopping-during-lockdown/

The Supporting Our High Streets campaign also includes direct communication with businesses offering training on, Writing for Online and Social Media, as well as signposting training, advice and guidance from other organisations who work with and support businesses.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy at Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “It is so important, especially during this lockdown that we stay at home but that doesn’t mean we can’t shop with many of our favourite local shops. Many are open online and a lot offer delivery.

“We have some fantastic shops and businesses here in Chesterfield and now more than ever they need our support. So, when you think about your shopping don’t forget to make the local choice.

“We have throughout the pandemic provided businesses with advice and guidance; and over the next few months we will continue to signpost businesses to training, advice and guidance that could help them.”

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield said: “Now, more than ever, we must support local. Lockdown has given us a taste of a deserted high street and it is a scenario no-one likes. We can ensure the survival of all local shops, stores and market traders by continuing to buy from them in lockdown and beyond. Together we can make a real difference to Chesterfield’s high street and the many individuals and families it supports.”

You can also find a Dine at Home list on the Destination Chesterfield website at www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/eating-out/dine-at-home/

Supporting our high street

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Designer Contracts donates over £100,000 to Ashgate Hospicecare

Designer Contracts, the UK’s largest flooring contractor, has donated more than £100,000 to Chesterfield-based Ashgate Hospicecare.

The company ran an online Christmas prize draw to raise funds for the hospice which has been hit hard by the pandemic and then added a £100,000 donation to the £4,865 raised from the competition. It is the second time Designer Contracts has stepped in to help the hospice which provides care and support for families, patients and carers across North Derbyshire.

In 2019 the company gave £100,000 to help fund the hospice’s ‘Three Bedded Bay Appeal’ which was launched to raise money for renovations to its patient bays.

This year’s Christmas prize draw involved contributors making a donation of £3 to enter, with a chance of winning one of eight prizes, including a flat screen TV, Dyson hoover and iPads.

Designer Contracts md, Peter Kelsey, said: “Charities had a really rough ride in 2020 and we wanted to help in any way we could. The hospice has struggled to raise funds as many of its initiatives were cancelled due to the pandemic so our own company fundraising and donations were money well spent for us.

“Everyone over at Ashgate works tirelessly to ensure the hospice is a peaceful and comfortable place for patients and their families so we really hope that this donation will take a little bit of the worry and pressure off the team.”

Barbara-Anne Walker, Chief Executive at Ashgate Hospicecare, said: “Thank you to Designer Contracts and to everyone who took part in their Christmas prize draw. We are thrilled and astounded by their continued generosity, particularly at a time when we are losing money due to the closure of our shops and the postponement of our fundraising events.

“Every pound donated will help to make a difference to the lives of families across North Derbyshire who are living with the impacts of a life-limiting illness. Each year we must raise over £7 million to keep delivering our crucial palliative and end-of-life care services.

“That is a huge amount of money to raise and it is only possible because of the support from generous organisations like Designer Contracts.”

Designer Contracts, which was recently named as a finalist in the 2020 Lloyds Bank Business Awards, operates across 15 UK regional facilities. As well as flooring, the company provides curtains and blinds, furniture and lighting, and operates a showhome interior design services division.

Designer Contracts and Ashgate Hospicecare support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Vaccination hub at Chesterfield Royal Hospital reaches key milestone

The team running the COVID-19 vaccination hub at Chesterfield Royal Hospital has plenty to celebrate – reaching a major milestone since they opened the doors.

Matron Gemma Cort gave the first vaccination on Tuesday, December 8 2020 to colleague Ian Hazel, Director of IT and Infrastructure at DSFS. Ian has been shielding throughout the pandemic – as a failed kidney transplant and subsequent haemo-dialysis makes him extremely vulnerable to COVID-19.

Yesterday (Tuesday, 26th January) it was the turn of Matron Stacey Burton to mark the moment – when she was called upon to deliver the 10,000th ‘jab’ to Amy Chapman from the Community Nursing Team at Alfreton Primary Care.

It means the Royal – one of the first 50 hospital vaccination hubs in the country – has given the Pfizer vaccine to around 4300 of #TeamCRH (over 90%), as well as to colleagues from other local NHS organisations, care and residential homes, and some of its most vulnerable out-patients.

These were priority groups for the first phase of the national vaccination programme, which has now moved progressively out into the community, helping even more people to access the vaccine at a local centre, closer to home.

Commenting on the team’s achievement, Chief Nurse, Krishna Kallianpur said: “I am incredibly proud of them all. They came together at short notice to create a well-organised system, working outside of their ‘normal’ duties to support the vaccination programme.

“It’s been incredible to be involved right from the start. Achieving 10,000 vaccines in just seven weeks is phenomenal and we are looking forward to supporting the next stage in the country’s biggest-ever mass vaccination programme.”

The Royal is to take a step-back for the next few weeks, to enable the community vaccination programme across Derbyshire to become the main point of access. The hub will temporarily suspend its services at the end of this week; and will pick back-up in around four weeks-time, when second doses will need to be administered.

“It will allow staff working out of the vaccination hub to return to their substantive medical, nursing, pharmacy and administrative roles, supporting other areas of the hospital at this critical time.

“This short pause in vaccinating will help the rest of the hospital,” continued Krishna. “Right now we are balancing the demands of caring for over 180 patients with COVID-19, with equally high numbers of the ‘normal’ medical and surgical admissions we see at this time of year.

“Our vaccination team will return to their roles for a while to support areas of greatest need, returning in a few weeks to do it all again when we’ll start to give people the much-awaited second dose. In the meantime we’ll be linking in with our health system partners to ensure that appointments for NHS and social care staff will continue to be prioritised at other centres, including the Winding Wheel in Chesterfield town centre.”

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