The Chesterfield Royal Hospital Charity has launched a £2m fundraising campaign for the proposed ‘Health and Wellbeing Hub’ at the Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Hospital.

The first-of-its kind proposed ‘Health and Wellbeing Hub’ will be a purpose-built facility, which will be financed by the charity through fundraising. The Hub is designed to ‘care for carers’ – those people working around the clock at the Trust, to provide care to our communities and families.

Ken Godber, Director of the Chesterfield Royal Hospital Charity, said: “We are appealing for local people, communities and businesses to help raise the required funds to create this fantastic new facility which would offer counselling, breakout areas, gym and outdoor teams and games areas for everybody who works at the Trust.”

The facility is hoping to open its doors in Spring 2023 and is one of the corner stone campaigns for 2022/23 for the Chesterfield Royal Hospital Charity. The appeal is for all local people, groups, teams and businesses to think how they are able to contribute, fundraise and support this ambitious and exciting project.

Atul Patel, Chair of the Charity, said: “By doing this we would be making the hospital more attractive to new recruits, supporting colleagues after tough experiences and protecting their health and wellbeing. I’m particularly proud of this campaign as it means we’ll be able to support people which is so important especially after the last two years when they have truly gone above and beyond to ensure we have had the care we needed during the pandemic.”

Donations can be made through the Trust website or Chesterfield Royal Hospital Charity – JustGiving.

Local businesses can support the appeal by becoming members of the Corporate Champions Club – where tailor-made packages of support can offer businesses and large organisations a direct link to the Charity and ensure they are recognised for their ongoing commitment.

Set to open seven days a week, the fully accessible Hub will offer those working at the Trust a variety of modern health and wellbeing facilities and services around the clock. Once established, the Hub may be developed further to include a special Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) pitch, which will be booked in advance and allow for team games and bonding such football, hockey etc. There will also be counselling rooms and complimentary therapies as well as talking therapies and areas for group and individual reflections after traumatic incidents, like those seen during the pandemic.

A state-of-the-art gym will give staff the opportunity keep health and strong, preventing illness and injury, as well as reducing stress levels. There will potentially be pop-up facilities too – cookery demonstrations, dancing, specialist training and holistic therapies to ensure a full package is offered and our colleagues have access to the very best facilities.

Chesterfield Royal Hospital supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.