The construction of the Derwent Unit is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to invest in our acute inpatient facilities and is hugely beneficial to the people of Northern Derbyshire. There will be no reduction in the number of beds available; in fact there will be an increase of two beds which will enable more local residents of Northern Derbyshire access to inpatient services, closer to home and provides equity across the county.
The new Derwent Unit is located on the Chesterfield Royal Hospital site, meaning there is little change in travel for service users and carers. The development will enhance services currently available at the Hartington Unit and will provide a better quality patient experience. It will serve adults of working age, allowing older adults to be cared for in a specialist unit at Walton Hospital.
All rooms with be single and en suite, improving privacy and dignity and bringing our inpatient provision in line with national requirements.
The new Derwent Unit will be purpose built and equipped with modern facilities and additional resources (for example a shared therapy suite incorporating ADL kitchen, indoor fitness room, online library resource room, arts room and access to a secured roof terrace/garden for wards on the first floor).
Single room settings will allow for an improvement to individual patient care. Patient preferences can be considered to a greater degree, for example they will have the ability to adjust room temperature and lighting to suit their own needs. They will also have a television which can be used to play their own music via Bluetooth from their mobile phones.
