Latest news

The Nightingale Macmillan Unit (NMU) at Royal Derby Hospital is seeking dedicated volunteers to support their impactful, compassionate care of patients.

The NMU provides specialist, compassionate care for people approaching the end of their lives, most often as a result of cancer. The team’s focus is on dignity, comfort and quality of life — supporting patients and their loved ones through one of the most important times in their lives.

A UHDB physiotherapist whose research study has positively impacted patients and empowered fellow hand therapists across the country to get involved in ground-breaking trials says she is "overwhelmed and stunned" to have won a national award - and explained how it really has been the ultimate team effort. 

Two colleagues who worked collaboratively to support a patient to receive flexible care, so she could also spend quality time with her family, have been hailed Patient Heroes. 

 A colorectal cancer nurse at UHDB who makes "a tangible difference" in the care of her patients has received national recognition for the impact that her "clinical professionalism, coordination and compassion" makes for those she cares for.

A husband whose wife benefited from an innovative new Open Gym initiative, designed to improve people's rehabilitation, confidence and health outcomes after a stroke, says the facility helped show them "there really is light at the end of the tunnel". 

The Open Gym, which runs every weekday on the Stroke Rehabilitation Unit (SRU) at Florence Nightingale Community Hospital, gives patients the opportunity to access therapy equipment in a more flexible and independent way, supported by therapists and family members where needed. 

We are pleased to share that Andy Carruthers will continue to lead UHDB's digital transformation after being substantively appointed as Executive Chief Digital Information Officer, following a competitive recruitment process. 

A Derby mum has praised the "life-changing impact" of being involved in a national newborn screening study at University Hospitals of Derby and Burton after it detected a rare genetic condition in her son, meaning he was able to access specialist care sooner.

People living with dementia, their families, carers, staff and members of the public are invited to find out more about the support and services available to them - at this year’s instalment of the annual information and support event hosted by colleagues in our UHDB Dementia team.

This free event will take place on Friday 23 October 2026, from 10am to 3pm, in the Education Centre Lecture Theatre, Level 2, at Royal Derby Hospital.

University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust's Chair, Prem Singh, has announced his intention to retire from his role, with his departure expected towards the end of the calendar year.

University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust (UHDB) is pleased to mark national Organ Donation Week 2026, running from Monday 21 to Sunday 27 September - and to take this opportunity to encourage our communities across Derbyshire and Staffordshire, to take just two minutes to confirm your organ donation decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register and save up to nine lives.

More than 8,600 people across the UK are currently waiting for a transplant - with many waiting for an organ that could save, or transform their life.

UHDB's Skin Cancer multi-disciplinary team (MDT) have developed a new patient tracker tool to improve the surveillance and treatment of melanoma and high-risk squamous cell carcinoma - two common types of skin cancer.

We are pleased to share that University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust (UHDB) has become an official Advocate organisation for World Childless Week, strengthening our commitment to creating an inclusive workplace where all of our colleagues feel seen, supported, and valued.

World Childless Week takes place from 14 to 20 September 2026  and raises awareness of the experiences of people who are childless not by choice. This refers to people who want to become parents but, for a range of reasons and circumstances, have not been able to. This important awareness week provides an opportunity to recognise people and their experience who can often go unseen, and to help people share their stories with confidence.

You are invited to attend our next public Trust Board meeting taking place on Tuesday 8 September at Royal Derby Hospital, from 10am until 12.30pm.  

This will be held in the Trust HQ, on Level 5, in Boardrooms A and B.

A nurse who "makes a difference every day" for children and their families at Royal Derby Hospital (RDH) - and is supporting colleagues around her to provide the best experience for every patient - has been recognised with a prestigious national nursing award.

Rebecca Woodcock, Sister on the Sunflower Ward in the Children's Hospital at RDH, was nominated by her colleagues for a Cavell Star Award in light of her dedication and commitment to making sure every child feels supported, listened to and valued at what can be a really challenging time for the children and their loved ones.

Two teams at University Hospitals of Derby and Burton (UHDB) are shortlisted for the prestigious national HSJ Awards for creating a safer workplace for colleagues and supporting children to access faster, safer and appropriate care - improving their experience and health outcomes.

A UHDB clinician has been recognised with a Patient Hero Award after her quick thinking helped an injured motorcyclist receive urgent care following a serious collision. 

A UHDB dietitian who has supported toddlers and children following a life-changing diabetes diagnosis has reflected on how every patient she has worked with "has inspired me to be a better dietitian" after she received a national honour, recognising her significant impact on care for children with diabetes across our communities. 

A talented Year 4 pupil from Burton-on-Trent has been named as the national winner of the Step into the NHS careers competition in primary schools - celebrating the variety and diversity of roles across our hospitals and healthcare in the UK. 

A Staffordshire hairdresser who feared she may have to hang up her scissors within six months is now looking forward to another decade in the salon - thanks to an innovative new surgery, part of a pioneering national study being led by researchers at University Hospitals of Derby and Burton (UHDB). 

You are invited to attend our next public Trust Board meeting taking place on Tuesday 14 July at Royal Derby Hospital, from 10am until 12.30pm.

This will be held in the Trust HQ, on Level 5, in Boardrooms A and B.

Babies with jaundice can now be treated at home using a special light up sleeping bag and expert support from neonatal teams at Royal Derby Hospital.

The nominations for UHDB's annual Making a Difference Awards 2026 - funded by the Derby & Burton Hospitals Charity - are closing soon and we want you to share your Patient Hero so they can be recognised. 

Three teams at University Hospitals of Derby and Burton (UHDB) have made the shortlist for the 2026 HSJ Patient Safety Awards - recognising people, teams and organisations who are going above and beyond to make care safer for patients.

A man who needed a total hip replacement after falling off his bike has praised a UHDB colleague who supported him "during the low points" and helped him get back to his passion for outdoor activities - including cycling more than 800 miles in the year since.

Volunteers from across our hospital sites, who have chalked up a combined total of 530 years of service, have been celebrated and recognised at an awards ceremony at Royal Derby Hospital.

Volunteers from the Trust, League of Friends and Friends of the Baby Unit were among guests at the event.

Colleagues at UHDB and neighbouring Trust, Chesterfield Royal Hospital, have won a prestigious national award for jointly implementing the first phase of a new electronic patient record (EPR) system, which 12 months on, is bringing about real benefits for patients and clinical staff - supporting earlier diagnosis and treatment by helping teams quickly identify when patients are becoming unwell.

If you're waiting for an outpatient appointment with us, we will use text messages, phone calls and letters to contact you.