The NHS has faced and continues to manage its biggest ever challenge. A global pandemic has resulted in major system and ward-level changes for all doctors, nurses and supporting colleagues. The carers have continued to deliver throughout it all.

The reputation of the NHS as a result has increased exponentially the rainbow often used alongside a very clear thank you message symbolising hope and appreciation.

At a local level, Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust through the Chesterfield Royal Hospital Charity, want to give something back to care for the carers and is proposing to build a £2m Health and Wellbeing Hub for its people.

The brand-new, purpose-built Hub, which would be based on the hospital site, would be the first of its kind. Offering all working at the hospital from porters to radiologists, physiotherapists to cooks, financial accountants to receptionists, a real haven to actively look after their health and wellbeing - supporting them care for the people of Chesterfield. A combination of corporate, lottery (and related), Trust and HNW individuals and community fundraising will be needed for the appeal.

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 to keep healthy 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.