Derbyshire Family Health Service

Derbyshire Family Health Service Supporting Derbyshire children, young people and families with health, wellbeing and NHS advice. To speak to our team tel. Closed bank holidays. Thank you

no. 01246 515100 (Mon-Fri, 9am - 4.30pm). If you need urgent medical advice please contact your own GP, out of hours service - NHS 111, or in an emergency, call an ambulance or attend your local Emergency Department. House rules:

We ask everyone to remember this is a family page and to abide by social media rules. We welcome all comments and opinions, but ask everyone to be polite and respectful to one another. Comments that include content deemed to be abusive, offensive, sexist, racist, trolling or contain bad language will be removed. Anyone who persistently posts such content will be blocked from the page. We sincerely hope this will never happen so we can be an open, honest and respectful online community.

It’s that time of year again when small chocolate eggs are lining the supermarket shelves. Did you know that they are th...
30/03/2026

It’s that time of year again when small chocolate eggs are lining the supermarket shelves. Did you know that they are the perfect size to block a small child’s airway and choke them? And, their hard shell can make it difficult to dislodge with standard first aid techniques.

That’s why they aren’t recommended for children under 4 years of age, but even older children could choke due to their shape.

So, when you’re stocking up for the Easter Bunny please stay safe and choose another treat for your little one, or if they do receive some, crushing them up with a rolling pin so they are no longer whole can reduce the risk.

For a guide on how to reduce choking risks and what to do if your child is choking you can read this guide from the Child Accident Prevention Trust:
https://capt.org.uk/choking-prevention/

[Image description: Two clear bowls—one with whole pastel-coloured chocolate eggs, the other with them crushed. Turquoise border; Derbyshire Family Health Service logo top right.]

If you are planning a farm visit to see all the new spring arrivals in the Easter holidays following the simple rules li...
27/03/2026

If you are planning a farm visit to see all the new spring arrivals in the Easter holidays following the simple rules listed below will help to keep you and your children safe from infections that may be found on open farms. Pregnant women need to take particular care as infections acquired from animals can be harmful to them and their unborn baby.🐑🐣

Things you should do when visiting a farm:
• wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after you have touched animals, fences or other surfaces in animal areas
• wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before eating or drinking
• supervise children closely to ensure that they wash their hands thoroughly
• only eat and drink in picnic areas or cafes
• remove and clean your boots or shoes if they have become dirty or muddy and clean pushchair wheels. Make sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water afterwards
• follow instructions and signage provided on farm sites

Things you should not do when visiting a farm:
• do not touch your face or put your fingers in your mouth while petting animals or walking around the farm
• do not allow children to put their faces close to animals
• do not pick up lambs - avoid holding, cuddling, or kissing them.
• do not eat or drink while touching animals or walking round the farm. This includes not eating sweets, crisps or chewing gum
• do not eat anything that has fallen on the floor
• do not use gels or wipes instead of washing hands with soap and water. Gels and wipes do not remove all germs you could catch from animals

Read more here: https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2024/05/02/how-to-stay-safe-from-infections-carried-by-animals-when-visiting-a-farm/

[Image description: A family with two children pet goats in a barn. Text: "Farms are great for a family day out. Animals can spread infections, so always follow the guidance at the farm." UK Health Security Agency logo in corner.].

Expecting more than just chocolate eggs this Easter? If you’re pregnant, or know someone who is, here is an opportunity ...
26/03/2026

Expecting more than just chocolate eggs this Easter? If you’re pregnant, or know someone who is, here is an opportunity to learn more about feeding and comforting a newborn.

Whether this is a first baby or you are having a second, third or beyond and want to know more about infant feeding, our antenatal feeding sessions cover feeding methods, tips for getting off to a positive start and the support available once your baby arrives.

Sessions take place across the county, and you’re free to join whichever date and location works best for you - it doesn’t have to be the closest one. You’re more than welcome to bring along a partner, family member or friend for a bit of extra support.

April sessions are:
• Buxton - Tuesday 7th April 9.45am - 11.15am
• Long Eaton - Tuesday 7th April 10am - 12midday
• Repton - Wednesday 8th April 10am - 12.30pm
• Ilkeston - Thursday 9th April 10am - 12midday
• Matlock - Monday 13th April 10am - 11.30am
• Chesterfield - Thursday 16th April 9.15am - 10.45am
• Dronfield - Friday 17th April 9.30am - 11am
• Bakewell - Friday 17th April 10am -11.30am
• Shirebrook - Friday 17th April 12midday - 2.00pm
• New Mills - Wednesday 22nd April 10am - 12midday
• Woodville - Thursday 23rd April 10am - 12midday

To find full details, including venues, for these free sessions, head to the ‘What’s on’ section of our website and use the drop-down category filter to select Antenatal Feeding sessions:

https://derbyshirefamilyhealthservice.nhs.uk/about-us/news-and-events/whats-on

[Image description: A pregnant woman and a young child in bunny ears sit on a bed, playing with colourful Easter eggs. The child watches as the woman holds up a blue egg. Derbyshire Family Health Service logo appears in the top right corner.]

Did you know that most primary school-aged children should still be in a car seat or high back booster? Sadly, children ...
25/03/2026

Did you know that most primary school-aged children should still be in a car seat or high back booster? Sadly, children aged 4 to 10 (primary school age) are among the most vulnerable to injury in road traffic collisions, often due to improper or lack of car seat use. Data shows 39% of children killed or seriously injured fall into this age group, as they are often moved too soon to adult seatbelts, which do not fit properly.

It is strongly recommended to keep your child rear-facing for as long as possible - ideally up to 125cm (within child car seat limits). For many children, this can be up to around age 7 or school Year 2-3, depending on their growth centile.

Once your child has outgrown their rear-facing seat, the next step is a high back booster. This is essential, as car safety systems (e.g. seatbelts and airbags) are designed for adults. A high back booster is safer for a child, offering vital head and side protection and positioning their body to benefit from the car safety features.

The legal minimum to move out of a child car seat is 12 years old or 135cm tall, whichever comes first, however safety advice shows using an appropriate booster seat until they pass the 5 step test, offers much greater protection.

Only once your child passes the 5-step test (in each car they might travel in) is it safe for them to travel without a booster seat:

- The child's back is against the vehicle seat back?
- Do their knees bend comfortably at the edge of the seat and their feet resting on the floor?
- Does the lap belt sit across their thighs/hips not on their stomach?
- Does the shoulder belt sit between their neck and shoulder, not touching their neck or face?
- Do they sit sensibly with no leaning or slouching, even if they fall asleep?

If the answer to any of these questions is "no," the child still requires a booster seat to ensure the seatbelt is positioned correctly for maximum safety.

You can read more about the 5 step test here: https://bit.ly/4sEvbl1

[Image description: Infographic with 5 illustrated steps on checking safe seatbelt fit for a child, using text and diagrams for back, lap belt, and shoulder belt positioning.]

You don't have to struggle through another night feed alone...Whether you want someone to talk you through a feed, give ...
24/03/2026

You don't have to struggle through another night feed alone...

Whether you want someone to talk you through a feed, give you information, or just listen National Breastfeeding Helpline UK are there for you 💜

Call 0300 100 0212 to speak to one of their peer supporters - 24/7.

If you prefer to message, you can DM them on their socials and they'll get back to you as soon as possible - day or night!

The service is provided by The Breastfeeding Network (UK), with Association of Breastfeeding Mothers



[Image description: Struggling with another night feed? Call or message on social media - 24/7. 0300 100 0212. National Breastfeeding Helpline.]

Community adolescent immunisation clinics for young people attending secondary school, special educational needs (SEN) s...
23/03/2026

Community adolescent immunisation clinics for young people attending secondary school, special educational needs (SEN) settings, pupil referral units (PRU) and home educated in the Derbyshire area.

If you are a parent/carer of a young person aged 12-17 (year 8 - year 11) and they have missed any of the following vaccinations:
• Human papilloma virus (HPV)
• Diptheria, tetanus & polio (DTP)
• Meningitis A,C,W &Y (MEN ACWY)
• Measles, Mumps & rubella (MMR)

Then Intrahealth can offer appointments for these at the following clinics. Call Intrahealth on 0333 3583 397, option 5 for more information and to book an appointment:
- Chaddesden fire station, Wednesday 01 April, 10am - 2.30pm
- Genisis building Alfreton, Thursday 02 April, 10am - 3.30pm
- Genisis building Alfreton, Monday 06 April, 9.30am - 3.45pm
- Loundsley Green Chesterfield, Wednesday 08 April, 10am - 2.45pm
- Buxton fire station, Thursday 09 April, 10am - 2.45pm
- Ilkeston fire station, Friday 10 April, 9.30am - 12.45pm.

[Image description: A healthcare worker in gloves gives a vaccine to an upper arm. Green border; text says, "IntraHealth community immunisation clinics."]

World Oral Health Day is a good reminder that looking after our mouths matters at every stage of life, from baby teeth a...
20/03/2026

World Oral Health Day is a good reminder that looking after our mouths matters at every stage of life, from baby teeth and childhood through to adulthood.

A healthy mouth plays an important role in overall health and in everyday things like eating, speaking and smiling with confidence. Supporting your child to develop good oral health habits early can help set them up for the future.

Simple daily habits make a real difference:
• Brush twice a day
• Use a fluoride toothpaste
• Brush for two minutes
• Visit the dentist

[Image description: A young child helps an adult brush their teeth in a bathroom. The smiling adult has a toothbrush in their mouth. The Derbyshire Family Health Service logo is in the top right corner.]

It’s never too early to start teaching children the Green Cross Code. On the school run or a walk to the park, encourage...
19/03/2026

It’s never too early to start teaching children the Green Cross Code. On the school run or a walk to the park, encourage them to stop, look, listen and think with you before crossing. Your safe habits will soon become theirs.

Remember, young children can’t accurately judge speed or distance and are easily distracted, so they still need your close support every time.

Keep it simple:

Think – choose the safest place to cross, ideally a pedestrian crossing. Avoid parked cars, bends and hilltops.
Stop – stand on the pavement near the kerb, not too close to traffic.
Look and listen – check in every direction and listen carefully.
Wait – only cross when there’s a safe gap. If you’re unsure, don’t cross.
Look and listen again – walk straight across, keep checking, and watch for bikes and scooters.

Practise little and often. Road safety is a skill that grows with them.

[Image description: A crossing patrol officer in a yellow vest helps a schoolgirl cross a zebra crossing as cars pass. Derbyshire Family Health Service logo is top right.]

Accidents can happen, especially when you have young children, but being prepared can stop the most serious accidents fr...
18/03/2026

Accidents can happen, especially when you have young children, but being prepared can stop the most serious accidents from happening. When you think about risks around your home, often one of the common things forgotten is the danger posed by large freestanding items of furniture.

There have been a number of tragic cases where mobile toddlers or adventurous pre-schoolers have managed to tip or pull furniture, such as sets of drawers, large televisions and shelving units down on top of themselves.

Thankfully, more and more manufacturers are providing anchoring devices and safety advice with large furniture, but if they are not included, tethers, straps and wall mountings can be purchased fairly cheaply and easily from DIY retailers.

While we all think it couldn't happen to us, why not take this as a prompt to go around and check the furniture in your home and that of any care giver your little one spends time with.

Here are some tips to prevent furniture tip-over accidents:

- Secure it, furniture must be securely attached to the wall. Use the tip-over restraints provided with products and the right hardware for your wall type.

- Never put a TV or other heavy objects on top of a chest of drawers or any furniture not intended for use with a TV.

- Place heavy objects in the lowest drawers.

- Never let children climb or hang on drawers, doors or shelves.

Taking just half an hour to ensure furniture is secure can save an avoidable accident.

[Image description: A baby in a striped babygrow stands holding a TV stand in a living room. Derbyshire Family Health Service logo top right.]

This Neurodiversity Celebration Week, we are looking at oral health and looking after your child's teeth if they struggl...
17/03/2026

This Neurodiversity Celebration Week, we are looking at oral health and looking after your child's teeth if they struggle with sensory challenges.

Some children don’t like the taste and texture of toothpaste, they may say that a minty toothpaste is 'spicy' or feels like it is burning. They might also struggle with the texture of the foam when brushing, thankfully there are toothpaste brands which are flavourless or low foaming and may not overload your child’s senses.

Do check that any toothpaste you use contains the right amount of fluoride - a minimum of 1000ppm for 0-3 years and for age 3 and above 1350-1500ppm (you will find this on the tube and/or box). You can ask your dentist about the different types of toothpaste available.

For more advice on dental health and children with autism and other neurodiverse conditions: https://www.autismtoothcare.com/

[Image description: A young child in a pink top looks uneasy as an adult brushes her teeth. Yellow towels are behind. Green border, Derbyshire Family Health Service logo top right.]

Illnesses such as measles and whooping cough can be serious. Vaccinating your child can help protect them and others. To...
16/03/2026

Illnesses such as measles and whooping cough can be serious. Vaccinating your child can help protect them and others. To check if they are missing any vaccines, look in their red book or speak to your GP practice www.nhs.uk/childhoodvaccinations



[Image description: Two children wearing fluffy white cottonwool outfits sit in a colourful ball pit. Bold yellow text reads: “Wrap your children up with the best protection – vaccinations.” Below, a yellow box with black text says: “Stay strong. Get vaccinated.” Logos for the UK Government and NHS appear at the top.]

Let's celebrate all the brilliant mums and mother figures.Mothering Sunday is a chance to say thank you to those who off...
15/03/2026

Let's celebrate all the brilliant mums and mother figures.

Mothering Sunday is a chance to say thank you to those who offer comfort after a tough day, cheer from the sidelines, remember the packed lunches, juggle a hundred things at once, and somehow still find time for a cuddle.

Whether you’re raising a baby, guiding a teenager, supporting a child with additional needs, co-parenting, fostering, adopting, or playing a special role as a grandparent, auntie, guardian or family friend your care and commitment matter more than you know.

We wish you a Happy Mothering Sunday 💐

[Image description: A hand holds a large pink heart with "Happy Mother’s Day" in white. Derbyshire Family Health Service logo top right. Light blue wooden background.]

Address

Headquarters, Newholme Hospital, Baslow Road
Bakewell
DE451AD

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 9am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 9am - 4:30pm
Thursday 9am - 4:30pm
Friday 9am - 4:30pm

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