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 Time to Talk Day - let’s start the conversation.Today is Time to Talk Day, the nation’s biggest mental health conve...
05/02/2026

It’s Time to Talk Day - let’s start the conversation.

Today is Time to Talk Day, the nation’s biggest mental health conversation. It’s a reminder that we all have to take care of our mental health, and that simply talking, listening and checking in with one another can make a real difference. Open and honest conversations can help reduce stigma and ensure people feel supported and understood.

Whether it’s a quick message to a friend, a conversation with a colleague or taking a moment to ask someone how they’re really doing, every conversation matters.

Find out more and get involved here:
https://www.mind.org.uk/get-involved/time-to-talk-day/



[Image description: A blue speech bubble with "TIME TO TALK" above a white clock showing 9:00 on yellow. "Time to talk day 05/02/26" and Derbyshire Family Health Service logo appear at the top.]

We’re seeing an increase in cases of norovirus, a common stomach bug that spreads very easily.Symptoms usually include:•...
04/02/2026

We’re seeing an increase in cases of norovirus, a common stomach bug that spreads very easily.

Symptoms usually include:

• Sudden vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Stomach cramps
• Sometimes a mild temperature or body aches and pains

If you or your child has norovirus, you can usually treat it at home. You'll usually start to feel better in 2 to 3 days.

The most important thing is to have lots of fluids to avoid dehydration:
• stay at home and get plenty of rest
• drink lots of fluids, such as water or squash – take small sips if you feel sick
• carry on breast or bottle feeding your baby – if they're being sick, try giving small feeds more often than usual
• give babies over 6 months old on formula or solid foods small sips of water between feeds
• eat when you feel able to – it may help to avoid foods that are fatty or spicy
• take paracetamol if you're in discomfort – check the medicine instructions before giving it to your child

Good hygiene is key to reducing the virus spreading:
• wash your hands with soap and water after going to the toilet or changing nappies (alcohol hand gels do not kill norovirus)
• wash your hands with soap and water before preparing, serving, or eating food
• wash clothes and bedding that has poo or vomit on it on a 60°C wash and separately from other laundry
• clean toilet seats, flush handles, taps and bathroom door handles
• avoid contact with others as much as possible

If your child has vomiting or diarrhoea, they should stay at home. They can return to school or childcare 48 hours after the last episode of vomiting or diarrhoea, this helps protect other children, families, and staff.

Stomach bugs are unpleasant but very common, especially at this time of year. Most children recover quickly with rest and fluids. If you’re worried or symptoms don’t improve or worsen, contact your GP or NHS 111 for advice.

Thank you for helping keep everyone well 💙

[Image description: A young person in a yellow shirt on a sofa leans over a green bucket, appearing to be feeling sick. Text reads "Norovirus". Derbyshire Family Health Service logo included.]

Our public health nurses are here to support young people and families with health and wellbeing. They offer confidentia...
03/02/2026

Our public health nurses are here to support young people and families with health and wellbeing. They offer confidential advice on emotional wellbeing, relationships and sexual health, drugs/alcohol, healthy eating, staying active and much more.

They work in schools and the community, offering support one-to-one, in small groups or through school sessions and assemblies. They also provide support for young people who are home educated.

If your young person is aged 11-19, they can find out when a public health nurse is visiting their school by speaking to a member of staff. They can also text directly with a public health nurse via the ChatHealth text service on 07507 330025 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 4.30pm, excluding bank holidays).

They’re there to listen, support and help young people make healthy choices.

[Image description: Illustration of a public health nurse with speech bubbles listing support: sleep, healthy lifestyles, puberty, mental health, sexual health, continence, relationships & friendships. Derbyshire teen health logo in the corner.]

Paced bottle feeding is all about giving your baby more control during a feed. By slowing things down and creating natur...
02/02/2026

Paced bottle feeding is all about giving your baby more control during a feed. By slowing things down and creating natural pauses, you’re helping them stay comfortable, avoid taking in too much too quickly, and tune in to their own hunger cues.

How to pace a bottle feed:
• Sit your baby upright, roughly a 45-degree angle, with their head and neck supported. This helps them manage the flow more easily.
• Invite the latch by brushing the teat against their lip and waiting for that wide, ready mouth before offering the bottle.
• Keep the bottle horizontal, so the teat is only half-filled with milk. This stops the milk from pouring in and gives your baby a chance to set the pace.
• After three to five sucks, gently lower the bottle to pause the flow. These small breaks let them breathe, swallow, and reset before carrying on.
• Keep an eye on their fullness cues. Turning away, pushing the bottle out, or drifting off are all signs they’ve had enough.

Why it matters:
Pacing helps prevent overfeeding, reduces wind and posseting (where baby overflows milk), and makes feeds feel much calmer. It’s also brilliant for babies who switch between breast and bottle, as it mirrors the natural stop-start rhythm of breastfeeding. Most importantly, it supports responsive feeding, letting your baby lead the way and learn when they’re hungry and when they’re full.

[Image description: Step-by-step infographic from Derbyshire Family Health Service on paced bottle feeding, with gentle holding tips and illustrations.]

Our podcast, Bump in the Road, aims to bring to light and normalise the struggles that many parents and carers face thro...
30/01/2026

Our podcast, Bump in the Road, aims to bring to light and normalise the struggles that many parents and carers face throughout pregnancy and during that first year of having a baby.

Our episodes cover advice from psychologists and health visitors, as well as personal stories from mums and dads.

Search 'Bump in the Road' on our website, on Spotify or YouTube.

[Image description: A person, sitting at a desk, wears headphones and speaks into a microphone]

Eating well in the colder months doesn’t have to break the bank, using seasonal winter produce can save money and keep y...
29/01/2026

Eating well in the colder months doesn’t have to break the bank, using seasonal winter produce can save money and keep your family warm and healthy.

Here are a few things you could try:

- Shop seasonal - winter veggies are often cheaper and tastier. Try carrots, parsnips, sprouts, cabbage, kale, squash and sweet potatoes. Enjoy winter fruits like apples, pears and clementines.
- Try to make meals from scratch - soups, stews, casseroles and hot pasta dishes are nutritious, filling and perfect for batch-cooking to save time and money.
- Plan ahead where you can by checking your cupboards, making a shopping list and avoiding impulse buys.

If you are pregnant or have children under 4, you may be eligible for NHS Healthy Start vouchers to help with milk, fruit, veg, pulses and vitamins. Find out more here: https://www.healthystart.nhs.uk/

[Image description: Cartoon Healthy Start card and smiling tin can hold hands on a orange background. Text: "NHS Healthy Start can help you buy fresh, dried and tinned pulses." Derbyshire Family Health Service and NHS logos are shown.]

28/01/2026

From the day your baby is born, they’re learning from everything around them - what they see, hear, experience and the interactions they have all play an important role in their development.

Every baby develops at their own pace, so try not to compare. If your baby was born early, they may take a little longer to reach some milestones, and that’s okay.

Our website includes guidance on what to expect in the first 3 and 6 months of your baby’s development:
👉 https://derbyshirefamilyhealthservice.nhs.uk/our-services/0-5-years/development-0-6-months/development-0-6-months

If you’re worried about any aspect of your baby’s development, please speak to your health visitor, they’re there to help 💙

[Video description: A baby in a navy top rolls over and grabs their feet with their hands. The Derbyshire Family Health Service logo is top right.]

Stay safe this winter ❄️ The MHRA and National Fire Chiefs Council are warning that skin emollient creams - widely used ...
27/01/2026

Stay safe this winter ❄️

The MHRA and National Fire Chiefs Council are warning that skin emollient creams - widely used for dry or itchy skin - can soak into clothing, bedding and dressings and make them ignite more easily if exposed to flames, ci******es or heat sources.

Take simple precautions:

- Keep fabrics away from open flames and heaters
- Maintain a safe distance from heat
- Wash contaminated clothing and bedding regularly.

Read more: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/keep-the-warmth-lose-the-risk-mhra-and-national-fire-chiefs-council-issue-winter-emollient-safety-warning

[Image description: A close-up of someone applying white cream to red, flaky skin on their hand. Derbyshire Family Health logo is top right.]

Expecting a baby this Spring? If you’re pregnant, or know someone who is, this is a lovely opportunity to learn more abo...
26/01/2026

Expecting a baby this Spring? If you’re pregnant, or know someone who is, this is a lovely opportunity to learn more about feeding and comforting a newborn. Our antenatal feeding sessions cover feeding methods, tips for getting off to a positive start and where to find support 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.

February sessions are:

• Long Eaton - Tuesday 3rd February 10am - 12midday
• Buxton - Tuesday 3rd February 9.30am - 11am
• Belper - Wednesday 4th February 10.30am - 12midday
• Shirebrook - Friday 6th February 12midday - 2pm
• Matlock - Monday 9th February 10am - 11.30am
• Repton - Wednesday 11th February 10am - 12.30pm
• Ilkeston - Thursday 12th February 10am - 12midday
• Alfreton - Wednesday 18th February 10.30am - 12midday
• Chesterfield - Thursday 19th February 9.15am - 10.30am
• Bakewell - Friday 20th February 10am -11.30am
• Woodville - Thursday 26th February 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 person on a sofa holds a tablet, hand on belly. Cat in background. Derbyshire Family Health Service logo top right.]

Just a little reminder that sun cream isn’t only for summer. Even in winter and during darker months, UV rays are still ...
23/01/2026

Just a little reminder that sun cream isn’t only for summer.

Even in winter and during darker months, UV rays are still very much around. Clouds don’t block them, and neither does cold weather. That means skin can still be damaged all year round for children and adults.

Why it matters:
• UV rays can pe*****te clouds and cause long-term skin damage
• Snow, water and even pavements can reflect UV rays
• Children’s skin is especially sensitive, but adults are at risk too
• Daily protection helps reduce the risk of skin cancer and premature ageing

Simple ways to stay protected:
- Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher on exposed skin
- Apply SPF to children as part of their morning routine
- Don’t forget ears, lips, neck and hands
- Reapply if you’re outdoors for long periods, even on overcast days

SPF is a year-round habit, not a seasonal one. Looking after skin now helps protect it for the future - whatever the weather.

[Image description: A blue suncream bottle with yellow cap on blue background, the words "SPF?" and "10–50" are written in suncream. Derbyshire Family Health Service logo top right.]

New year, great smile! Take time to remind your young person to:• Brush twice a day• Use fluoride toothpaste• Watch thei...
22/01/2026

New year, great smile! Take time to remind your young person to:
• Brush twice a day
• Use fluoride toothpaste
• Watch their sugar intake & save treats for mealtimes
• Attend their next dentist appointment

Small habits = big smiles!

[Image description: A smiling teenager with braces brushes their teeth in a bathroom. "Derbyshire teen health" logo sits top right with geometric border.]

Important sleep safety advice for parents and carers following a product safety alert.So-called 'baby sleep pillows' sho...
21/01/2026

Important sleep safety advice for parents and carers following a product safety alert.

So-called 'baby sleep pillows' should not be used for babies under 12 months and should never be placed in a moses basket, cot or crib.

These products are sometimes called baby pillows, comfort cushions or cuddle pillows. Despite the names, they are not safe for infant sleep.

Why are they dangerous?

Baby sleep pillows have been linked to serious harm and deaths in the UK (and overseas). They increase the risk of:

• Suffocation – soft materials can cover a baby’s mouth and nose
• Overheating – be aware of signs that could indicate overheating, including a baby feeling hot on their tummy, sweating, especially from the face and head, being irritable or breathing faster than usual. Overheating raises the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

Keep your baby safe by following NHS safe sleep guidance at all times:

• Always place your baby on their back to sleep in a 'feet to foot’ sleeping position and on a separate firm, flat mattress for every sleep.
• Keep the cot clear of pillows, cushions and soft items (such as soft toys or bumpers).

If you own a sleep pillow type product, discontinue using it and consider contacting the retailer for refund advice. You can read the product safety alert here: https://www.gov.uk/product-safety-alerts-reports-recalls/product-safety-alert-baby-sleep-pillows-psa8

Please share this message to help keep babies safe 💙

Image credits: Office of product safety

[Image description: Alert poster from Derbyshire Family Health Service with two babies on pillows, each crossed out in red, warning against baby sleep pillows.]

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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