BARNSLEYHOSPITAL
Royal visit to Community Diagnostic Centre
The Duke of Edinburgh visited Barnsley Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) this week as part of a tour of regenerated and transformed town sites. These included the Alhambra Shopping Centre where a further ‘health and wellbeing hub’ is being developed. Escorted by The LordLieutenant, Prince Edward was introduced to Dr Richard Jenkins, Chief Executive of Barnsley NHS Foundation Trust, and Bob Kirton, Managing Director of Barnsley NHS Foundation Trust.
Bob Kirton escorted His Royal Highness to the centre’s CT/ Radiographer facilities and presented the Prince to Mohammed Abdullahi, CT Radiographer, who gave an overview of facilities available. Dr Jenkins
then escorted HRH to the first floor of the CDC and introduced breast radiographers Liz Elfleet and Lisa Brammah. They provided an overview of the CDC’s breast screening services. Leader of Barnsley Council Sir Stephen Houghton CBE presented the Prince to Wendy Lowder, Executive Director Place Health and Adult Social Care, who gave an overview of a new partnership with local organisations called ‘Health on the High Street.’ Ms Lowder also described the ‘Wellbeing Hub’ that will expand services and facilities at the Alhambra Shopping Centre for residents across Barnsley. Phase one of the CDC opened in March 2022, offering services including phlebotomy, DEXA and non-obstetric ultrasound
READY TO QUIT?
Smokers across Barnsley are joining the annual ‘Stoptober’ campaign - and ditching the cigarettes.
Stoptober is the Department of Health and Social Care’s annual stop smoking campaign. It’s based on evidence that if a smoker makes it to 28 days smokefree, they are five times more likely to quit for good. Since it launched in 2012, Stoptober has helped over 2.5 million people make a quit smoking attempt. Now the campaign is rallying the re-
maining smokers in England, inviting them to give quitting a go and supporting them to quit successfully. While smoking rates have declined in recent years, over 5 million people in England still smoke and smoking remains the single biggest cause of preventable ill-health and death. Using willpower alone remains the most common approach
scanning (USS). A CT and MRI scanner were installed last year. Today, with around 60,000 visitors annually, the CDC is significantly reducing the pandemic-related backlog at the hospital and has halved waiting times for DEXA and USS from six weeks to three as well as significantly reducing no-shows. The hospital’s Dr Jenkins said the local NHS was honoured and delighted to welcome the Duke of Edinburgh: “The CDC, which received £2.8 million and £4.6 million from the national CDC programme across two phases, has improved patient experience immeasurably. Everyone knows where it is and it’s easy to navigate making attending for an appointment much simpler and less stressful than in hospital.”
GET YOUR FLU JAB!
The flu vaccine helps protect against flu, which can be a serious or lifethreatening illness. It’s offered on the NHS every year in autumn or early winter to people at higher risk of getting seriously ill from flu. You can get the free NHS flu vaccine if you: n are aged 65 or over (including those who will be 65 by 31 March 2025) n have certain
to quitting smoking, despite being proven to be the least effective.
Barnsley Hospital, which has signed the NHS Smokefree Pledge and is smokefree, offers Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) to patients who smoke to prevent withdrawal. NRT, such as nicotine patches and inhalators, is prescribed to smokers on admission to hospital.
So why not search Stoptober and find out more about the range of quitting support available?
Welcome to the autumn edition of Barnsley Hospital News.
The NHS is well versed in preparing for our busiest time of year and Barnsley Hospital is no different. The Trust is making plans to support our patients and colleagues who work across the organisation during the busy winter period. The annual roll-out of Flu, Shingles and Covid vaccinations has begun for residents most at serious risk. The programme provides vital protection to keep people from developing serious illness and ending up in hospital during busy winter months. If you are unsure you are eligible, find out more at www.nhs.uk/vaccinations Barnsley has been doing well in many areas recently. I am pleased that we have achieved the new NHS Faster Diagnosis Standard for Cancer and that we have no patients waiting over 65 weeks for planned operations of any kind. The achievement of both these national targets ultimately means our patients in Barnsley are benefitting from quicker access to the treatment they need.
long-term health conditions n are pregnant n live in a care home n are the main carer for an older or disabled person, or receive a carer’s allowance n live with someone who has a weakened immune system. Frontline health and social care workers can also get a flu vaccine through their employer.
5 times more likely to quit for good. Stop smoking for Stoptober and you’re
Search Stoptober for free support
Improving quality of life for patients is at the heart of all we do. I am delighted our hospital won Quality Improvement Initiative of the Year at this year’s Health Service Journal (HSJ) Patient Safety Awards. The winning project was a new children’s treatment programme, based around improving discharge for patients with minor head injuries. This nurseled package saved an estimated 300 hours in patient waiting time, and 82 hours of healthcare professional time. Fantastic work and well done to the team!
On Page 2, you’ll see more of our amazing colleagues in action, helping reduce ‘deconditioning’ in hospital. Deconditioning is physical, sometimes psychological decline as a result of inactivity and/or prolonged bedrest. Our ‘Eat, Drink, Dress, Move’ initiative supports hospital patients staying as active as possible – by getting dressed, eating well, staying hydrated and moving around.
Finally, turn to Page 3 to find about the fantastic work of our orthopaedic upper limb department.
Keep warm and well through winter, Dr Richard Jenkins
Barnsley Hospital CEO Dr Richard Jenkins
Pictured left: Sarah Moppett, Barnsley Hospital’s Director of Nursing, gets her jab.
Bob Kirton shows the Duke around the Community Diahnostics Centre.
From the Chair
Hello and welcome to the autumn edition of Barnsley Hospital News.
There’s been an incredible amount going on since our last edition in summer – not least the general election. As the focus turned to national events, our Trust in Barnsley forged ahead with several hugely positive local projects.
We launched a new partnership academy with Barnsley College, which will help provide NHS staff of the future, and we also partnered with Barnsley Council to understand how we can better support ‘economically inactive’ people. The latter scheme is called
‘Pathways to Work’. Among the reasons people are unable to work are ill-health and disabilities, caring responsibilities and low qualifications. So, it makes sense for the hospital to team up with
the college and promote access to the benefits that good work brings.
An event at the hospital chapel highlighted our focus on recruitment, particularly our
Eat, drink, dress, move!
Reducing what is known as ‘deconditioning’ in hospital is one of our key NHS priorities.
Prolonged bed rest can result in loss of muscle strength and decline, both physically and psychologically.
The Eat, Drink, Dress, Move initiative is a therapy-led approach to care which supports patients to actively participate in their recovery.
Many patients can do this by getting dressed, eating well, staying hydrated and moving around. The benefits have been clearly demonstrated by research and audits. These include helping patients get back to their own homes, reducing complications associated with dehydration, and maintaining physical skills for independence. Family, friends and carers can all help by bringing in suitable snacks, day clothes and supportive footwear, and encouraging loved ones in hospital to have a sip of a drink.
Please check with ward staff if you have any questions or concerns.
offer to military veterans. The ‘laying-up’ of the Royal British Legion Pogmoor Standard (see photo) was a moving experience and showed our commitment to them.
Other activities included our second Proud to Care conference, also in September, and the launch of our regular winter flu vaccination programme. Our brilliant hospital charity also held its first ever car show – great fun. Now we’re looking forward to the Proud of Barnsley Awards on November 15. It’s always a fantastic night and we can’t wait to see the finalists and winners.
Good luck!
Hear about the hospital at AGM
Barnsley Hospital’s Governors have many opportunities to meet the public and keep local people informed about what is happening at the Trust. Among them is the annual general and public members’ meeting. The last one on 29 July, 2024, was a great chance for people to hear about all the latest achievements of the hospital; a date will soon be released for the next event.
Andrea Spencer, the Trust’s
Membership & Engagement Officer, said: “We really want the public to know that this meeting is open to them and to watch out for it. At the last meeting, we had a really good Governor turn-out plus members of the public.
“Since then, we have had three new partner governors join us – so there will be plenty to report and discuss at the next AGM.”
Helping Barnsley breathe easier
For many years, Barnsley has had above average numbers of people with respiratory illness. The hospital’s Respiratory Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNSs) – now in the Trust for over a year – are making a fantastic difference. Previously, there were no respiratory nurses as such in the Trust other than asthma nurses and those working in lung cancer. There was an urgent need for respiratory nurse specialists in Barnsley. Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) needed reviews, and hospital wards were busily referring them to the BREATHE community respiratory
team at Kendray. Jessica Quarmby, Respiratory CNS Lead, said: “In fact, we were getting patients from everywhere; the Acute Medical Unit (AMU), Respiratory Care Unit (RCU), and the Short Stay Unit (SSU).
“The chest clinic was previously in outpatients and we shared an office with the lung cancer and asthma nurses.”
Now, the respiratory nurses see 70-80 patients a month. They provide the home oxygen service and run an oxygen assessment clinic. They also provide an Interstitial lung disease (ILD) clinic for patients and a COPD nurse-led clinic. Jessica added: “The
services are more accessible. We used to think COPD was just in the winter but we are still busy through summer. The good news is that stop smoking campaigns are having an impact.
“We can refer patients on to be shown how to use inhalers properly, and we use ‘virtual wards’. They have had good feedback because patients can be monitored remotely for oxygen, heart and blood pressure while staying in the comfort of their own homes. Patients take their own readings and we call them daily.”
The team’s next project is getting involved in a research project about respiratory patients and their use of reserve packs of antibiotics.
BARNSLEYHOSPITAL
Hospital Chair Sheena McDonnell
Shoulder and elbow surgery transforms lives in Barnsley
Barnsley Hospital’s orthopaedic upper limb department now has lots of new, innovative techniques.
Waiting time as a new patient in Barnsley for a shoulder or elbow problem is also the shortest in the region. We spoke to Consultant Shoulder and Elbow Surgeon Margo Dirckx, who told us about local patients whose lives were transformed by surgery:
Keith’s ‘a new man’
Keith Wroe from Stairfoot was one of the first patients Miss Dirckx treated when she came to Barnsley. He had been suffering with severe shoulder pain for many years, and had several operations. He was on the waiting list to go to another hospital for a special type of shoulder replacement meant for young patients, and was quoted a two-year waiting time. Instead, he was able to see Miss Dirckx much sooner and able to have the operation he needed here in Barnsley.
Miss Dirckx said: “He’s been doing fantastically well since his shoulder replacement. I actually replaced his
other shoulder as well. He says he feels like a new man.”
Janet gets back to gardening
Janet Briggs from Wombwell had been struggling for years with severe shoulder pain, and was initially told nothing could be done for her. She was worried about a shoulder replacement because she didn’t know anyone in Barnsley who had one. She had many talks in clinic with Miss Dirckx, and in the end opted to go ahead. She had a new, modern type implant that wasn’t used in Barnsley before, using special 3D planning, and she’s done incredibly well.
Miss Dirckx said: “She was allowed to use her shoulder straight after surgery.
“She’s pruning her hedges and even climbing trees!”
Independence for Barbara
Barbara Prigmore shattered her elbow back in 2022 after an unfortunate fall.
Normally these breaks would have to
Football
radio broadcast hits 70-year milestone
Barnsley Hospital’s football radio broadcast has hit a jaw-dropping 70 years of thrilling patients with every goal and nail-biting match moment on display from Oakwell.
Launched in 1954 by die-hard volunteers, this beloved broadcast has become a lifeline, connecting hospital patients to the heart-pounding coverage at Barnsley
FC. With a combined 120 years of service, these dedicated commentators keep the spirit alive, proving that even after seven decades, Barnsley FC’s magic still roars through the wires (via internet radio…) into the ears of our patients. Patients can access the free commentary on: https://www.oakwellhospitalcommentaries. com/
be treated at Sheffield.
However, she was able to have a special type of elbow replacement –the first one ever done in Barnsley!
Miss Dirckx said: “As I am one of the few surgeons in the region who performs this technique, allowing Barbara to move her elbow straight after surgery.
“This has given her the function of her arm back – and her independence.”
Dad can now join son’s play-time
Christian Badara from Cudworth dislocated his elbow back in 2016. He had been having issues since, and was struggling the find a diagnosis.
He’s a dad and couldn’t even pick up his young son. He had been waiting for years being told nothing could be done.
He was treated with the first ever arthroscopic assisted elbow stabilisation in Barnsley!
He’s delighted he is now pain free, and able to play and join in with his son without pain or limitations.
‘REHABILITATION IS NOW QUICKER’
SHOULDER and elbow surgery has come a long way since patients had to be strapped up and out of action for six weeks. Consultant Surgeon Margo Dirckx said: “Rehabilitation is quicker and people feel more confident about coming to see us.
“Then after their surgery, they go back into the community and spread the word that they have had a good outcome.
“Plus, our waiting list performance is a real positive. We can see people pretty much straightaway for their shoulder or elbow. This is so important, as these problems can impact massively on a person’s life, whatever their age or situation. They often cannot work, which affects their family dynamics and relationships.”
Miss Dirckx said Barnsley Hospital management had been ‘fantastic’ in supporting all the service improvements and equipment. She now also operates at the new Mexborough Elective Orthopaedic Centre of Excellence (MEOC).
“It’s brand new, state-of-the-art hospital and contributes to shorter waiting times. The feedback from patients we treat at MEOC has been incredible.”
With MEOC and the improvements at Barnsley, we are making a real difference to the population. All these changes are all thanks to teamwork, including our brilliant anaesthetic team who’ve accommodated early discharge, the physio department who have jumped on the opportunity to help patients mobilise early, and the ward/ theatre/clinic staff who again provide excellent care to all our patients.”
Vibrant hospital events
Barnsley Hospital holds regular events for colleagues –with recent ones including our Pride celebration, and a new event for the NHS Retirement Fellowship.
Head of Inclusion & Wellbeing
Pauline Garnett said: “The growth of our staff networks and events is thanks to colleagues’ feedback in staff surveys, meaning our networks are growing stronger than ever.
“These events add colour and vibrancy to the hospital.”
The Pride celebration was attended by senior leaders who showed strong support.
Pauline said: “Together with our LGBTQ+ staff network and community partners, they are driving efforts to promote Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) and build a workplace where everyone can thrive.”
Twenty-three people also attended the NHS Retirement Fellowship with some great interest, setting the wheels in
for a Barnsley GroupThe fellowship is a national charity which supports NHS staff into, and through retirement. Our Barnsley group will help people come together for social, educational and welfare activities, and offer information on a range of benefits including discounts on shopping and insurance. Any ex-NHS staff out there who want to join? Email comms@nhsrf.org.uk
BARNSLEYHOSPITAL
motion
Janet Briggs
Christian Badara
Consultant Surgeon Margo Dirckx
Meet the team: Audiology
Barnsley Hospital’s Audiology Team runs drop-in clinics, fits Bluetooth hearing aids and runs a tinnitus management service. And that’s just the start…
How many people are in the team?
We have 11 staff. We are registered as Health Care Scientists – the course to do this is a four-year degree. We also have a separate team of four ‘new-born hearing screeners’ who provide a 365-day a year service. This involves testing all babies born in Barnsley – providing follow-up care. That can include Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) testing on outpatients and sedated children in theatre, under the care of Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT).
What kind of patients do you see – and how you help them?
We see patients aged over 50. This is a diagnostic service run and managed by audiologists. The patient’s hearing is assessed and a treatment plan is completed, which may include hearing aid fitting or referral to other specialist areas. We fit Bluetooth hearing aids on adults and provide a lifetime follow-up service. Also, we do four-yearly assessments - where we upgrade hearing aids. Daily hearing aid repairs and fine-tuning them is all part of our work, as is
doing hearing tests and treatment plans for the ENT clinic. We complete all balance tests for ENT and run direct referral balance clinics for GPs to book. We believe we are the only department in the region to provide this direct service. We also have a tinnitus management service – with counselling and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) management.
What about your community clinics?
We run three drop-in clinics. The Lightbox in Barnsley on the first
Wednesday of the month, Cherrytree Court in Goldthorpe on the second Wednesday, and Penistone Health Centre on the third Wednesday. We provide hearing aid repairs, issue batteries, and sort out general problems with hearing aids. Are there any achievements/awards you’d like to tell us about?
We are UKAS/IQIP (Improving Quality in Physiological Services) accredited – and have been for six years. We have
comparatively short waiting times, excellent patient feedback and compliments. I’m really proud of the team I manage, we always work well and pull together to support each other. We call ourselves the A-Team!
SHINE BRIGHT FOR BARNSLEY
In the 76th year of our wonderful NHS we are delighted to announce the return of our festive campaign. Barnsley Hospital will be adorned with star lights sponsored by individuals in appreciation of care, or in memory of a loved one, local businesses and schools. Your support will make a meaningful difference for young and old this festive season and w ill brighten up their time in hospital. Telephone us on 01226 431650 or email barnsleyhospitalcharity@ nhs.net to sponsor a star.
If your bike needs a spot of ‘surgery’ there’s no-one better than ‘Dr Bike’. Cycle mechanics from Barnsley Bike Works popped in to the hospital recently to offer our colleagues bike health and safety checks and minor repairs. Don’t know how to fix an inner tube? Dr Bike’s your man. A spokesman said:
Thank you to our Barnsley Hospital Charity supporters who have helped us make a difference. Here are a few highlights and photos from this quarter’s amazing fundraisers.
Dragon boat fun Supporters, staff and volunteers filled five boats for the charity at the event at Manvers Lake. A thrilling day was had by all, it was fantastic to see the camaraderie, fun and enjoyment. Thank you to everyone who took part, please
save the date September 14 2025 for our next Dragon Boat Race!
Wates Golf Day
September saw Wates hold their Annual Golf Day supporting the Mayor of Barnsley’s Charities. The Well which supports patients living with cancer in Barnsley and is one of our charitable funds is benefiting from this support.
Kay Parker-Oakley and the team at Wates organised an incredible event at Sandhill Golf Club with 21 teams taking part and raised a brilliant £3,183.65 for The Well from the golfing, auction and a raffle.
Three
Peaks with Yorkshire Rose Holidays
Dave Mills from Yorkshire Rose Holidays generously supported the charity with a free bus for supporters taking on the Yorkshire
Three Peaks on 29 September. Supporters raised funds for all parts of the hospital including children’s ward and ward 30 to support the improvement of the environment for patients on the ward. A fantastic day was had by all. Thank you Dave and all who took part!
Car show with
Platinum Travel
Platinum Travel, local taxi and airport runs sponsored the charity’s first ever car show at Barnsley Hospital.
Over 60 cars attended the family friendly event with stalls and food on offer.
Platinum Travel said: “We are very proud to have been involved in the event and happy to support such a great charity.
“As a family run, local business we are honoured to support local charities, we appreciate all the hard work Barnsley Hospital do and the care they provide.”
One of the vehicles at the show was brought along by 74-year-old Alan Dunderdale from Royston, a unique ambulance which is the only one of its’ kind in the world.
Alan, a former Ambulance Worker at Barnsley Hospital retired in the 1980s. The 1970s’ ambulance has a wooden body and it weighs two tonnes.
“Don’t get stressed trying to park your car in the busy hospital car park. If you can, ride your bike in, even if it’s one day a week or one day a fortnight.
“The hospital has secure bike storage and a Bike to Work scheme.”
“Cycling is not just for commuting, you can cycle on a weekend too. It’s not all about function – it’s the fun as well!”
BARNSLEYHOSPITAL