BlackHistoryMonthTaiye’sstory
Equality in the system may be promised, but for many of us, it hasn't always been the reality.
Black nurses, for years, have been under represented in leadership and advanced practice roles, and even now, finding leaders who share our background remains a challenge in the NHS.
I often felt the pressure of needing to defy stereotypes, with the unspoken expectation that I couldn’t afford to make mistakes.
ough my errors d more harshly of my adding to the already role. se obstacles, my a Black woman in s been both lling and tive.
While I’ve encountered racism and systemic barriers, those experiences have made me more resilient and driven.
Today, I focus on the positive impact I’ve made on my patients and on creating opportunities for future Black nurses.
Together, we can build a more inclusive NHS where everyone has the chance to succeed.
Mynursingjourney-Aleena Shibu
My name is Aleena, and I joined the Trust in 2021 through the International Recruitment Programme from Kerala, India. With a background in intensive care, I began my nursing career in the UK in the Short Stay Unit (SSU). Thanks to the intensive OSCE training and support from the workforce development and SSU teams, I passed all ten OSCE stations on my first attempt. After a year and a half in the fast-paced short stay unit, I discovered my passion for respiratory medicine, leading to my dream role as a Respiratory Specialist Nurse in 2023. I’m grateful to everyone who supported me and encourage nurses to always dream big.
Got an inspirational story to share?
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MumPraises HospitalHeroes HelpingNon-Verbal DaughterThrive
Barnsley Hospital staff have been praised by the mum of five-year-old Phoebe Gill, a non-verbal girl with Down’s syndrome. Phoebe, who visits the hospital for eye treatment, has been cared for by deputy head orthoptist Katy Vella. Her mum, Danielle Gill, applauded staff for using Makaton, a communication method involving signs and symbols, which has helped Phoebe. “She was born at Barnsley Hospital on the NHS's 70th anniversary, and despite some negative stereotyping, Phoebe’s thriving,” Danielle said. Phoebe, a lively schoolgirl, also has three big brothers who’ve all learned Makaton to communicate with her.
A DAY IN THE LIFE
TobaccoTreatmentAdviserLucyGreagsby
During Stoptober, Lucy Greagsby (hiding behind the wheel in the picture above) and the Healthy Lives team work to support smokers in their quit attempts. Starting their day at 8:30am, they prepare with a trolley of treats and a fun "Spin the Wheel" game, engaging hospital staff and promoting smoking cessation services. At 9am, they visit wards, educating staff and patients about the support available, including free Nicotine Replacement Therapy. Leadership joins at 11am, demonstrating hospital-wide commitment.
Lucy also meets patients in the 12-week quit program, offering ongoing support. Despite challenges, the team stays motivated by success stories and the chance to help someone quit each day.
Want to Quit smoking?
Contact: bdgtr.quitprogramme@nhs.net
Breastcancerawareness
As part of Breast Cancer Awareness month, last week’s Wellbeing on Wednesday session was dedicated to the subject.
Huge thanks to Kate Widdowson, Clinical Nurse Specialist in Cancer/Breast Care who hosted the session and talked with colleagues about incidence, signs and symptoms, and how to examine.
My Breast Cancer journey began in December 2020. I was scrolling through videos on my phone and saw one about how to check your breasts. I’d never done it before, so I thought I’d give it a try. Upon checking, I noticed a lump in my right breast. It turned out to be triple negative breast cancer and I spent the next couple of years undergoing treatment and therapy here in Barnsley.
Please, please check your breasts. You should aim to check once a month so it’s really helpful to set reminders in your phone. If you are unsure of anything at all please get in touch with your GP. I’m so grateful I did. Katie, 22
BRILLIANT INDIVIDUAL
Bethansupportscolleagues
Bethan is brilliant as she has given exceptional support to the Internationally Educated Nurses working in the Endoscopy department.
Bethan has ensured the nurses have been given a warm welcome from the very beginning. The nurses have been supported and encouraged to learn and develop their knowledge and skills in addition to taking the time to understand different
cultures and ensuring the nurses have felt part of this wonderful team. Because of this the nurses are thriving and are extremely happy working in this area!
We have received lots of lovely feedback from many, many colleagues working in endoscopy!
Well done Bethan :)
Nominate a colleague for a Brilliant Award today
BRILLIANT TEAM
Theatresteamstaylatetocare
Nobody sees the unsung work of the theatre team. They very often have to stay beyond their finish time when lists run over. The forefront of their minds is ensuring patients safety and that our patients are well cared for. Recently there was an extremely sick lady on ICU who required theatre for the safe delivery of her baby. Because they did not want the lady to wait any longer than she had to, a team of theatre
staff that were due to finish agreed to stay. The teams all worked hard and the baby was safely delivered. The mum remained ventilated on ICU for a further few days and then stepped down to the ward. This truly demonstrated care and compassion from our theatre team.
Nominate a colleague for a Brilliant Award today
exibleworking ccessinOutpatients
week we shared Staff Nurse Paula’s ble working story. Lead Nurse Tracy supports her team with flexible working.
Tracy’s time is really divided. She is responsible for the care received by patients, staffing and administrative duties.
There is no set amount of time she will spend between the clinical and management aspects of the role and will work flexibly herself to ensure all needs are being met.
Supporting people
Tracy, feels that offering flexibility increases the productivity of her staff, and improves patient care. By working with her team and listening to their individual needs to provide flexible working solutions, she is given flexibility back in return.
Whilst Tracy can’t always accommodate exactly what everyone wants, she is able to compromise and by working as a team, find an appropriate solution for all.
Tracy’sflexibleapproach
I’m not going to put up barriers, I want to support staff being healthy.
When I’m able to offer flexibility to my staff, they ar me in return wh flexible working a department. I the support and from my team to positive work lif
I’m proud of my flexible way of w
Why it matters to us
Thanks to Tracy’s dedication to patien care and her team working flexibly, her department feel valu which aids staff retention.
QUALITY IMPROVEMENT
Amanda’sdrugtrolleyQuality Improvementboostspatient careandhospitalefficiency
Amanda Robinson’s Quality Improvement (QI) project, taking a methodical approach to improving drug round efficiency has supported the hospital’s strategic goals. Her idea focused on reducing nursing staff time spent collecting medications from the Omnicell medication storage cabinet on ward 22, allowing more time for uninterrupted patient care. By introducing fully stocked drug trolleys this allowed staff to administer medications more efficiently.
They were not having to travel to the Omnicell medicines storage cabinet to obtain medications. Saving staff an average of nine minutes per trip, enhancing both patient interaction and workflow. Staff feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, and the initiative is now standard practice across ward 22. This improvement optimised staff efficiency and created a measurably improved experience for both patients and staff.
Read more about this and other QI projects on the Hub
AboutMenopause
Health & Wellbeing Coordinator Sue Copeland talks about her role supporting menopause awareness...
I’m privileged to promote Menopause awareness, both as Health and Wellbeing Coordinator at Barnsley Hospital and beyond.
Menopause was often ignored or joked about, but it’s vital to encourage open discussions to reduce stigma and offer support. Symptoms can greatly affect women at work, leading some to leave their jobs. Often, small adjustments can help them manage symptoms and stay at work. Leading Barnsley Hospital in becoming a Menopause
Friendly Accredited Trust was a challenge I embraced. The journey has just begun, and we must keep fostering open, stigma-free conversations. Let’sTalk
Click for more support on the Hub Contact Sue via the Inclusion and Wellbeing Team inbox
Freedomto SpeakUpMonth
The theme for this years speaking up month was th power of listening, as the Freedom to Speak Up month comes to a close, I want to give a big thank you to all staff who have made me welcome with visits to departments, team meetings and away days.
It has also been great to hear of departments running their own listening events and adding listening h i d partment genda. a number of o Speak up s across the trust tarily promote p and have not rted speaking brilliantly.
Theresa Rastall
Freedom to Speak up Guardian
You can get in touch with Theresa on extension 1792, on MS teams, or on
07511414936
Keep listening and supporting speaking up
