WhatOnammeanstomeAnushaAnandhy
I'm Anusha, a Practice Educator from CBU1. I'm passionate about education and love sharing my knowledge with my colleagues. Balancing the roles of Practice Educator, wife, and a mom of two can be incredibly challenging but rewarding. Onam has become a cherished part of my life. Celebrating it with my Keralite friends has introduced me to a vibrant world of traditions, music, and dance. The festival’s emphasis on togetherness, prosperity, and the mythical return of King Mahabali has resonated deeply with me. It’s a time of joy, gratitude, and cultural exchange that I eagerly anticipate each year.
Join our Onam and Diwali celebratory event in Colliers Restaurant on Tues 29 Oct between 11.30am & 1.30pm
CelebratingBlackHistoryMonth
We celebrated Black History Month this week in connection with the Race Equality & Inclusion Staff Network (REIN) & in partnership with Unison. The event focused on the theme ‘reclaiming narratives’ and we shared personal NHS journeys from BME staff - read on in this issue for Mireille’s story.
Dr. Rajeev Gupta, Chair of the REIN, also gave a powerful speech on equal opportunities.
To find out more about our REIN or to become a member or ally visit the staff networks page on the Hub or email the Inclusion & Wellbeing team.
BlackHistoryMonth Mireille‘sstory
I am Mireille Nkamicaniye, Breast Screening Programme Manager and Modality Lead at Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. My NHS journey began in Radiography, specialising in mammography and advanced breast biopsy procedures. Driven by a passion for improving women’s health and early cancer detection, I faced challenges as a young Black woman in the NHS, including racial bias and underrepresentation in leadership. Yet, these obstacles became catalysts for my personal and professional growth.
Today, I’m proud to be part of a changing NHS, where inclusivity and diversity are increasingly prioritised.
In my leadership role, I focus on ensuring equitable breast cancer screening access for all women and advocate for more inclusive practices.
I am honoured to contribute to the South Yorkshire Reciprocal Mentoring Steering Group, drawing on the learning from this programme to support race inclusion across the healthcare system and create pathways that didn’t always exist for me.
Positive change is happening, and I’m committed to being part of that transformation.
My journey is now one of empowerment, as I work to help the NHS better reflect the rich diversity of the communities we serve.
exibleworking ccessinOutpatients
aff Nurse Paula encountered some alth problems in 2019 which led to her having to more proactively manage her health outside of work and, as a result, Paula needed to reduce her hours.
Part time working
Paula and her line manager, Tracy, were able to accommodate a flexible working pattern which fitted with the service needs of the department but also allowed Paula to stay in work and manage her health. Due to flexibility around working times, Paula did not need to reduce by as many hours as she originally thought.
Paula was able to remain in work, had improved energy levels and felt supported by management. In turn, the Trust retained a valuable staff member, who had over 10 years’ experience and knowledge.
We have seen improvement in staff survey results for the Outpatients Department and they have scored above the Trust’s average on:
Working flexibly
Health and safety
Morale
Compassion and inclusivity
Paula’sflexibleworking
Why it matters to us:
Paula felt more supported by the Trust and we retained a valuable colleague.
Flexible working has made such a difference to me, both physically and mentally. Without it, I might have had to consider looking at alternative jobs.
Tracy (Lead Nurse) took the time t listen to me and supported me in finding a flexible working solution that not only benefited my health but also worked for the departme
First, we help colleagues with financial matters, grants during hardship, or pension support - especially for those trained abroad.
Second, we celebrate those who go above and beyond through the Cavell Awards. These awards have boosted staff morale, with recipients feeling truly valued.
One standout moment was shared in the Barnsley Chronicle, showcasing the profound impact the awards have had in recognising our staff’s exceptional efforts.
Helen Green Associate Director of Nursing (Corporate)
You should by now have received your annual NHS Staff Survey. If you haven’t yet responded and completed it, please do take the time to use your hot drink token (or alternative if you’re off site) and tell us your views to help to understand how it feels to work here at Barnsley Hospital.
Your paper-based staff survey should have already been issued by your manager. It includes a unique code you can use to access the survey digitally if you choose. Ask your line manager if you haven’t got yours yet.
Many of you have already responded in the days since the survey launched, but we don’t want to miss hearing the views of any of our colleagues.
Your feedback brings real change.
Read more about the Staff Survey on the Hub
It’s Infection Prevention Week next week. Harry the hand has been out on patrol this summer looking for colleagues committed to clean safe care - see if you can spot yourself in our gallery. We also have stories from hand hygiene champions and link practitioners about what they do and why they do it.
On a Care Support Workers education day, we had a session on ICP including hand hygiene, barrier nursing, gloves off and cleaning standards. This enabled all staff members to engage and discuss practices, ask questions and share experiences, in a very supportive and proactive environment. We have also looked at hand hygiene for patients, encouraging them to clean their hands appropriately using the hand wipes or sinks. We’ve encouraged patients to challenge staff to wash their hands. This was facilitated by conversations, posters and activity packs. This work is ongoing and now we are settled back in the Trust we are looking forward to developing this.
Cathryne Taylor , Ward Sister - Acorn
Unit
In the last five months I have trained over 680 staff members on Clostridiodes Difficile through bite size teaching sessions and more than 120 staff members on hand hygiene.
Additionally, we have led a ‘Gloves off’ quality improvement project across seven areas. I have delivered targeted training on appropriate glove usage to a wide range of Health care professionals including Doctors, Consultants, Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists and Nursing staff in clinical settings.
I have gained expertise in conducting medical audits, Hand hygiene MEG audit and proving feedback for continuous improvement. I am fortunate to be part of an infection control team that is highly supportive and encouraging.
Emmimal Mani Practice Educator, Outpatients
I’m currently talking to colleagues about measles. I downloaded the NHS England Measles: frequently asked questions document, and I have been talking to the staff team about the importance of vaccinations in the prevention of diseases and encouraging them to check their and their children's vaccination status.
Helen Parkes Staff Nurse, Outpatients
ensure that st g and understanding with regards to this subject.
Anusha Anandhy Practice Educator
Gastroenterology Ward
Poor hand hygiene was identified on ward 34, hand hygiene training, including use of the glow and tell box, was completed immediately to ensure compliance was improved.
Vicki Parkin Environment, Ward 34
I would like to share our experie of the glow and tell box trainin which we were involved in with support of Aimee.
It ran from 25 June to 17 July, w Aimee providing the box and in training, being then taken up b myself and Vicky Wilson. Follow on from this we were able to ga 100 percent in our next hand hygiene audit. Staff response w positive, with some staff reques repeat training.
Scot F Environment Co-ordinator, War
