As I prepare to step down from my role as Chair of our Hospital Board and Council of Governors, I want to take a moment to express my genuine thanks to each and every one of you. It has been an immense privilege to serve alongside such dedicated, compassionate and resilient individuals. Throughout my time here, I have felt very much part of the Barnsley Hospital family – a community bound by a shared commitment to delivering the best possible care and support to our patients. Your professionalism, warmth and unwavering focus on patients have inspired me every day. You will have seen an announcement that Dr Mike Richmond has been appointed as the new Chair.
Barnsley Hospital Chair, Sheena McDonnell
I wish Mike well as he joins the Trust. I know that the Board is in capable hands and I am sure you will give him a warm Barnsley welcome. I leave with deep gratitude and pride in all that we have achieved together. I will always carry Barnsley Hospital in my heart.
Best regards, Sheena
NewJointChairforBarnsley andRotherhamHospitals
The trust is proud to announce the appointmen of Dr Mike Richmond as its new Chair, following Sheena McDonnell’s departure. Dr Richmond, a seasoned clinician and current Chair of The Rotherham NHS Foundatio Trust, will take up the post from 1 July.
An anaesthetist by trade, Mike brings decades of leadership experience, including a former role as Medical Director at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals. His dual appointment reflects growing collaboration between the Barnsley and Rotherham Trusts, aimed at meeting rising demand and navigating NHS pressures.
Dr Mike Richmond
This move builds on shared strengths and will support high-quality patient care across both communities.
Please join us in welcoming Dr Richmond to Barnsley Hospital.
PulseSurvey July2025
Positive staff engagement has been proven to drive better outcomes for people working in and accessing the NHS, from lower patient mortality to reduced sickness rates.
To strengthen this, the NHS introduced the National Quarterly Pulse Survey in 2021, replacing the Staff Friends and Family Test. Now mandatory for all NHS trusts, the survey ensures staff can share their views quarterly, driving improvement.
Flexible in approach, the easiest option is the free People Pulse, offering rapid results. NQPS complements the annual NHS Staff Survey, making staff voices count and supporting a culture of continuous feedback and improvement.
The 2025 survey opens 1 July - keep an eye on the Hub for details
Alison, Connie and Marian
YesMinister!
Connie and husband Neil
PaulHaytree
Paul is the Head of Facilities at Barnsley Facilities Services. He served 24½ years in the RAF as a chef, which included cooking for Prime Ministers John Major and Tony Blair, and the Commander of British Forces in Cyprus. Paul catered for many VVIPs, including Royal Family members and foreign dignitaries.
He faced PTSD after his service, which he managed to overcome with the support of his wife. Paul advises veterans to seek help and not be afraid to speak up about their struggles.
After leaving the RAF, Paul transitioned back into
civilian life by managing contracts on military bases, which helped him adjust. He emphasizes the importance of a support network for veterans dealing with postservice challenges.
Paul is proud of his role at Barnsley Hospital and encourages veterans to reach out for support and advice - no question is trivial when it comes to mental health and well-being. More about our Armed Forces Forum
BenTate
Ben Tate, a Nursing Associate in the Cardiac Care Unit and Cardiology ward, previously served as a Warfare Specialist and Leading Medic in the Royal Naval Submarine Service on HMS Trenchant and HMS Triumph.
Ben's naval career took him around the world, including the North Pole. After the birth of his first child, he left the Navy to pursue nursing in Sheffield.
Initially, transitioning to civilian life was challenging, but he adapted, and now Ben applies his Navyacquired skills daily in the NHS.
Initially I found transitioning to Civvy street to be easy, but in the weeks and months after I left, the stresses of everyday life started to take their toll and the lack of routine caused great frustration and conflict in my life. Eventually, it all fell into place and my wife stopped threatening to change the locks on the door!
PUBLICLY BRILLIANT
HeartwarmingHeroine:RuthEllisShines
Dedicated health professional, Ruth, has been praised for her exceptional care.
Ruth performed an echo scan on a patient's mother, explaining every step with patience and kindness. She reassured the family, addressing all their concerns without making them feel rushed or silly.
"Ruth was incredibly kind and caring," said the grateful daughter. "We left feeling completely reassured. " Ruth's dedication and ability to uphold the Trust's values have made a significant impact. Barnsley Hospital is proud to have her on their team. Thank you, Ruth!
Nominate a colleague for a Brilliant Award today
StarIntern:EllisWalton
Ellis Walton was crowned Intern of the Month for May, and it's welldeserved! His hard work, impeccable manners, and willingness to tackle any task have made him a standout.
Ellis has been shining in catering at Kendray Hospital, but his dedication doesn't stop there. He's also made significant contributions at ISS and the volunteer café at Barnsley Hospital.
Ellis's commitment and positive attitude have not gone unnoticed. His ability to seamlessly adapt and excel in various roles is truly commendable. This recognition is a testament to his exceptional work ethic and dedication to helping others. Keep up the fantastic work.
Well-deserved recognition for an exceptional intern!
DFN Project Search is a transition to work programme in partnership with Barnsley College for people with disabilities aged 18-24 in their last year of education.
Students explore a variety of different career paths over three rotations each year.
CongratulationstoallourProjectSearchgraduates!
Project Search Interns and the Project Search team at the Project Search Graduation event
You've overcome challenges, grown through experiences, and achieved a milestone that opens doors to exciting new opportunities. Celebrate this moment because you’ve earned it. Well done all!
Our Project Search Interns received their graduation certificates from Barnsley Hospital Managing Director Michael Wright at this week’s Project Search Graduation event.
See more photos of graduates on the Hub
This week has been Give it a Go Week 2025!
Staff are piloting exciting new ideas to enhance our services. Here are some of initiatives being tested:
Plaster Room: Hands-on plaster cast training for ED colleagues.
Ward 36: Devised an activities corner with a number of different pieces of equipment to get patients up and moving while on the ward
Switchboard and Contact Centre: Testing initiatives to improve patient and staff experiences.
Urgent Care Therapy Team: Early identification and treatment of patients over 65 before ED discharge.
Be part of improvement. Call the QI team on ext 5643, or click to email
Ward 36: Devised an activities corner with a number of different pieces of equipment to get patients up and moving while on the ward
Ward 21: Testing a number of nutrition activities such as a nighttime snack trolley, encouraging patients to eat in the dining room
More than 40 projects were tried out during the week so look out for more about these projects in the coming weeks.
