Retired Barnsley nurses are back on the wards with needles at the ready!
Joining Jane from Occupational Health, Denise, Josie, and Julie are dishing out flu and Covid-19 vaccines to frontline staff.
Their mission? Keep healthcare workers healthy and stop the spread to vulnerable patients. By taking on the vaccination duties, they free up full-time staff for crucial patient care. Now that's nursing with needlepoint precision!
Check your emails for your vaccination invitation.
“It’s great to be back, protecting our colleagues and the community,”
An Enhanced Care (EC) risk assessment quality improvement (QI) project scored major improvements when identifying where patients needed advanced care.
In the trial, 73 percent of staff surveyed stated they preferred the new risk assessment, and 81 percent of the staff respondents stated they had more confidence to decide that the patient is assessed at the appropriate risk level.
Current data shows there was a drop in numbers of patients on wards since the assessment was rolled out.
Spearheading the initiative, Kathryn Marvin played a crucial role, gathering frontline staff feedback to shape a process that delivers results.
The risk assessment has now been scaled up across the Trust, which is a benefit for patients and staff.
Read more about this and other QI projects on the Hub
PrioritisingWellbeingforWorldDiabetesDay:
ADayintheLifeofPaediatricDiabetes
SpecialistNurseSamNorris
On World Diabetes Day earlier this week, we emphasised the theme of “Diabetes and Wellbeing,” highlighting the critical work of our healthcare professionals like our very own Sam Norris. As a Paediatric Diabetes Specialist Nurse, Sam dedicates her days to enhancing the overall wellbeing of children and their families who are
navigating the world and life with diabetes. Sam’s work is never predictable. “There’s no typical day,” she insists. She could be on the ward, delivering essential education to newly diagnosed families, or visiting schools to train staff on diabetes care. Her week includes clinic sessions with consultants, pump starts, and monthly training workshops.
“Our role is heavily focused on education and increasing awareness to achieve the best outcomes for our patients,” Sam explains.
Without an on-site councillor, Sam and her team provide as much emotional support as possible, while also connecting patients to mental health specialists where needed. Yet, there are uplifting moments. Sam recalls a summer activity day where children with diabetes connected, forming lasting friendships, and crushing isolation and conditional silos.
“That sense of community and shared understanding is crucial for their wellbeing.”
Sam’s passion comes from her desire to see young people thrive. “I’m driven by the privilege of supporting families through lifechanging diagnoses,” she says.
“One young person, initially hesitant about an insulin pump, gained the confidence to try it after hearing other kids’ stories,”
“Wellbeing isn’t just about managing blood sugars; it’s about empowering children to live full, happy and varied lives and preparing them for a happier, healthier future.”
Find out more about World Diabetes Day
CAVELL STAR
MelanieHoggard
Mel was nominated by her colleagues for the way she has stepped in to fill a gap and support her colleagues, the unit, and maintain quality of care for their patients.
Mel has taken on the role as the lead nurse while the post is filled.
This isn’t her 1st time of covering management roles due to sickness etc, she covers these roles despite loving working clinical and at the expense of her own personal family life.
She always puts the unit 1st, and is devoted to delivering the best possible care. She supports staff and is always a shoulder to cry on if needed.
Thank you Mel for your hard work and dedication to the neonatal unit.
Nominate a colleague for a Cavell Star Award today
The Trust made waves at the Sheffield health conference recently, revealing the innovative WHaLES (Waiting Healthy: a List Equity Score) tool.
Developed by Healthy Lives Team, WHaLES aims to level the playing field for patients from Barnsley’s poorest areas.
Tackling waiting list inequality head-on, the tool adjusts for deprivation factors to ensure fairer access to treatment.
Piloted in Ear, Nose, and Throat services, WHaLES is expanding into orthopaedics and general surgery. Dr. Andy Snell called it a "brilliant step" in closing the healthcare gap. Attendees were impressed!
RemembranceServicehonoursserviceandsacrifice
On Armistice Day, Barnsley Hospital’s Chaplaincy Team led our annual Remembrance Service, a moment to honor the tireless, selfless contributions of those who dream of peace. As a ‘Veteran Aware’ institution, we proudly uphold the standards of the Veterans Covenant Healthcare Alliance, ensuring we care for and support our veterans.
Hospital Board members, Lead Chaplain Connie Ashton, and our Armed Forces Forum gathered to pay tribute.
Connie and veteran Scott Hawley, Facilities Team Leader, laid a wreath, reflecting the hospital’s ongoing commitment to those who have served our country.
BRILLIANT INDIVIDUAL
ThomasShaw,EDConsultant
Tom has led the implementation of electronic prescribing (EPMA) in the Emergency Department.
When EPMA went live on the adult wards, ED was not included because it was clear that at the time EPMA was a product designed only for the ward environment.
Prior to Tom's involvement, implementing EPMA would
have presented significant risks to patient safety and Trust 4 hour performance. Tom worked tirelessly and with enthusiasm to work through the various challenges of adapting EPMA for ED use.
The ED EPMA go-live went smoothly in July and this is primarily due to Tom's work on the project.
Nominate a colleague for a Brilliant Award today
BRILLIANT TEAM
RespiratorySecretaries
I started off in my current job role last year. I was completely new to the type of nursing role it demands. The respiratory secretaries team helped me to sync into the job quite quickly by treating me as a member of their own team. They always share a positivity in the office, are always approachable, and never forget to put a smile on their face.
Whenever I wanted to do some short notice adjustments for my patients despite long waiting list, our secretaries always found a way.
They have a solution if my system gets stuck in the middle of a team meeting, or printer shuts down all of a sudden.
Nominate a colleague for a Brilliant Award today
Welcometoournewnurses!
We have recently welcomed 48 Newly Qualified Nurses.
They will work across the hospital in a variety of settings including Medical and Surgical Wards, Emergency Department, ICU, Paediatrics, Outpatients, Short Stay Unit, AMU, Endoscopy and Respiratory Care Unit.
Our Workforce Development and Student Support Team has launched a new ‘Prepare to Nurse’ week, providing an intro to the Trust facilitated by expert speakers.
Our new colleagues loved having the opportunity to meet other newly qualified nurses outside the workplace.
They will all undertake our nationally-recognised Preceptorship programme which will support them through their first year as a Registered Nurse.
Join us in extending a warm welcome to them all!
CelebratingourHospitalHeroes
The Proud of Barnsley Awards, hosted tonight (Friday 15 November) by the Barnsley Chronicle, honor the extraordinary members of our community.
From Luke Callaghan, a hospital porter who fundraises tirelessly for Barnsley Hospital Charity, to Monica Owen, a switchboard worker who saved a newborn’s life with her swift actions, these stories inspire us all.
We also applaud the Barnsley Hospital Volunteers, whose 2,500 hours of service and £12,524 raised have brought hope and joy to many.
Good luck to all nominees—you make Barnsley proud, embodying the true spirit of courage, care, and dedication. Your impact is felt and celebrated by all of us.
