DisabilityHistoryMonth
Thursday 14 November marked the start of Disability History Month and we’re taking the opportunity to celebrate the achievements and contributions of staff with disabilities and neurodiversity, both past and present.
This edition of Proud News features a wonderful story about Koby, one of our Project Search Supported Interns which I hope you find time to read.
I also hope you will be able to join us at our celebratory event on Tuesday 26 November 11.30am –1.30pm in Colliers. Members of the Ability Staff Network will be there for a chat, along with some of our partners who are helping us make Barnsley Hospital the best place to work.
Steve Ned
Director of People
Paediatric
Charlotte p y randomly selected as a prize winner of a £50 voucher for getting vaccinated for flu and COVID - just in time for Black Friday. p you need to do is have you winter vaccinations.
Check your emails for your vaccination invitation.
Pictured with Charlotte are Lead Nurse Lizzie, Head of Occupational Health Michael, and Matron Lyndsay
Breathe moreeasily..
This month (November) is National COPD Awareness Month and Wednesday (November 20) was annual World COPD Day.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is an illness that causes breathlessness, chronic sputum (phlegm) production and cough.
For many years, Barnsley has had above average numbers of people with respiratory illness including COPD. The hospital’s Respiratory Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNSs) are making a fantastic difference and see 70-80 patients a month.
Jessica Quarmby,Respiratory CNS Lead
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.’ These 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.
Welldone Monica, HospitalHero
Last Friday the great and good of Barnsley gathered for the annual Proud of Barnsley Awards.
In the Hospital Hero category, Switchboard team member Monica Owen took the top spot.
Monica saved the life of a newborn who had stopped breathing after she recognised the signs of jaundice.
Her quick actions helped the baby recover.
Well done Monica - we’re all very proud of you!
Well done to our other shortlisted Hospital Heroes and the many other people and teams nominated as Hospital Heroes this year.
Porter Luke Callaghan was shortlisted for throwing himself into a variety of fundraising activities to raise money for the hospital charity.
A 15-strong group of Hospital Volunteers were shortlisted for supporting the Hospital Charity team with over 2,500 hours of their time, raising £12,524!
BRILLIANT INDIVIDUAL
KerrieHyland,CharityAdministrator
Kerrie took the initiative to create a colouring and activity book specifically designed for our younger patients.
“I am thrilled to nominate Kerrie for her exceptional contributions beyond her administrative role. Kerrie meticulously researched, designed, and produced the book, ensuring activities will be engaging for children and young people. Kerrie’s creativity and attention to detail have provided a valuable resource that will
not only engage patients but also support their emotional well-being during challenging times and help raise awareness of Barnsley Hospital Charity.
Kerrie's commitment to going above and beyond is truly inspiring, and she exemplifies the kind of proactive and compassionate care that makes Barnsley Hospital a great place.”
Nominate a colleague for a Brilliant Award today
CraigJones,supportworker
Craig was nominated by a member of the public on behalf of a patient.
“Christine is a lady who is approaching the end of her life and her preferred place of care is ward 32.
Her main concern has been the inability to swallow, this is leading to her mouth feeling significantly dry. Christine could not thank Craig enough for the individualised care he has provided. She also felt PUBLICLY BRILLIANT
reassured that Craig spent time educating colleagues about the importance of mouth care. Craig is an asset to ward 32 and an excellent role model and educator.
It was reassuring to hear Christine say the difference excellent mouth care had made to how she feels during such a difficult time.”
Nominate a colleague for a Brilliant Award today
We’re thrilled to announce our Endoscopy Department has achieved the prestigious JAG (Joint Advisory Group) Accreditation, a significant milestone reflecting the team’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of practice in patient care and clinical quality.
This accreditation is an affirmation of the skill, dedication, and hard work demonstrated daily by our endoscopy staff, and we couldn’t be prouder of this accomplishment!
Earning JAG Accreditation is a rigorous process that assesses endoscopy units on various parameters, including patient safety, quality of care, staff training, and overall service standards.
Achieving this honour showcases our department’s unwavering focus on continuous improvement and exemplary healthcare delivery.
This accomplishment is a direct result of the dedication and collaboration of our entire endoscopy team, who strive each day to provide our patients with exceptional, compassionate care. We celebrate this achievement with pride, and we look forward to continuing to raise the bar for healthcare excellence.
Thank you to everyone who played a part in reaching this goal. Please join us in congratulating the endoscopy team for their hard work and outstanding achievement!
TopInterns: SmashingItSince September!
We welcomed our Project Search Interns to Barnsley Hospital back in September (see Issue 5) and this year’s cohort of students are an exceptional group of people, all very eager to learn and build on their work experience. In this issue, we say a big well done and thank you to our Intern of the Month for October.
Liam is working in the Waste Department and is eager to learn, has shown a positive work ethic and is working really well with colleagues.
Well done Liam!
WhatisProjectSearch?
DFN Project Search is a transition to work program in partnership with Barnsley College for people with disabilities aged 18-24 in their last year of education.
Students participate in three internships exploring a variety of career paths over three rotations each year; October to December, January to March, April to June.
KobySmales
ProjectSearchSupportedInternshipSuccessStory
Koby began the Project Search Supported Internship Programme in Sept 2023.
After attending a tour around different areas of the hospital where work placements would be available Koby showed an interest in undertaking his first rotation (placement) within the catering department having previously completed a Catering Course at Barnsley College.
Koby began his placement with ISS Catering at the beginning of October 2023 and was a reserved and quiet member of the group. He expressed he was nervous and unsure of how he would cope in a busy environment, especially as the role in the restaurant involved working front of
house. With support from job coaches, Koby met with the manager and colleagues he would be working with, and he began his placement.
He enjoyed his first week, where he completed an induction and some first aid training. Job coaches were on site with Koby and supported him throughout his first week.
As Koby struggles with his short-term memory, a task list was devised to support him in remembering jobs that needed to be done. Koby took on board advice from job coaches and was open to trying different ways to make tasks easier.
in Colliers
Although Koby was tired the first month, he continued showing resilience and commitment and he became used to the routine. Two weeks into his placement, he was so committed that he even came into work with a broken toe! Koby reluctantly took a week off to let the bruising settle and until he was more comfortable when walking around and was really pleased to be back at work.
Koby soon became part of the team, he began to join in work banter and became an invaluable asset.
Koby’s confidence continued to build, and he worked independently as a member of the team.
As the rotation came to an end Koby was offered a 30hour post which he was thrilled about.
Koby began paid employment in January 2024 and continues to enjoy his work with the Catering Department and is a very much valued member of staff.
His determination, commitment, and hard work along with the opportunity he was given from enrolling on the Project Search Programme gave him the skill set and confidence to enable him to gain paid employment.
Koby
Freddie’sHeroicHeadShave BolstersMum’sCancerFight
Young superstar Freddie Davies, 13, raised a whopping £2,500 for our chemo unit by bravely shaving his head after his mum, Kelsie, lost her hair during breast cancer treatment.
His fundraising kickstarted our special hair loss packs, offering comfort to patients facing hair loss.
Freddie, was nominated for a Proud of Barnsley award, and spoke movingly about the unit’s support for his mum.
Also a huge thanks to our local community who knitted hats for his packs –we had so many, we even donated extras to a homeless charity.
Congratulations to those who have completed their Care Certificate in October 2024.
Olivia Johnson
Lisa Mason
Amelia Robinson
Nikki Chadwick
Tawonga Nkhoma
Michelle Bailey Tamara Frost
Sophie Bulmer
Karen Mansour
Mustapha El Sard
