Thankyouto JoandJonfor theirservice
Huge thanks to Jo Smith and Jon Maskill who step down as Staff Governors at the end of this month.
“I would like to thank both Joanne and Jon for their valuable input during their time as Staff Governors. We will miss their enthusiasm and passion for the Trust.”
Trust Chair Sheena McDonnell
Staff Governors are our workplace champions, tackling issues, driving change, and giving staff a real voice.
Click to make a differenceStand in the Governor elections.
They make sure concerns are heard and acted on – from fixing fridge fails to improving patient dignity in hospital lifts. They listen to what’s working, flag what isn’t, and ensure improvements happen. It’s not all meetings and reports; they engage with the community too, representing staff and patients alike.
Now it’s your chance to step up. Elections are open, and we need passionate staff like you to make Barnsley Hospital even better.
Barnsley’sSecurityTeam
ShinesonNationalStage
Barnsley Hospital’s Business Security Unit has earned national recognition, being shortlisted in four categories at the prestigious National Association of Healthcare Security (NAHS) Awards.
Held at the University of Birmingham and celebrated at a gala dinner on November 27th, the event highlighted the team’s outstanding contributions.
The team’s nominations included Ryan Ashton for Top Healthcare Security Officer, Lisa Corbridge for Top Healthcare Security Manager, the innovative ‘Barnsley Hospital WatchWay,’ and the impactful ‘Barnsley Rapid Eyes Deployment’ violence prevention scheme.
Finalists...
Head of business Security
Mike Lees said, “With fierce competition over 40 nominations in one category alone—making the shortlist was an achievement worth celebrating. Though not taking home trophies this time, the team remains optimistic for future awards.
Congratulations to our dedicated security team.”
MichaelTakesRegionalLead forNHSHealthatWorkNetwork
Our very own Michael Shanaghey has been appointed as the NHS Health at Work Network Board representative for Yorkshire and Humber, a role that supports occupational health teams and influences national policy.
With over 30 years in the NHS, Michael returned to occupational health in 2022, leading the services at Barnsley Hospital.
Passionate about staff wellbeing, he recently developed a health roadmap across the local Integrated Care Board, along with the well recieved health and wellbeing passport here at the Trust.
Congratulations to Michael on this welldeserved achievement.
IN PURSUIT OF QUALITY
CongratulationstoASU/Ward20 forPursuitofQualityRecognition
A huge well done to ASU/Ward 20 for achieving the prestigious In Pursuit of Quality recognition in March 2024. This honor celebrates their outstanding efforts, including earning a ‘Publicly Brilliant Award’ in August 2023 and improving their SNAPP rating from a D to a B through enhanced direct admissions to the stroke unit.
The team’s focus on patient safety, including their Red Alert system for pressure ulcers and clear mobility plans, has been exemplary. Their dedication to reducing C. difficile infections and fostering staff wellbeing reflects their commitment to excellence. Congratulations to ASU/Ward 20 on this well-deserved recognition and continued focus on patient-centered care.
AntimicrobialAwareness
AntimicrobialStewardshipatBarnsley Hospital:AYearofProgress
During Antimicrobial Awareness Week, Barnsley Hospital’s Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) team hosted an engaging information stall at Colliers Restaurant, raising awareness about the critical issue of antibiotic resistance.
Thank you to everyone who stopped by! If you'd like to pledge as an Antibiotic Guardian, visit; antibioticguardian.com.
Throughout 2024, the AMS team has been instrumental in combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Key achievements include:
Antibiotics Dashboard: Developed with IT and EPMA teams, this tool lists patients on antibiotics by ward, streamlining daily reviews. Access it via the CMM page on the hub.
Education: Six AMS bulletins and educational videos on topics like IV-to-oral switches and C. difficile infection are available on the AMS page.
Guideline Updates: Paediatric and adult antimicrobial guidelines have been revised for up-to-date care.
Research: Participation in national studies, including UKAR and a multi-centre teicoplanin audit, enhances evidencebased antimicrobial use.
Thank you to everyone who stopped by – it was a pleasure to talk with you and to raise this important issue. Antibiotic resistance remains one of the biggest threats facing us today.
If you would like to make a pledge to become an antibiotic guardian, please visit antibioticguardian.com
SafeguardingAwarenessWeek
Recently, the safeguarding team celebrated Safeguarding Awareness Week. This allowed the team to come together with other organisations and support raising awareness with our staff around safeguarding issues. The team went out and about with Hook a Duck games and conducted a safeguarding conference, presenting an award to Ward Clark Oliver on ward 21 for a fantastic safeguarding board. Well done Oliver.
QUALITY IMPROVEMENT
QIProjectBoostsMaternity CareforBAMEWomen
Led by Public Health
Midwife Walburgh
Manhungira, the Trust has made significant strides in improving maternity services for BAME patients after a national report highlighted poorer experiences for this patient cohort.
Walburgh’s QI project idea, included patient surveys that informed an action plan focused on communication, capacity building, and inclusivity. Changes include personalised care plans that honor cultural beliefs, multilingual resources, and updated feedback forms
The results are remarkable: enhanced patient experiences, greater staff confidence, and coproduced care through the Maternity Voices Partnership.
Walburgh and the team remain committed to creating equitable, compassionate maternity services for all.
Read more about this and other QI projects on the Hub
CAVELL
STAR
AWeddingtoRemember: AMomentofHumanityonWard35
The Ward 35 Surgical Nursing Team received a Cavell Star award for orchestrating a heartwarming ward wedding for a terminally ill 38-year-old patient. With just two days' notice, the team, joined by colleagues from SDEC and end-of-life care, turned compassion into action.
Staff styled hair, shared a bridal tiara and organised music.
Donations poured in: a balloon arch, a homemade two-tier cake and more.
“This wedding wasn’t just a ceremony,” said Director Sarah Moppett, “it was a testament to care, teamwork, and humanity.”
For one family, they made the unimaginable, unforgettable.
Nominate a colleague for a Cavell Star Award today
James’heart-warming storyandrolehelpsout staffandpatients
Say hi to James, 84, who has been a volunteer for two and a half years, transforming personal challenges into meaningful action.
Following the sad loss of his wife and health struggles, James sought purpose and began as a meet-andgreet volunteer. Now, in a defined and dedicated role, he delivers noncontrolled drugs to wards, supporting patients and staff.
Marking International Volunteers
Day 2024, James reflects on his commitment, covering 24 wards per shift and overcoming emotional hurdles, including revisiting Ward 24, where his late wife received chemotherapy. Volunteering 12 hours weekly, he trains new recruits and highlights the life-changing power of giving back.
Thank You James!
Got an inspirational story to share? Click to email the Comms team
SuccessforDisabilityHistory MonthEventHighlights
AccessibilityEfforts
The Ability Staff Network and Inclusion & Wellbeing team thank colleagues and partners for a successful Disability History Month event.
Key contributions came from Assistive Technology, Communication Access UK, AccessAble, and Project Search/Barnsley College.
Over 40 staff shared ideas via a survey on enhancing accessibility for disabled colleagues and improving meeting inclusivity.
Attendees also voted on the most readable font Calibri, Arial, or Comic Sans—informing potential font standardisation changes across the Trust to support accessibility.
Find out more about our Ability Staff Network on the Hub
