This week marks the launch of the Young Carers Passport
Read more on page three 21 MARCH 2025
Patient Experience Navigator Mat Beaumont has been providing support to improve performance in key areas where patient satisfaction is the measure.
Mat met with patient Peter O’Neill on Ward 36, where Peter had struggled to call for assistance due to his condition. Unable to press the buzzer, he had to rely on other patients or shout for help.
Recognising the issue, Mat connected with the Assistive Technology team, who installed a hands-free system. The impact was immediate – Peter regained control over his care, improving his hospital experience. "Assistive technology is like a ramp for communication," Peter said. "It allows me to be heard, and to be treated equally." His story highlights the power of small changes in patient care.
Mat Beaumont
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Markingthe launchofthe YoungCarers Passport
This week marks the launch of the Young Carers Passport across Barnsley Hospital.
The Safeguarding Team have worked in conjunction with Barnardo’s to develop the Young Carers Passport, which will allow children with caring responsibilities to be supported when their family members visit or are an inpatient at Barnsley Hospital.
The passport is designed to prompt staff to provide support for young carers. Young carers are children and young people under 18, who take on physical,
practical or emotional responsibilities at home because someone in their family is ill, has a disability, experiences mental health problems or has a problem linked to alcohol or drugs.
Lots of young people want to help out and feel proud that they can offer support, but we know from talking to young carers that having extra responsibilities can be difficult and have an impact on their lives both at home and at school or college.
HSJAwards2025openforentries
The 2025 HSJ Awards are open for entries!
From senior leaders to frontline staff and everywhere in between, previous finalists and winners have been recognised for their best practice work. The awards showcase the most impactful projects, and transformative innovations shaping the future of NHS care.
There are 26 categories to enter this year, covered by three main areas: Excellence in Patient Care and Innovation
Worthy of an award? Check out the hub for more info. The communications team has supported teams to win and be shortlisted for award finals
Spread – The dissemination of your success in terms of how your work has been picked up and replicated elsewhere.
Value – The creation of value from the point of view of patient satisfaction and experience, reduction in bureaucracy, time saved for staff at any level.
Involvement – The stakeholders buy-in and contribution toward the project initiatives and outcomes. How have the relevant staff, patients and partnerships worked together to realise the success?
CelebratingNeurodiversity
This week (17-23 March) marks Neurodiversity Celebration Week, a time to challenge misconceptions and highlight the strengths of neurodivergent individuals.
We spoke to Michelle Evans, Learning Disability and Autism Acute Liaison, and Chair of the Ability Staff Network, about why this matters.
What does neurodiversity mean to you?
"It’s about shifting focus from challenges to strengths. Too often, neurodivergent people are defined by their difficulties rather than their talents. We need a balanced perspective."
Why did you step up as Chair of the Ability Staff Network?
"Since rebranding over a year ago, the network has grown significantly. As someone with ADHD, I bring ‘lived experience’ and a stronger neurodiverse focus to the conversation."
How does the network support neurodivergent colleagues?
We break down barriers, promote positive policies like ‘reasonable adjustments,’ and collaborate on initiatives such as the King’s Trust and Project Search."
What’s next?
"Ensuring voices are heard. We’ve launched an ADHD support group and are helping shape digital accessibility. Inclusion must be rooted in culture, not just policy."
Click here to find out more or join our Ability Staff Network
eality Bus returns for 2025
ut more and book your place, take a ur hub page
val taff being
We hosted our first-ever Wellness Festival on Tuesday 18 March in partnership with Barnsley Premier Leisure (BPL).
Held in our Physio gym, the event welcomed over 270 staff members to a day dedicated to physical activity, mindfulness, and overall wellbeing.
There was a flexible timetable of engaging taster sessions, including pickleball, table tennis, Pilates, kurling, and yoga, with pickleball and kurling emerging as crowd favourites.
Additionally, attendees had access to one-on-one health assessments, featuring lifestyle MOTs, cholesterol checks, and blood pressure screenings, as well as an informative marketplace with expert guidance on nutrition, health, and wellbeing support.
A delighted staff member shared their experience, stating, “Best event I’ve been to. Not just for the information, but for the activities too - there was something for everyone.”
The event highlighted the power of partnership working, aligning with BPL’s ‘Bringing Spaces to Life’ initiative to encourage a more active lifestyle across Barnsley.
Sue Copeland, Health & Wellbeing Coordinator (BHNFT), and Anne Nixon, Health & Wellbeing Delivery Manager (BPL), remarked:
The festival proved that small, consistent steps can lead to significant health improvements. Why not take the first step today? For support and guidance, contact Occupational Health and Wellbeing or the Inclusion Team. We wanted to create an accessible opportunity for staff to explore ways to improve their health and wellbeing. Witnessing our initial idea evolve into a successful, collaborative event has been incredibly rewarding.
For many, parking at Barnsley Hospital is just a daily routine – but for Mel Swann, it’s a complex puzzle she works tirelessly to solve.
As the hospital’s parking permit manager, Mel navigates the daily challenges of limited spaces, unauthorised parking, and ensuring fair access for staff, patients, and visitors.
With space at a premium, Mel is always looking for solutions.
Future plans to relocate outpatient services could ease congestion, but in the meantime, she encourages staff to display their permits to help tackle unauthorised parking, and to use EV charging spaces responsibly. "Simple actions like these make a huge difference," she explains.
Mel’s role goes beyond enforcement – she’s an advocate for accessibility.
Many Blue Badge holders are unaware of their entitlement to free parking, and Mel takes great pride in ensuring they get the support they need. "I often receive heartfelt thanks from patients and staff when I resolve their permit issues."
With Mel’s support, the permit system has been revamped in recent years, making access fairer and more sustainable,
Mel’s efforts haven’t gone unnoticed – a recent NHS England visit praised her work. Barnsley Hospital is in good hands.
Barnsley Hospital’s chemo unit has a new angelintern Olivia Clarke!
The hardworking star has been crowned Intern of the Month for February after dazzling staff, patients, and visitors alike with her kindness and can-do attitude.
“She’s an absolute ray of sunshine,” nurses said. “We don’t know how we’ll cope without her!”
Olivia’s confidence has soared since joining through Project Search, and, with praise raining in from colleagues in the unit. Well done Olivia!
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 explore a variety of different career paths over three rotations each year.
Patient praise has highlighted the exceptional care provided by Dr. Merza, his secretary, Christen Sausby-Hindley, and Megan Crehan, along with the Diabetes & Endocrinology team. One patient, living with anxiety and depression shared how the team’s compassionate approach, efficiency, and willingness to go above and beyond made a profound difference. From ensuring clear documentation to finding answers and offering unwavering support, this team exemplifies excellence in patient care. Their dedication is truly making an impact. Well done to all!
