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Vaccines protect you this winter ...
Barnsley Hospital and the local NHS are preparing for winter pressures and supporting people’s health throughout the colder months.
This includes encouraging people to get their flu and Covid-19 vaccinations if they are eligible. The flu vaccine is recommended for people at higher risk of getting seriously ill from flu.
Barnsley Hospital Chief Executive Officer Dr Richard Jenkins said: “Flu is a serious illness, with the potential to be life-threatening, particularly for vulnerable groups. It creates problems every winter, being the season when viruses spread with ease.
“In England last winter, flu killed around 8,000 people, but vaccination prevented an estimated 96,000 to 120,200 hospitalisations.”
You can get the free NHS flu vaccine if you: n are aged 65 or over (including those who will be
65 by March 31 2026)
n have certain long-term health conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), coronary heart disease or cerebral palsy n 2-3 year olds n are a school aged child (reception to year 11)
n are pregnant n live in a care home n are the main carer for an older or disabled person, or receive a carer’s allowance n live with someone who has a weakened immune system.
You can also get the autumn/ winter COVID-19 vaccine if you:
n are aged 75 or over
(including those who will be 75 by January 31 2026)
n are aged 6 months to 74 years and have a weakened immune system because of a health condition or treatment (see below) n live in a care home for older adults.
This season, the COVID-19 vaccine is being offered only to people at highest risk of serious illness – older people and those who have a
weakened immune system from a health condition or treatment. This is different to previous years.
You can talk to your GP about flu and COVID-19 vaccinations and more
information can also be found at: www.england.nhs. uk/contact-us/invite-enquiry
n There are ways you can stay as active and well as possible – even when in hospital. See story on Page 2.
£1.8m overhaul of
Barnsley Hospital has opened its newly-extended Education Centre, which has been refurbished and improved at a cost of £1.8m.
The centre has had an extension on the back to provide more conference space and has been reconfigured. The increased footprint of the building has boosted capacity and this will ultimately generate more income from more courses in the long-term.
Local artist Adam Briscoe provided
Education Centre
three pieces of wall art for the centre, funded by the hospital charity. The centre was opened with a ribbon-cutting performed by hospital Managing Director Michael Wright and Medical Director Dr Simon Enright. It was attended by guests and supported by partners including Barnsley College. Barnsley College Principal and CEO David Akeroyd said: “We are proud to work in close partnership with Barnsley Hospital to
create clear pathways from education into rewarding NHS careers. The expansion of the Education Centre represents another important step in strengthening those opportunities.”
Dr Enright said: “By working together, we can ensure that students and future healthcare professionals have access to the very best training environments, while also supporting the hospital’s ambition to become a recognised teaching institution.”
We’re working hard for you
With the days getting shorter and autumn in full swing, we are ramping up our preparations for winter which typically puts health services under additional pressure.
I am proud to share we have recently established a major digital transformation, designed to revolutionise how we manage stays as inpatients in order to speed up care and reduce waiting.
Despite this and many other improvements we are making, we still need your help. There are steps you can take to avoid coming to the hospital, which in turn will help us treat those most in need. These can range from keeping your medicine cabinet stocked or visiting your local pharmacist for help and advice, to contacting your GP or using NHS111 online or by phone.
You should only attend the Emergency Department in a life or limb threatening emergency, or if directed by a healthcare professional. The flu vaccine plays a very important role in preparing for winter, and this is where we are all doing our bit at Barnsley Hospital by getting our vaccines and encouraging patients to do the same, to reduce the risk of serious illness. Check the NHS website or speak to your GP practice to see if you are eligible to receive the vaccine.
far left: Artist Adam Briscoe, and, pictured left, Angela Beckett (right), a former theatre nurse and midwife, with Kathryn Oades, Clinical Skills Educator.
Our colleagues continue to work incredibly hard for our patients all year round and I am really focussed on supporting them. Winter pressures do increase waiting times and the number of people accessing our services. We know this is not pleasant for those who are unwell or injured, and this can lead to frustration and anger. However, we do not tolerate violence, abuse or aggression, and we are proud to work closely with South Yorkshire Police to protect our colleagues, patients and visitors. Nobody should be at risk of any form of abuse while carrying out their job caring for others.
We continually strive to deliver the best possible care to our patients, and this was recently highlighted in the results of the national Adult Inpatient Survey, which recognised Barnsley Hospital in the top 25% of Trusts overall. But we know there is always more to be done, and I thank every one of my colleagues for their ongoing commitment to improving the services we provide. Dr Richard Jenkins
We have included our news readership survey in this edition –as we’d really like to hear your feedback about Barnsley Hospital News. What kinds of stories are most relevant to you? Do you know we have an online version on the hospital website? What topics would you like us to cover in future? We welcome all your ideas. Please scan the QR code or visit barnsleyhospital. nhs.uk/bhn and take a moment to answer our survey questions. We will mention your ideas and feedback in our next edition in spring. Thank you!
Barnsley Hospital CEO Dr Richard Jenkins
Dr Simon Enright, Barnsley Hospital Medical Director, gets his flu jab.
Pictured
From the Chair
It’s been a season of progress and partnership at Barnsley Hospital.
The publication of the NHS 10-year plan will increase focus on taking services out of the main hospital setting and bringing care closer to home and in neighbourhoods.
We are in a privileged position in Barnsley as we have been working with our partners to build our services on these
principles for many years. Our Alhambra Outpatients programme is really gathering momentum and showcasing Barnsley as a national leader in outpatient transformation, following on from the success of our town centre Community Diagnostic Centre.
This collaboration is a shining example of what can be achieved when we work together across Barnsley and beyond.
Mum praises stop smoking team
A mum who quit smoking with the help of Barnsley Hospital’s stop smoking midwives has thanked the team for their support.
Chelsea Parkinson was first contacted by the team a year ago when they discussed the risks of smoking in pregnancy and the support they could offer.
Chelsea accepted support and decided to attempt a quit. She started on Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) and an incentive scheme, and after quitting, switched to a vape.
In the later stages of her pregnancy the vape began to make her feel sick so she used nicotine gum.
Chelsea engaged throughout her pregnancy with the team, had a normal delivery with a healthy weight baby and remained quit postnatal. In messages to the team, Chelsea said: “I’m definitely not going back to smoking so I’m happy! Glad I had the support to stop. It’s made me feel proud of myself that I could do it because at the start I really didn’t think I would/ could.
“I decided to quit smoking when the maternity stop smoking team was texting me.
I am not sure I would have been able to give myself the push I obviously needed to stop.
“Having someone checking in to see if I wanted to quit/ wanted help with this really pushed me.
“I think what helped me to stop was also how much I was worrying, so quitting was the best for my baby and my mental health too.”
Chelsea first tried nicotine patches and then went on to the gums.
She said: “Whenever I had the urge to smoke I had a gum. I was also in an incentive
‘Best for baby’ – Chelsea Parkinson quit smoking in pregnancy.
scheme and this 100 per cent helped me with quitting as I knew someone was proud of me for stopping smoking.
“Knowing I stopped smoking for my baby was one of my biggest achievements and I’m super proud.
“The amount of money I am saving too is unreal. I would definitely recommend the maternity stop smoking team!”
n This autumn, Barnsley Hospital and its partners once again supported the Stoptober campaign. Stoptober is the Department of Health and Social Care’s annual stop smoking campaign, based on evidence that if a smoker makes it to 28 days smoke-free, they are five times more likely to quit for good.
Since it first launched in 2012, Stoptober has helped millions of people make a quit smoking attempt.
With your help, we aim to encourage the remaining smokers in Barnsley to give quitting a go and support them to quit successfully.
Last month, we were honoured to welcome the Mayor to officially open our new Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Pod, a vital space offering support and comfort to those affected by cancer. It was also deeply moving to see colleagues across the Trust actively raising awareness during Organ Donation Week recently – a powerful reminder of the life-changing impact of
organ and tissue donation. Finally, we celebrated the formal opening of Barnsley Hospital’s Education Centre –a hub for learning and development that will support staff and students for years to come.
Thank you to everyone who continues to make Barnsley Hospital a place of excellence, compassion, and innovation.
Aggression reduction training protects workers
Barnsley Hospital has introduced violence and aggression reduction training to help keep frontline NHS staff safe.
Trainer Mick McGowan, who has over 30 years’ experience as a police officer, is now working for the Trust as a ‘Non-Deliberate Violence & Aggression Reduction Facilitator.’
He is running two-day training packages, looking at themes such as ‘Safer De-Escalation,’ ‘Positive Approaches to Behaviour,’ and ‘Re-directing and Guiding’ to ‘Clinical Holding’.
The initial courses have been for areas highlighted as the most vulnerable of the Trust, such as the Emergency Department and Acute Medical Unit.
Mick started his police career in Wakefield District, and was promoted to Leeds as a sergeant, where he spent five years working in police custody. He then worked in Leeds City centre looking after the day-time and night-time economy.
He has also worked for a specialist group based at the Operational Support complex at Junction 41M1. His main role was
as a Police Search Advisor, planning and carrying out searches for missing people, crime scenes, counter terrorism searches as well as VIP visits.
Mick said: “While hospitals and police stations may seem worlds apart, the reality is that violence and aggression can happen anywhere – and unfortunately, frontline healthcare staff often bear the brunt of it.
“My role is to help reduce those risks, support staff after incidents, and ensure everyone feels safer at work.
“I draw heavily on my policing background, from de-escalation techniques to situational awareness, but healthcare adds something deeper: compassion. By understanding the pressures staff, patients, and families are under, we can often prevent situations from escalating in the first place.
“I provide training, facilitate debriefs, and work closely with teams across the hospital to build a culture of safety and support.
For me, this role is about more than managing incidents – it’s about empowering staff and creating a workplace where everyone feels confident, prepared, and protected. “I may have swapped uniforms, but my purpose remains the same: keeping people safe.” Mick added that staff had been fully engaged in the training sessions and feedback was positive.
Leading campaigner backs hospital security
A leading advocate for counter-terrorism and better security in public spaces gave a moving speech during a presentation to Barnsley Hospital.
Figen Murray OBE lost her son Martyn Hett when he was one of 22 innocent victims killed at the Manchester Arena terror attack in 2017.
Figen channelled her grief into action and pushed through Martyn’s Law –a new UK law that requires certain publicly accessible locations to improve their security.
The event marked Barnsley Hospital achieving two milestone accreditations in its own healthcare security – one for high standards in managing CCTV cameras.
Staying active in hospital
Barnsley Hospital is encouraging patients to stay as active as they possibly can during a hospital stay. The hospital is working hard to reduce the risk of patient ‘deconditioning’ – that is, when people start to decline physically, psychologically and functionally during a hospital stay. Statistics show that the longer a patient stays inactive in bed, the more they are at risk of deconditioning. In fact, ten days of bed rest in hospital in people over 80 leads
to the equivalent of ten years’ ageing in muscles.
As part of a project centred around International Day for Older Persons (Wednesday October 1), Marcus Dearns, the hospital’s Practice Educator (Deconditioning) and his colleagues, encouraged patients to ‘Eat, Drink, Dress, Move’. Marcus ran afternoon ward activities such as quizzes, exercise, reminiscence and conversation groups. They also had a guest singer/
guitarist and made a staff and patient video about the dangers of deconditioning.
The ‘deconditioning cycle’ puts patients at increased risk of falls due to muscle weakness, increased confusion, decreased appetite and poor digestion. To combat deconditioning, the hospital has a staff training programme informed by best practice evidence, developed in association with expert trainers from Later Life Training and on their ‘Care to Move’ training.
BARNSLEYHOSPITAL
Hospital Chair Dr Mike Richmond
Pictured right: Dan Jarvis, Barnsley MP and Minister of State for Security, pictured on the right next to Figen, also attended the event at Barnsley Town Hall.
Cancer pod is ‘safe and supportive place ...’
The Mayor and Lady Mayor of Barnsley, David and Alison Leech, called in at Barnsley Hospital for the grand opening of the Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Pod.
The event ran alongside the national Macmillan Coffee Morning and was also attended by the ‘We Can Survive’
singers – all cancer survivors. This amazing group has created a CD, written a song, played a concert in Barnsley’s twin town of Schwäbisch Gmünd, and next year will issue a booklet of poems for Mother’s Day.
The mayor cut a green ribbon opening the pod and spoke about its success. It welcomed 1,000 visitors in 2024. He said:
MP’s ‘emotional return’ to maternity ward
Marie Tidball, MP for Penistone and Stocksbridge, visited Barnsley Hospital Maternity Ward to discuss how to improve safety of maternity care for local disabled women.
The MP met Sarah Petty, Joint Director of Midwifery for Barnsley and Rotherham, as well as the local Royal College of Midwives representative, and midwives working at the hospital, including those working as part of the Patients Voices team.
The group discussed how Barnsley Hospital can spearhead improving maternity care for disabled women, as part of Marie’s campaign for safer maternity care for disabled mothers. Marie and the midwives walked around some of the sites in the maternity ward, looking out for any barriers to accessibility and examples of good, inclusive, practice, and how training could be improved to include disability.
Dr Tidball’s campaign follows the publication of a recent landmark report from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine which found
that disabled women are 44% more likely to have a stillbirth than non-disabled women.
Marie also recently raised this in Parliament, highlighting that 2.9 million disabled women in the UK are of reproductive age.
She told the Commons: “As a disabled mother myself, I was devastated by the barriers that I faced at every point during my pregnancy.”
The Government has recently launched a rapid review into NHS maternity services, which is focused on driving urgent improvements to care and safety for patients, babies, and their families. This investigation will also focus on addressing the devastating inequalities that women from Black, Asian and deprived backgrounds face.
Marie said: “I was born in Barnsley Hospital, so it was a bit emotional going back to visit the maternity ward, now as the first MP to grow up in our constituency and to go onto represent it as the Member of Parliament in a hundred years!
“It was absolutely fantastic to listen to the brilliant work of local midwives, and to hear
their enthusiasm to spearhead the work to improve the safety of maternity care for disabled women. I am delighted that work to drive improvements to patient safety, with the voices of mothers at its heart, will have such brilliant local leadership.
“I will continue to work closely with government, and Barnsley Hospital, to ensure every woman can experience pregnancy and motherhood with the dignity, respect, and inclusive maternity care that we deserve.”
Sarah Petty, Joint Director of Midwifery for Barnsley and Rotherham, said: “Barnsley Hospital is pleased to collaborate with Marie, sharing a commitment to improve maternity services for all women. Our partnership continues to prioritize safety, inclusion, and accessibility, with the aim of reducing barriers for women with disabilities and addressing disparities. Ultimately, our goal is to offer all women outstanding care and experience improving outcomes for all women and their families.”
“The pod is a safe and supportive place, a place where anyone can get comfort and guidance. Staff at the pod offer time to talk, listen and for people to be heard. They are also a bridge between patients and clinical teams.”
The event raised £520 for Macmillan at the national coffee morning alongside the joint Pod
grand opening.
The Mayor and Lady Mayor David and Alison also dropped by The Well in Barnsley for a chat about cancer support services. They were interested in hearing about the therapeutic work at The Well and talked to a patient about her own story. n Learn more about our cancer support teams on Page 4.
Let’s talk about organ donation…
Barnsley Hospital recently hosted a memorial service to honour organ donors and encourage families to openly discuss organ donation. Among those attending was Jon Ekin, whose father Reginald passed away at age 83 in Barnsley Hospital last year. Despite never having discussed organ donation before, Jon and his family made the compassionate decision to donate Reginald’s corneas.
Jon reflected on how organ donation isn’t commonly talked about in Yorkshire, but emphasised the importance of having those conversations early, as it makes the decision easier during emotionally difficult times.
Reginald, a former welder and handyman, had been in declining health following the death of his wife in 2020. His children noticed changes in his appetite and physical condition, which eventually led to a hospital admission after
a blackout at home.
Reginald spent 16 days in Barnsley Hospital, where he was cared for attentively by staff, including a nurse named Helen who fulfilled one of his final wishes – a runny egg sandwich. When his condition worsened, the family was asked about organ donation and agreed to donate his corneas. As a gesture of remembrance, the hospital gave the family a packet of forget-me-not seeds.
To mark Organ Donation Week, Barnsley Hospital joined landmarks across the UK in turning pink on September 25. This initiative
commemorated the more than 400 people who died last year while waiting for an organ transplant and aims to raise awareness about the importance of registering as an organ donor. Currently, over 8,000 people are waiting for life-saving transplants. The hospital encourages everyone to talk about organ donation with their loved ones and to confirm their decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register. These conversations can make a profound difference and help honour the legacy of donors like Reginald, whose gift may transform the lives of others.
Gas switch-off will help environment
Barnsley Hospital has switched from a central pipeline system to mobile cylinders for delivering nitrous oxide, a greenhouse gas, in theatres and the Emergency Department.
The move follows a two-year project aimed at reducing environmental impact, as old manifold systems were prone to undetected leaks. Nitrous oxide, with a global warming potential 298 times that of CO2, accounts for 80% of anaesthetic gas
emissions in the NHS.
The new system offers better control, eliminates leaks, and supports sustainability goals. Usage and carbon savings will be monitored over 12 months. Nitrous oxide will still be used in other areas of the hospital.
The project was achieved through efforts of hospital colleagues Ian Austin, Estates Manager, pictured left, and Consultant Anaesthetist James Turnbull (right).
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The cancer support team with the Mayor and Lady Mayor at The Well.
‘We Can Survive’ singers at the hospital cancer support pod.
Barnsley Hospital lit up pink.
The organ donation memorial service.
Meet the Team: Macmillan Cancer Support Workers and Navigators
Barnsley Hospital is proud to host a dedicated team of Macmillan Cancer Support Workers (CSWs) and Cancer Navigators, working under the Macmillan Trust-Wide Lead Cancer Nurse Department.
Comprising ten CSWs and five Navigators, the team plays a crucial role in delivering personalised, non-clinical support to cancer patients. Nine CSWs are embedded within site-specific cancer teams such as Breast, Gynaecology, and Head & Neck. Their responsibilities include offering emotional support, practical advice, and conducting Holistic Needs Assessments
(HNAs) to identify individual concerns –ranging from finances and transport to work and family responsibilities. These assessments inform Personalised Care Plans, which are shared with patients and their primary care teams to ensure continuity and focus on ‘what matters to me’.
Cancer Navigators assist patients in understanding their care pathways, often reaching out before appointments to provide reassurance and clarity. Both roles help triage queries to clinical teams and maintain strong relationships with staff to ensure timely and appropriate support. While the work is emotionally rewarding – helping patients feel
Kim O’Brien
Kim gives breast cancer a kicking…
One of our amazing hospital charity supporters Kim O’Brien is currently fighting cancer and giving it a right old kicking!
Kim has supported the charity via a fire walk, glass walk, Lego walk, flash mob, wing walk, and cold water plunge, and even performed a showstopping ‘fire breathing routine’ at our very first ‘Shine Bright for Barnsley’ light switch-on.
Kim, from Royston, works at UK Greetings base at Dewsbury, and is part of numerous fitness classes. Her spectacular Burlesque dance routine goes under the name of Legs-A-Kimbo, from Ellie Etoiles Burlesque group. She is raising money for the hospital charity’s Breast Care Appeal after being diagnosed with breast cancer earlier this year and has undergone a mastectomy, chemo and radiotherapy.
Kim said: “At 48, I never imagined I’d be facing chemotherapy following a successful mastectomy. But here I am –celebrating a new body and everything it’s proving it can overcome.”
Please support Kim at: https://www.justgiving.com/ page/kimobrien48
heard, empowered, and less anxious – it also presents challenges such as time pressures, limited psychological referral options, and sometimes transport access issues.
The Macmillan Information POD, managed by Claire Naden and volunteers, offers a welcoming space for patients, carers, and staff. Located in the Outpatients building, it provides guidance, emotional support, and educational resources. It operates Monday to Friday with flexible drop-in hours. Patient testimonials highlight the team’s positive impact, with many expressing gratitude for the emotional
relief, clarity, and support they received.
The CSWs and Navigators continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected by cancer at Barnsley Hospital.
Skydive raises over £10,000
Barnsley football legends Mick McCarthy and Nicky Eaden, along with nine brave friends and family, have successfully completed their thrilling 15,000-ft skydive – raising over £10,000 for Barnsley Hospital Charity!
The group leapt into action in support of local patients, continuing the proud tradition of giving back championed by Eaden’s Bar.
Jane Mills, Charity Development Manager, said: “A huge thank you to Mick, Nicky, the whole skydiving team, and everyone who donated – you’ve made a real impact on the lives of our patients.”
Mick McCarthy, who took on the challenge in memory of his parents, said: “The hospital cared for my mum and dad, so I was proud to take the leap –
it was an unforgettable experience.”
Fancy the challenge? Join our next charity skydive on 24 April 2026! Contact Barnsley Hospital Charity to sign up and take the plunge for a great cause: www.barnsleyhospitalcharity. co.uk/events or email barnsleyhospitalcharity@ nhs.net or telephone 01226 431650.
Big thank you to Dolly’s Desserts
Barnsley Hospital Charity is sending a big thank you to the amazing team at Dolly’s Desserts for supporting their Breast Care Appeal with a fun and fabulous boob-themed bake!
Dolly’s has launched a limited-edition cherry Bakewell stuffed cookie, with 100% of October profits going directly to support over 7,000 local breast care patients each year. Not only are they raising vital funds, but they’re also helping to raise awareness about the
importance of breast health.
This sweet initiative is part of the charity’s new campaign: The Great Barnsley Hospital Bake Off – Bake a Boob!
Everyone is encouraged to join in by hosting their own bake sales, coffee mornings or baking competitions –boob-themed or not – to support Barnsley’s breast care services.
Jane Mills, Charity Development Manager, praised the Dolly’s team for their creativity and
Strictly Glitterball coming to Barnsley
Get ready for a sparkling night of dance, entertainment, and fundraising in support of our Breast Care Appeal!
We’re thrilled to announce Strictly Glitterball
- our first-ever dance competition – is taking place at The Civic Barnsley on the evening of Tuesday November 25 2025.
A fabulous line-up of local stars and business supporters are stepping out of their comfort zones and onto the dancefloor, each paired with a professional dancer to perform a dazzling 60-90-second routine – all in front of a live audience!
Meet some of our brave and brilliant
contestants: n Lauren Jones, aka The Tatie Lady n Claire Swallow, owner of Closet Queen n Christian Mason, Registered Manager at Thornhill House Care Home … and many more!
All funds raised will go directly to support Barnsley Hospital’s Breast Care Appeal, helping to enhance care for thousands of patients each year.
Book your tickets now via The Civic website. Bring your friends, dress to impress, and help us crown the winner of the 2025 Glitterball Trophy!
generosity: “They’ve gone above and beyond –raising funds and sparking important conversations about breast care.”
Charlie Smark, Director at Dolly’s, added: “Breast cancer affects so many lives – this was a fun way to show our support through what we love: baking.”
Want to join in the fun and help make a difference?
Sign up now: Great Barnsley Hospital Bake Off – Bake a Boob – Barnsley Hospital Charity
BARNSLEYHOSPITAL
Pictured right: The Cancer Navigators
MEET THE TEAM: Macmillan Cancer Support Workers (CSWs).
The Eaden’s Bar team and below right, Mick McCarthy