PROUD
NEWS
16 MAY 2025
Acorn unit celebrates VE Day See more on page 4
Welcome to this week’s Proud News. In honour of International HR Day on 20 May, we’re celebrating our incredible HR team—the driving force behind supporting our people to enable excellent care across Barnsley. Recently, the entire HR team came together for the first
time at an HR Time Out, where they shared their vision, celebrated achievements, and strengthened their commitment to working as One Team. It was inspiring to hear just how much they’ve delivered over the past year. From recruitment and onboarding to wellbeing and career development, the HR team supports every stage of your journey here. In this issue, we share highlights of their work, showcasing their impact, dedication, and the heart they bring to our Trust.
Tim Spackman
Head of Leadership and Organisational Development
Snapshots from Nurses’ Day... We marked Nurses’ Day on Monday, celebrating the compassion, resilience, and dedication of nurses everywhere.
Matrons and members of the senior nursing team were out and about delivering thank yous to nursing colleagues.
Acorn unit celebrates VE Day Residents and staff at the Acorn Rehabilitation Unit marked VE Day on 8 May with music, dancing, and remembrance. The celebration honoured the resilience of past generations while reflecting the unit’s own commitment to recovery and independence.
Our Acorn unit provides essential rehabilitation support for those transitioning from hospital or requiring extra care. Staff work closely with patients, families, and community teams to help people regain independence, making occasions like VE Day all the more meaningful in their journey toward recovery.
Other celebrations around the hospital ne who got Thank you to everyo Day a involved and made VE tients special day for our pa
Schwartz Round inspired me When the Schwartz Rounds first started I thought it was just for clinical staff but I grew inquisitive and put some time aside to attend a session.
Storyteller Sue Burgan Would you share your story at a Schwartz Round? Click to email the EDI team.
Next Schwartz Round Wed 11 June 12:30pm Education Centre
The session I attended inspired me and brought to mind an experience I did not mind sharing so I put my name forward, along with a suggested title for the Schwartz Round. I am so glad I have done this now as I feel empowered and validated as a person. I would recommend everyone and anyone to attend at least one session and take the message back to colleagues.
Understanding Schwartz All NHS Staff can be affected by the trauma, depth and experience of challenging situations when caring for a patient and Schwartz Rounds offer time for Barnsley Hospital staff to come together to openly discuss the social, ethical and emotional aspects of their work to support each other. The Schwartz Round is for ALL staff members: Clinical, Executive, Portering, Administration, Catering, Security and Students as we all work with patients and can each be impacted by the stress and challenges of working in healthcare. The sessions are a safe, confidential space for us all to share our experiences.
Usually 2-4 storytellers will talk about their experiences in connection with a specific topic and it will then be opened up for all to discuss and reflect. Topics can be determined by the stories that staff wish to tell. Past topics include ‘Rallying Together’ and most recently, ‘My life turned around when...’ Plus, with free lunch and refreshments provided at the start of every session, Schwartz Rounds are also a great opportunity to network and connect with other colleagues.
Celebrating Operating Department Practitioner (ODP) Day From Army Boots to Scrubs This Operating Department Practitioner (ODP) Day, we’re celebrating the inspiring journeys of Laura Beck and Simon, two ODPs who transitioned from Army life to essential roles within Barnsley Hospital.
Simon, now working in ICU, brings his military discipline to highpressure procedures and training as an ALS and EPALS instructor.
Laura’s experience as a surgical patient led her to a fulfilling ODP career across theatres, ICU, and now as Lead Practitioner in Day Surgery.
Theatres and colleagues from across the Trust celebrated ODP, nursing, support worker, and perioperative practitioner roles. Their stories and wonderful photos highlight the skill, compassion, and versatility ODPs bring not just in theatres, but across the hospital.
This week (12 – 18 May) was Mental Health Awareness Week and this year’s theme, led by the Mental Health Foundation is ‘community’. Being part of a safe, positive community is vital for our mental health and wellbeing. We thrive when we
have strong connections with other people and supportive communities that remind us that we are not alone. The Mental Health Foundation have put together these top ten tips on getting involved in your community.
STAFF NETWORKS GIVING EVERY VOICE A PLATFORM
Staff networks play a vital role in creating an inclusive and supportive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and heard. They provide a safe space for colleagues to connect, share experiences, and support each other, particularly those from underrepresented groups. In a busy hospital environment, it’s easy to focus solely on clinical work and patient care, but it’s just as important to care for our staff. Networks give colleagues the chance to raise concerns, celebrate their identity, and influence positive change across the organisation. Being part of a staff network is about more than meetings it’s about belonging, empowerment, and making a difference. Together, we can build a more inclusive hospital for everyone. Belonging starts with listening, change starts with action and together, we can create a hospital where every voice matters. Roya Pourali Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Lead
Click here to find out more about our Staff Networks, how to be an ally or become a member
We currently have the following Staff Networks at Barnsley Hospital:
LED BY STAFF, FOR STAFF
BE PART OF SOMETHING BIGGER Armed Forces Forum LGBTQ+ Staff Network Race Equality & Inclusion Staff Network Ability Staff Network (disability and neurodiversity) Carer’s Forum
THRIVE TOGETHER CONFERENCE A celebration of diversity, inclusion, and the incredible work of our Staff Networks and Internationally Educated Nurses.
REGISTER NOW
International HR Day: A Celebration of the HR Profession As International HR Day approaches on Tuesday 20 May, we want to say thank you to our People team who play a key role in helping our people and teams deliver the best possible care for the people of Barnsley.
The whole HR team came together recently for a day dedicated to sharing vision and direction; celebrating achievements, getting to know each other better, and fostering working together as one unified team.
From recruitment and onboarding, to wellbeing and career development, the HR team supports every step of your journey.
Visit the People team page on the Hub to find out more about the many ways our People teams offer support
BRILLIANT TEAM
Orthopaedic team land Brilliant Award for impact on patient care
The Orthopaedic Team has been honoured with a Brilliant award for their outstanding dedication, teamwork, and impact on patient care. From sourcing complex surgical equipment to supporting scrub staff and ODPs, they ensure operations run efficiently and safely. Their commitment to sustainability, financial responsibility,
and partnership with other trusts sets a gold standard. Despite the heartbreaking loss of a beloved colleague, Tom, the team continued to deliver exceptional service with professionalism and compassion. Their resilience, expertise, and unity truly make them a brilliant team in every sense. Nominate a colleague for a Brilliant Award today
PROUD
NEWS
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