PROUD
NEWS
29 AUGUST 2025
Why is Lisa Bruerton Brilliant?
Lisa had an extra special end to her shift on page 8
Maxine Harrison- 35 Years at Barnsley Hospital Maxine began her Radiography journey in 1986 as a student at Barnsley and Sheffield Hospitals, qualifying in 1989. Maxine gained valuable experience through temporary roles, and secured a permanent post at Barnsley Hospital in 1990. For over a decade, Maxine worked across CT and plain film imaging before stepping into a pioneering role as Radiology Systems Manager in the early 2000s.
In her new role Maxine played a key part in Barnsley Hospital’s transition from film to digital imaging - a move that positioned the Trust as a regional leader. Maxine continues to drive innovation in radiology systems, always with patient care at the heart of her work.
Thank you for your 35 years of dedication and hard work!
Gas switch-off will help environment Barnsley Hospital has switched from a central pipeline system to mobile cylinders for delivering nitrous oxide, a potent greenhouse gas, in theatres and the Emergency Department. The move concludes a twoyear project aimed at a range of environmental, financial and operational benefits.
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.
Freedom to Speak Up With the recent announcement that the National Guardian’s functions will move to NHS England, I want to reassure staff that our commitment to supporting you remains unchanged. I’ll continue working alongside our Freedom to Speak Up Champions to ensure your voice is heard. Visiting wards and departments has been a highlight this year - thank you for the warm welcomes. These visits will continue throughout 2025. Planning is underway for Speaking Up Week in October, with details to follow. Feel free to contact me or chat when you see me around.
Theresa Rastall
Freedom to Speak up Guardian
You can get in touch with Theresa on extension 1792, on MS teams Theresa.rastall@nhs.net
Keep listening and supporting speaking up
Congratulations to Josh Cooke-Senior! Josh began his career at 18 as a support worker in Orthopaedics, later training as an Assistant Theatre Practitioner. After accepting bank work in theatres, he secured a permanent role within seven months. In 2021, he applied for the Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship, aced the interview despite doubting himself and became a Registered Nurse.
Working in Main Theatres, Josh scrubs for all types of surgery, especially joint replacements and caesarean sections. His journey reflects dedication, growth, and passion. “Well done Josh!! Your Theatre family is Proud of You!!”
BRILLIANT INDIVIDUAL
Sue Burgan
Sue has been outstanding in supporting the rollout of the national uniform project. Her professionalism, patience, and tenacity have been vital in managing communications, resolving issues, and personally updating over 480 uniform orders.
Sue says “Whilst I am very appreciative and surprised to have been nominated and awarded an individual Brilliant Award, I would like to dedicate this accolade to my team who are the most supportive and collaborative group of people I have ever had the privilege to work with. My job is made all the more efficient and achievable with them around.” Nominate a colleague for a Brilliant Award today
BRILLIANT INDIVIDUAL
Lisa Bruerton
I nominate Lisa Bruerton for her incredible bravery and compassion. After her shift, she responded to a distressed man in the hospital car park whose partner was in labour. Lisa calmly assisted the woman, safely delivering a baby girl in the back of their car.
Her quick thinking, reassurance, and nursing skills ensured the safety of both mother and child. Lisa stayed until help arrived, embodying the spirit of teamwork and care. A kind, hardworking nurse and lifelong friend, Lisa’s actions reflect the very best of our profession and community.
Nominate a colleague for a Brilliant Award today
BRILLIANT TEAM
Business Intelligence Team The Business Intelligence team consistently delivers high-quality, innovative reporting that drives performance and decisionmaking across the Trust. Their work ensures data accuracy, rapid turnaround, and proactive insights, supporting both internal goals and system-wide collaboration. They empower others through training, promote data literacy, and continuously improve processes and platforms.
Their resilience, mentorship, and team spirit foster a culture of excellence. From revising key documents to integrating data across partners, their dedication and professionalism exemplify Trust values. This small but mighty team truly deserves recognition for their outstanding contribution.
Nominate a colleague for a Brilliant Award today
Scoop of Joy! Ice Cream Van comes to Hospital Steve’s Whippy ice cream van is proudly stationed on-site every weekday from 12noon to 4pm and in the main carpark at the Main Entrance of the Hospital bringing a well-deserved treat to the patients, visitors and staff who are visiting or being cared for at Barnsley NHS Foundation Trust.
Whether you're grabbing a quick pick-me-up between shifts, celebrating a team win or just fancy an ice cream or other ice treat, they’ll serve up smiles with every swirl. “Because you care for everyone, now let us care for you.”
Governors Visit College Academy Barnsley Hospital governors recently visited Barnsley College’s new Health, Science and Social Care academy to explore its immersive training facilities. The site includes a simulated hospital ward with medical manikins and authentic equipment, designed to prepare students for healthcare careers. Governors met with college leaders to discuss workforce development and the importance of employer-led education.
The visit highlighted the strong partnership in supporting students’ progression into further education and meaningful employment. Read more about the Govenors’ visit in Barnsley Hospital News
Join Us for Barnsley Hospital’s Annual General Meeting!
Book your place here
here e of the Play Leaders Hi, I’m Liv, and I’m on e been in this role for at Barnsley Hospital. I’v d I honestly couldn’t be almost 3 years now, an dibly ore my job – it’s incre happier! I absolutely ad rewarding. ing a Play Leader is My favourite part of be l through their hospita supporting each child fun re it’s as positive and journey and making su r when a child recalls ou lot a s an me It ! ut ho throug iendly – being that gentle, fr previous interactions . eir worries is so special face that helps ease th t of kindness, play, or Whether it’s with a bi rinkle a little magic distraction, I like to sp every day.
From painting rainbows, doing Elsa plaits, to hosting pretend tea parties with dinosaurs, I try to fill every hospital stay with laughter, imagination, and plenty of smiles.
Diabetes day helps kids fly high A group of children with diabetes enjoyed an activity day with high ropes, zip wire and archery – courtesy of Barnsley Hospital Charity.
“When they are checking their blood in front of other people or using equipment like pumps and sensors, it can make them feel different.”
The event, at PGL Dearne Valley activity centre, is the brainchild of the Children’s Diabetes team at Barnsley Hospital and this is the third year it has taken place.
“They are quite shy at the start but by the end they have made new friends and don’t feel so alone. It’s great to see them grow in confidence and have fun. Afterwards they swap numbers and set up WhatsApp groups with each other so they can keep in touch.”
Lead Nurse for Children’s Diabetes Sam Norris said: “We do it as a peer support event, as a lot of our children don’t know anyone else with diabetes.”
Twenty-four children aged 8 to 14 attended the day. Sam added: “It’s a great team-building day.”
Monica’s Winning Story Last year’s Proud of Barnsley Awards reminded us just how extraordinary our community truly is. In the Hospital Hero category, Monica Owen from the Switchboard team was honoured for her life-saving actions spotting signs of jaundice in a newborn and helping them breathe again.
Her quick thinking and compassion made all the difference. As we look ahead to the 2025 awards, now’s the time to shine a light on those unsung heroes among us. Nominate your Hospital Hero
QUALITY IMPROVEMENT
Read more about this and other QI projects on the Hub
MUST QI Project The MUST QI project team have gone over and above to reach more than 94% in the last year against a malnutrition screening standard. The score against the ‘Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool’ (MUST) affects nutritional risk assessments and referrals to dietitians. Ultimately, this informs treatment plans for vulnerable patients.
The team set up daily and monthly reports to show which patients had an outstanding MUST screening as well as compliance at ward level. The team also engaged with staff to increase awareness around MUST screening.
Dr Said Awarded International Grant to Lead Endoscopy Training Dr Said, Consultant Gastroenterologist and BSG Zonal Lead for Sub–Saharan Africa, has received a £10,000 grant to lead an endoscopy training mission in Kigali, Rwanda. Joined by specialists from Sheffield and Huddersfield, he’ll deliver a three-day programme covering core skills and a “Training the Colonoscopy Trainer” module.
Delegates from four African nations will attend, amplifying the initiative’s regional impact. This mission supports the BSG’s goal of advancing global gastroenterology standards and highlights our endoscopy unit’s role in international training collaborations and sustainable healthcare development in Sub–Saharan Africa.
Cyber Security Awareness – Protecting Our Patients and Staff Cyber security is everyone’s responsibility. The 360 Assurance cyber security quiz is a simple but effective way of helping staff recognise risks such as phishing emails, weak passwords, and unauthorised access. By taking part, colleagues strengthen their awareness and help safeguard sensitive patient and staff information.
Good information governance depends on every individual playing their part – staying alert not only protects our systems but also builds trust with patients who rely on us to keep their data safe.
Take the quiz here!!!!
PROUD
NEWS
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