PROUD
NEWS
7 AUGUST 2026
Jo’s Silver Chief Midwifery Award Read more about Jo’s surprise visitor on page 4
Welcome to another wonderful edition of Proud News. This week we celebrate Midwife Jo Bowering and Maternity Support Worker Sarah O’Mara as they both receive recognition from NHS Chief Midwife Kate Brintworth. Kate took the opportunity to find out more about the
great work of the maternity and perinatal teams, and talked with them about the services and care they provide in our communities. We’re ever so proud of Jo and Sarah, and the hard work of our maternity and perinatal teams. Proud News is all about celebrating successes and achievements, and we want to know about your story too. This week the Proud of Barnsley Awards opened for nominations, so if you know a Hospital Hero, why not take a moment to share their story - details in the back of this edition.
Emma Parkes
Joint Director of Communications
Alhambra Outpatients Alhambra Outpatients was showcased on the BBC One Show on Tuesday this week. An audience of just over 3m viewers saw interviews with one of our patients and with Orthoptist Ashlie Wright and Director of Operations Shaun Garside. The story explored how staff, patients and the public feel about accessing healthcare on the high street - with an overall positive response! Thank you to everyone involved.
Watch the recording on BBC iPlayer Available until 3 September
Jo meets CMO This week our maternity and perinatal teams had some very special guests visit to present a very special award to a very special midwife. Chief Midwifery Officer for England Kate Brintworth, alongside Deputy Chief Midwifery Officer for England Vicki Cochrane, and Deputy Regional Chief Midwife for North East and Yorkshire Claire Keegan, surprised Community Midwife Jo Bowering with her award during a seeming normal visit to find out more about how our teams support their communities. Kate and colleagues spent time talking with teams about their experiences, and the experiences of the families, women, birthing people and babies they support.
Jo was presented with her Chief Midwifery Officer Silver Award as a surprise during the visit.
Jo has dedicated over 40 years to the Trust, including 23 years as a Community Midwife. Throughout her career, she has consistently demonstrated selflessness, professionalism, and a deep commitment to supporting others. Jo goes above and beyond to ensure that every woman in her care receives the highest standard of support and attention. Her compassionate nature and extensive experience enable her to connect with women on a personal level, providing calm reassurance during what can often be a challenging time. Women consistently feel comforted and well cared for in her presence.
Jo! e n o d l l We
As a colleague, Jo is exemplary - always willing to assist and share her knowledge, making her an invaluable and highly respected member of the team.
Sarah’s excellence shines through Congratulations to Sarah O’Mara who last week was awarded with a Chief Midwifery Officer Award for Support Worker Excellence! Sarah actively contributes to creating a positive, supportive culture, where colleagues feel valued and motivated. Her willingness to flex and support the team during pressure, alongside her proactive approach to improvement, makes her a key contributor to both team cohesion and service delivery.
She brings a consistently positive attitude to the clinic environment, taking pride in her work and in the spaces she helps to maintain, recognising that high-quality environments directly contribute to patient safety, dignity and experience. Her attention to detail, reliability and enthusiasm are evident in everything she does.
Well done
Sarah!
Carla goes from learning to leading care Carla Wigman, Student Midwife at Barnsley Hospital, said: “Before starting my midwifery degree, I worked in a variety of different roles, but I wanted a career where I could channel my passion for helping people into something meaningful. As soon as I began researching midwifery, I knew it was the right path for me. I have spent the last three years training at Barnsley Hospital and recently secured a position here as a qualified midwife, which is incredibly exciting. “During my training, I also became a mum myself and experienced the care provided by the Barnsley maternity team first-hand. “Everyone has been so supportive, encouraging and invested in helping me succeed. It’s a close-knit team, and I’m proud to now be joining it as a colleague.”
Wendy puts her best foot forward Wendy Holdcroft has been recognised by her ward manager and team for her outstanding dedication to the Diabetic Foot Clinic at Barnsley Hospital.
To thank Wendy for her hard work and dedication, the local NHS Professionals team presented her with a certificate of appreciation and a goodie box.
For the past 18 months, Wendy has gone above and beyond in her role, quickly becoming an invaluable member of the team.
Her nominator described Wendy as an "unsung hero" whose passion for protecting patients and supporting colleagues is truly inspiring.
Her proactive approach, commitment to improving patient care, and willingness to step up when needed have made a real difference to both colleagues and patients.
Thank you for all you do, Wendy!
BRILLIANT TEAM
Aimee Turner and Megan Ray Aimee and Megan work collaboratively each year to plan and deliver the Hand Hygiene Champion Training Day, an essential event designed to educate, motivate, and support staff in their roles.
Drawing inspiration from The Traitors television programme, they developed a themed “Hand Hygiene” version of the game, incorporating a range of activities focused on key hand hygiene principles.
This year, they demonstrated exceptional creativity and innovation by designing a highly engaging and interactive training experience.
Congratulations on your Brilliant Award Aimee and Megan!
Nominate a colleague for a Brilliant Award today
IN PURSUIT OF QUALITY
Accreditation success for Ward 18
We are absolutely delighted to share the fantastic news that Ward 18 has achieved outstanding outcomes in their recent Ward Accreditation review. The team highlighted their dedication, adaptability, and exceptional teamwork of the ward team. Despite operating with increased bed numbers and navigating staffing and leadership challenges, the ward has continued to deliver safe, kind, and person‑centred care.
The team was recognised for strong staff retention, proactive quality improvement, excellent end‑of‑life care, and receiving a Brilliant Award for teamwork during challenging periods. Ward 18’s achievements are a testament to their resilience, compassion, and unwavering commitment to quality. Well done to the entire team on Ward 18!
CAVELL STAR
Jill shines as a Cavell star Congratulations to Healthcare Assistant Jill Brookes on Ward 32 for her Cavell Award! Jill has worked at Barnsley Hospital for many years. Despite whatever the challenges, she always arrives at work with a smile on her face and a positive attitude for the day. Nothing is ever too much for Jill, she is always willing to give 100% to her patients, their loved ones and also her colleagues. The care she provides is exceptional - should anyone
need hospital care, it would feel privileged to have Jill be part of the team providing care. She is an absolute asset to the NHS and a true role model for others.
Nominate a colleague for a Cavell Star Award today
Feedback
FRIDAY This week’s feedback is a wonderful reminder that every single one of our colleagues plays a part in making a patient’s experience the best it can be. From the moment someone walks through our doors to the moment they leave, every interaction matters. Whether you work in clinical care, administration, support services, facilities, or any one of our many vital teams you make a difference.
“All staff I encountered were very friendly, caring and willing to explain as to why my symptoms were making me feel so ill. I felt I was reassured and any concerns were handled immediately. A huge thank you to all the staff I encountered your kindness and generosity of time was very much appreciated.” (AMU)
Choose your Hospital Hero! The Barnsley Chronicle’s annual search to find the town’s unsung heroes is gathering pace. If you know or work with someone worthy of special recognition, then why not nominate your chosen person or team in the ‘Hospital Hero’ category for a highly-coveted Proud of Barnsley award. Nominate by sending a brief description about why they deserve to be recognised to the team at the Chronicle. The glittering award ceremony is at Barnsley Metrodome in November.
You can nominate someone you know by emailing brief details to: proudofbarnsley@barnsleychronicle.co.uk
Proud to leverage data We’re partnering with Multiverse to launch our Data and AI Academy, designed to help staff feel more confident and capable when working with data and making the most of the digital tools available across the Trust. This initiative isn’t just for data or digital specialists – it’s for everyone. The goal is to support colleagues in using data a little better every day, ultimately improving the care we provide to our patients. Tom Davidson, Director of ICT
Example use Reducing “No-Shows” A Medical Secretary analysed patient data to identify “High-Risk” DNA profiles. By implementing a targeted reminder based on this data, they reduced DNA rates and saved the department around £14k per quarter.
What’s in it for you? Learn in-demand skills and earn qualifications Make quicker decisions based on data, saving time and increasing efficiency Pioneer the adoption of AI across Barnsley Read more about courses available on the Hub
Proud of my Pet
Meet Charlie
Meet Rocky
Proudly owned by Becky Barker, Head of Medical Staffing
Proudly owned by Megan Ray, Clerical Officer – Infection Prevention & Control Team
PROUD
NEWS
Produced each week by the Barnsley Hospital Communications team. Proud News is all about you and what you’re doing, featuring stories about people who make a difference.
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