BHNFT Barnsley Hospital News - June 2026

BARNSLEYHOSPITAL

Robotic-assisted surgery comes to Barnsley

Barnsley Hospital has begun using roboticassisted surgery to support surgeons in delivering care for selected patients.

The first patient lists started this month (June) in gynaecology following extensive preparation, staff training and safety checks, and they will continue in July for colorectal.

The new technology is designed to assist surgeons during certain procedures. For suitable patients, robotic-assisted

surgery can offer benefits such as smaller incisions, reduced pain and a quicker recovery compared to traditional surgery.

This marked the start of a phased introduction that will expand gradually to additional procedures and specialties once it is clinically safe and appropriate to do so.

Look out for a full feature about robotic-assisted surgery in our next edition (autumn).

Digital know-how improves services

A series of hands-on IT roadshows at Barnsley Hospital are helping NHS workers navigate the growing digital demands of modern healthcare. The roadshows showcase emerging innovations, including a trial of ‘Ambient Voice Technology,’ to help reduce colleagues’ administrative workload and free up more time for patient care.

Led by the Trust’s IT Service Desk, Infrastructure and Clinical Systems teams, the drop-in sessions provide quick, practical support where it is needed most. From Wi-Fi troubleshooting and demonstrations of cutting-edge technology, the sessions aim to keep services running smoothly in high-pressure clinical environments. At a recent event in the Emergency Department, clinicians and consultants stopped by for roadshow advice and tips, reflecting the everyday reality of working in an increasingly digital NHS.

Charlie Petch, Clinical Applications Support Manager, said the sessions are about making systems work more efficiently for busy staff: “It’s all about making day-to-day work easier and quicker. People ask for options on how something is meant to work, and we can show them the optimal choices.”

Colleague Jerome Hyde added: “In a busy hospital, people have very little time to explore everything systems can

do. We can help them find solutions quickly – because ultimately, they’ve got patients to see.”

Digital tools are transforming the NHS, and work goes on to help members of the public who remain ‘digitally excluded,’ lacking access to devices, reliable internet or the skills to use online services. Estimates suggest around 31% of people nationally still do not access health services online. This has significant consequences for healthcare. Digital exclusion is now widely recognised as a driver of health inequality, with those most affected –including older people, disabled people and those on low incomes – also among the heaviest users of NHS services.

As services increasingly move online, there are concerns that patients who cannot engage digitally may struggle to access care, understand health information or manage their conditions effectively.

In response, action is underway. The UK Government’s Digital Inclusion Action Plan, launched in 2025, aims to ensure everyone can access the internet, develop digital skills and engage confidently with online services. Within the NHS, a national framework for digital inclusion is helping organisations design services that are accessible to all, while maintaining non-digital routes such as face-to-face and telephone care.

Celebration Day for all professions

Barnsley Hospital launched a new event this month – a ‘Celebration Day’ designed to shine a spotlight on every role across the Trust. The event recognised the dedication, skill and teamwork that underpin patient care, while offering colleagues the chance to connect, learn and celebrate together. While traditional professional recognition days will remain, this shared celebration aims to unite all staff groups in one collective moment of appreciation.

Held at the hospital’s Colliers Restaurant, the day had a lively market-style feel, with stalls hosted by teams from across the hospital. Each showcased the vital work they do, with interactive activities to discover more about roles colleagues may not usually encounter. Food was also at the heart of the celebration, with a range of sweet and savoury treats. Treats were delivered to teams unable to leave their areas, with dedicated provisions for night staff.

We have much to be proud of

Welcome to the summer edition of Barnsley Hospital News. Since our last issue, the hospital has moved at pace on some exciting projects.

Among these is our introduction of robotic-assisted surgery. This technology assists surgeons during certain procedures by allowing greater precision and control. It means we can expand access to modern surgical techniques – helping more patients receive high quality care closer to home. In May, patients began using new facilities in our Theatre Assessment Unit. The new configuration improves both patient flow and patient experience.

We’ve also further invested in a major expansion of our Same Day Emergency Care (SDEC) services, including increasing opening hours. A major milestone is planned in July, when our Frailty SDEC moves into a new purpose-built facility at the hospital. This modern environment, designed specifically for older patients, supports dignified and efficient care.

We’ve also improved the environment in our Fracture Clinic, now operational in a newly refurbished space which supports better flow within orthopaedic outpatients.

The Trust is proud to announce that it will become a teaching Trust. Adding ‘teaching’ to our name signals our ongoing commitment to teaching, training and education to our partners – and to our current and future workforce.

May also saw publication of new national data, known as ‘Superstats’, which showed the NHS hit the 65% target for the number of patients waiting 18-weeks. Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust has reduced the number of patients waiting for treatment across medical services by almost 3,000 since September last year, with our latest 18-week performance at 71%.

I’d like to thank all our colleagues in Barnsley who work so very hard to ensure patients are seen faster.

Dr Richard Jenkins

We have again included our 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

From the Chair

Over the past few months, the NHS has once again demonstrated remarkable resilience in the face of sustained pressure. What always stands out is the compassion and strength of our people across Barnsley Hospital. Behind every improvement in patient care is a workforce that goes above and beyond. That is why supporting staff wellbeing remains one of our priorities. We know that a healthy, supported workforce is essential to delivering the high-quality care our patients deserve.

Encouragingly, we have made meaningful progress not only in performance, as our Chief Executive describes on page 1, but in how we care for our teams.

Initiatives such as our Wellness Festival have created valuable opportunities for colleagues to take time out, connect with one another, and focus on their own physical and mental health.

Events like these are a reflection of our commitment to creating a supportive, inclusive workplace. Celebrating our people is equally important. Our Celebration Day (Page 1) and

nominees in Barnsley’s Young Champions Awards, shone a spotlight on the dedication, talent and kindness that define our workforce and young supporters. Looking ahead, we are also investing in the future of the NHS workforce. Our partnership with Barnsley College (page 3) is opening doors for more young people to explore careers in healthcare, ensuring we continue to grow a skilled, diverse and caring workforce for years to come. Supporting the next generation is vital – not only for the

sustainability of our services, but for the continued strength of our community.

Of course, challenges remain. Financial pressures persist, and demand for services continues to grow. But as we navigate these complexities, one priority remains clear: to support our staff, listen to their experiences, and ensure they are valued in the work they do.

As we move forward, there is real confidence in what we can achieve together. We have a great deal of drive, strong partnerships, and above all, extraordinary people.

Thank you.

Barnsley Hospital shows it’s all heart

Award-winners announced at black-tie evening ...

Barnsley Hospital’s biggest night of the year, the annual Heart Awards, celebrated the dedication, compassion, and teamwork of colleagues and volunteers. With hundreds of nominations across 14 awards, it was clear just how much of a difference the hospital makes every day to patients and visitors.

The glitzy, black-tie evening was hosted by radio and TV presenter Stephanie Hirst and was attended by hundreds of guests who enjoyed a three-course meal and award presentation.

Reshaping Barnsley’s surgical theatres

A major transformation is underway behind the scenes at Barnsley Hospital – one that is set to reshape the surgical journey for both patients and staff.

The Trust’s ambitious Theatre Optimisation Programme (TOP) is far more than a refurbishment project. It’s a complete rethink of how surgical services are delivered, combining cutting-edge design with smarter ways of working to meet the growing demands on modern healthcare.

At its heart, the programme is about creating theatres that are fit for the future. As demand for surgery continues to rise and expectations around patient experience grow, the need for high-performing, efficient surgical environments has never been greater. TOP brings together clinical teams, estates, operational leaders and digital experts to meet that challenge head-on.

Walking into these upgraded theatre spaces, the changes will be clear. Modernised

environments will feature improved layouts, better lighting, enhanced ventilation, and upgraded infrastructure – all designed to support the latest clinical practices and technologies.

The transformation goes beyond bricks and mortar. A central focus of the programme is improving patient flow, that is, making the journey from admission to recovery smoother and more streamlined. By reducing delays, cancellations and waiting times, the Trust

aims to create a more efficient, joined-up surgical experience. Equally important is the impact on staff. Surgical teams work in one of the most demanding environments in the hospital, and TOP is designed to better support them in delivering outstanding care every day. By reducing unnecessary movement, improving workflows, and creating better-equipped spaces, the programme enables teams to focus on what matters most.

Regular working groups bring

Milestone for children’s community nurses

Barnsley Hospital is celebrating five years of its dedicated Children’s Community Nursing (CCN) team.

Operating seven days a week, the CCN service plays a crucial role in helping children with both acute and long-term conditions live as full and normal a life as possible.

By providing specialist nursing care in familiar surroundings, the team not only supports young patients but also offers reassurance and guidance to their families during some of their most challenging times. The mission of the service is to bridge the gap between hospital and home.

This means children can often leave hospital earlier, recovering in the comfort of their own environment without compromising on the quality or safety of their care. It’s a balance that requires expertise,

confidence and adaptability - particularly as nurses work in dynamic, sometimes unpredictable community settings, far removed from the controlled environment of a ward.

No two days are ever the same for the CCN team. Their work spans a range of clinical skills, from administering intravenous antibiotics at home to delivering complex wound care. They support

children with intricate medical needs, including those with tracheostomies, gastrostomies and nasogastric tubes, as well as young patients undergoing oncology treatment. For some families, the team provides compassionate end-oflife care, ensuring dignity, comfort and support every step of the way. Beyond the clinical expertise, it is the human connection that truly

defines the service. By building strong, trusting relationships with families, CCN nurses become a constant and reassuring presence –offering not just medical care, but emotional support, education and confidence to parents and carers.

Reaching this point is a milestone worth celebrating. The past five years have seen the team grow in both strength and impact, reflecting their unwavering dedication, compassion and commitment to improving outcomes for children and young people across the community. As healthcare continues to evolve, services like Children’s Community Nursing are proving that the future of care isn’t just in hospitals – it’s in homes, communities and the everyday lives of the families they serve.

together those who use theatres day in and day out with those responsible for infrastructure and delivery. This shared ownership ensures that improvements are practical, meaningful and informed by real-world experience. Ultimately, even small changes in theatre design and operation can have a big impact across the entire hospital. With faster access to surgery, fewer delays and improved working conditions, the TOP is set to deliver lasting benefits.

Endoscopy team goes green on national stage

Barnsley Hospital’s Endoscopy Department –celebrating success in our Heart Awards – has also been nationally recognised after being shortlisted as one of just six teams in the Green Gastroenterology Challenge 2026. Backed by Micro-Tech UK, the initiative supports teams to deliver highimpact sustainability projects while improving

patient care. Guided by the Centre for Sustainable Healthcare, the team will develop innovative ideas throughout the year, culminating in a national showcase this November. Consultant Gastroenterologist Dr Elmuhtady Said praised the achievement as a win for patients, the planet and Barnsley’s NHS Net Zero ambitions.

Governors witness future NHS workforce in action

Hospital Governors have visited Barnsley Hospital Academy – and got a powerful glimpse into the future of healthcare education in the town. Touring the purpose-built facility at Barnsley College, they explored a simulated ward environment designed to mirror real clinical settings – complete with industry-standard equipment and lifelike medical manikins –bringing learning to life for aspiring NHS professionals. The visit highlighted the

strength of the partnership between Barnsley College and Barnsley Hospital which helps meet growing demand for healthcare workers across the region. With health and social care already South Yorkshire’s largest employment sector, supporting around 93,000 people – and projected to grow by over 15% by 2035 - the need to nurture local talent has never been greater. At the heart of this collaboration is a shared ambition: to create a clear,

inspiring pathway into meaningful NHS careers. The Barnsley Hospital Academy, opened in 2024, is a cornerstone of that vision. It equips students with both the technical skills and confidence needed to step into real-life healthcare roles. College leaders say the approach is already making a difference. More students are progressing into employment or higher education, reflecting a tangible shift in opportunities available to young people in Barnsley.

For hospital Chair Dr Mike Richmond, the Academy represents something truly special. He described it as a ‘bespoke facility’ that closely replicates real clinical environments, giving students their first experience of healthcare in a supportive, highquality setting. Crucially, he emphasised the role of partnership in helping young people see a clear route into NHS careers.

He said: “What we want to do for the people of Barnsley is help provide the best environment for them

to learn in and for their first experience of healthcare as a career to be a really positive one.

“Barnsley Hospital is a major employer in our community, one that many health, science and social care professions students are likely to work with at some point in their career in some form, be that through employment, work experience or other training opportunities.

“That’s why it is so important to us to solidify this partnership and demonstrate that clear

Meet the Team: Diabetic Eye Screening

What does the team do?

At the heart of this dedicated service is one vital goal: preventing sight loss caused by diabetes.

Covering patients across Barnsley and Rotherham, the team supports around 42,000 people, offering regular screening from the age of 12. Their work helps detect early changes in the eye, often before symptoms appear –making a real difference to long-term health outcomes.

Who makes up the team? It’s a close-knit group of clinical experts and support staff working seamlessly together. Led by a Lead Nurse and Programme Manager, the

service includes specialist screeners, graders, retinal photographers and slit lamp examiners.

Consultants provide clinical leadership, while ‘failsafe’ and admin colleagues ensure everything runs smoothly behind the scenes –tracking patients and arranging appointments. What happens at an appointment?

Patients can expect a quick, efficient visit in a relaxed and supportive environment.

Clinics include routine screenings and specialist imaging. For those who may feel anxious, the team goes

the extra mile - offering pre-appointment phone calls, longer appointment times if needed, and a reassuring, patient-first approach throughout. What makes this team special?

Teamwork is at the centre of everything they do. Every member shares the same focus: putting patients first. Whether that’s coordinating care pathways, adapting appointments or ensuring safety checks are met, the team’s collaborative spirit ensures high-quality care for every patient.

Where are the clinics based?

The service is now delivered from the modern

Alhambra Centre, offering a convenient, town-centre location. With excellent public transport links and ample parking, it’s designed to make attending appointments easier and more accessible, helping patients fit screening into their busy lives. What achievements are you most proud of?

The team recently celebrated some exciting milestones, including welcoming the Health Secretary to officially open the Alhambra Outpatients centre. They have also contributed to a national Department of Health video, showcasing

how the service is improving patient access and experience. What’s the message to patients?

Don’t miss your screening. It’s quick,

simple and could save your sight. With a friendly team ready to support you every step of the way, attending your appointment has never been easier.

Thank you to everyone who helped

We want to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has supported our Breast Care Appeal. Your generosity will help us make a real difference to patients receiving care during some of the most challenging moments of their lives.

The Breast Care Appeal was launched in June 2025 with a target of £250,000 and an ambition to achieve this by June 30 2026, the final total will be announced soon – watch this space!

Thanks to the kindness of our supporters, we will be able to enhance services, improve patient comfort, and provide additional support beyond what NHS funding alone can offer.

Every donation, fundraising event, and message of encouragement has played an important part in helping us

move closer to our goal.

We are incredibly grateful to our community for standing with us and helping to ensure that local breast care patients receive the best possible care and support. Thank you for being part of this important journey.

Shout Out to our latest supporters for helping the Breast Care appeal n Bonnie Thorne – climbing Scafell Pyke in July n Colleagues from GXO – turning the workplace pink and supporting the bra bank appeal n Hospital staff from Gateway Plaza hosting a Bake Off n Colleagues from Owens Corning – taking on the Barnsley 10k and raising awareness of breast care n Hospital staff Tim Spackman and Sarah Newbold bravely taking on a wingwalk.

Rainbow Room mini appeal launches

Our work does not stop here though as we launch our next project – a mini appeal for The Rainbow Room at Barnsley Hospital.

The Rainbow Room was created to provide a peaceful, comforting and private space for parents and families during some of the most difficult moments imaginable, the loss of their baby.

Work is being undertaken to develop the room into a suite and charity funds raised over and

above NHS provision will help us provide those extra touches that make a real difference to family wellbeing and comfort.

The charity has two upcoming events where you can get involved to support this appeal, a Dragon Boat Race on Sunday September 13 or the Autumn Memory Walk on Sunday October 18.

Sign up at www.barnsleyhospitalcharity.co.uk/events

Thank you to both of our bereavement midwives Ellie Brown and Michelle Young (pictured) who are getting involved in fundraising for the Rainbow Room. Ellie along with her partner Matt are taking on a 145-mile cycle ride in memory of their son Rupert. Michelle is leading a dragon boat in the September race and would love other teams to get involved too.