Barnsley Hospital News - March 2026

‘Tech Town’ is set to transform patient care

Barnsley has been named as the UK’s first ‘Tech Town’ – with the NHS among partners receiving government support to unleash Artificial Intelligence (AI) opportunities.

With the announcement in February, Technology Secretary Liz Kendall set out plans to put the full weight of government behind the town’s rollout of AI across everything from health to education.

Over the next 18 months, government will work closely with local business leaders, educators, NHS workers and more to build local talent who can access the jobs of the future, and make local services fit for the AI era.

Barnsley Hospital leaders say the ambitious digital overhaul will transform patient care and cut waiting times, with the roll-out of AI systems, smart tracking tools and digital assistants across emergency care, wards, outpatient clinics and vital diagnostic services.

A spokesperson said: “This is about giving frontline workers the right tools and skills to deliver faster, safer and more personalised care. For us, the Tech Town initiative is not a single product or system but a full scale rethink of how clinicians work - and how patients move through the hospital.”

Among the bold new measures are: n AI powered voice assistants that listen in during consultations and automatically write up clinical notes –potentially spelling the end of hurried typing and letters.

n Smart tracking technology following patients through every stage of their hospital journey, aiming to prevent anyone being lost in the system.

n Predictive modelling tools to support clinical decisions, as well as AI assisted radiology to speed up the analysis of X rays, scans and endoscopy images.

The Emergency Department is already ditching paper records in favour of fully digital notes – a change staff say improves safety and ensures vital information reaches specialists more quickly.

With the NHS under constant scrutiny over data protection, hospital leaders are keen to stress that patient privacy remains ‘fundamental.’ All suppliers, they say, are chosen through formal NHS procurement processes, and every system must meet strict data protection, cyber security and clinical

safety standards. They also emphasise that AI tools will support clinicians, who remain fully accountable for every decision about patient care.

Dr Jamie Miles, the Trust’s Chief Innovation, Improvement and AI Officer, is leading the charge on what insiders say could become one of the most ambitious digital transformation programmes seen in a district general hospital.

Dr Miles said: “Patients have long been promised modern, tech savvy hospital experiences – and Barnsley is staking its future firmly on the power of digital change. Barnsley Hospital is and will be in the future using AI tools that offer quicker check-ins, faster triage and smoother outpatient care, providing a better service and freeing up NHS workers to focus on what they do best.”

Standing against violence ...

Barnsley Hospital colleagues increasingly face violence and aggression for simply doing their jobs. Here we look at one case which demonstrates the resilience of frontline workers, and the vital importance of supporting our incredible NHS staff. A man in his sixties arrived in hospital with a complex cognitive condition that profoundly shaped his behaviour. Though medically fit for discharge after just one week, he would remain in hospital for months – months marked by uncertainty, escalating behaviours, and extraordinary resilience from the staff caring for him. His behaviour was unpredictable and, at times, frightening. He frequently attempted to leave the ward and regularly displayed verbal and physical aggression. Staff found themselves balancing compassion with vigilance, working tirelessly to maintain safety for everyone. They began

keeping a diary of triggers –small clues that might help them anticipate his mood or prevent an escalation. They discovered that something as simple as giving him hands-on tasks or familiar videos to watch could bring moments of calm in otherwise turbulent days. One night, without warning, the patient violently assaulted a member of staff. The attack left her with a broken nose, concussion, bruising, and a week away from work recovering. It was a stark reminder of the hidden emotional and physical burdens many healthcare workers carry. Despite offers of support, she quietly declined additional services, determined simply to return to her role. Security support made a remarkable difference, but sometimes areas without CCTV created blind spots where risk increased, adding another layer of pressure to an already challenging environment. Behind the scenes, multiple teams came together –discharge planners, social care, mental health services

– all working to find a place that could safely meet the patient’s needs. When a suitable placement was finally secured, a carefully planned and compassionate discharge ensured he travelled

safely and settled well. This case shines a light on the emotional toll of prolonged aggression, and the sacrifices our staff make to ensure compassionate patient care.

Welcome to our spring edition of Barnsley Hospital News. Firstly, I acknowledge it has been a demanding winter in the local NHS, with flu starting earlier this year and a significant rise in overall demand.

It can be easy to focus on ‘what’s wrong’ in the NHS rather than ‘what’s right.’ Yet almost every day we receive heartfelt thanks and praise from patients. One patient, who was fitted with a pacemaker, described our surgical team as ‘phenomenal.’ Another, admitted to hospital after a mental health episode, said: “Every member of staff did so much for me. Brilliant work. I’m alive and wanting to live because of those people.”

This year we have also had praise from some of the most high-profile politicians in the country. In late January, Health Secretary Wes Streeting officially opened our new ‘Health on the High Street’ hub in the Alhambra Shopping Centre. He described it as the ‘future of the NHS,’ with its innovative approach to developing services in the community. Just days later, Barnsley was named as the UK’s first ‘tech town’ (see our page 1 lead story), and Technology Secretary Liz Kendall visited the town to launch £500,000 to kick off the scheme. It means Barnsley will be a test bed for how artificial intelligence is used in the NHS as well as in schools and colleges. In the NHS, we always work against a backdrop of intense national and international activity. The National Cancer Plan has been released, and we are keenly aware that there has been a 15% rise in cancer diagnosis in Barnsley. We really do need more people to come forward earlier when they are worried about symptoms. See our ‘Active Together’ story on Page 3. Finally, to finance. We must strengthen our financial position over the next few years, through reducing waste while remaining focused on high quality care and meeting performance standards. Every improvement – large or small – helps us protect patient care and use taxpayers’ money responsibly.

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

As we move forward through the year, I want to extend my sincere thanks to everyone across Barnsley Hospital for their continued commitment to providing outstanding care to our community. Barnsley is a place defined by pride, resilience, and a strong sense of togetherness, and these qualities are reflected every day in the work of our colleagues and volunteers.

Over recent months, we have continued to see significant pressure across our services, particularly within urgent and

emergency care. Despite these challenges, our teams have remained focused on delivering safe, compassionate treatment, ensuring patients and families feel supported from the moment they arrive.

We are also making important progress in strengthening our facilities and investing in the future of our hospital. From improvements in digital technology to upgrades within key departments, each development represents our commitment to giving colleagues the tools they

need and providing patients with modern, efficient, and welcoming environments. These changes are not just physical improvements – they are part of our long-term ambition to keep Barnsley Hospital at the heart of high-quality care for our community.

Our partnerships across Barnsley and the wider South Yorkshire system continue to be vital to this work. Whether through collaborations with primary care, community services, the local authority, or our vibrant

Therapists leading powerful shift in delirium care

A pioneering project led by Barnsley Hospital’s Medical Occupational Therapy Team is transforming the way delirium is recognised and managed, improving outcomes for some of the most vulnerable patients.

Delirium – a sudden change in mental state that can cause confusion, agitation, or reduced awareness – is a common but often overlooked medical emergency, particularly among older adults. Recognising the urgent need for improvement, Specialist Occupational Therapist Aimee BurtonDraper launched a dedicated delirium project five years ago after completing a year long study into the role of occupational therapy in critical care. Since then, the initiative has grown significantly. Occupational therapists across the team have been trained to identify the early warning signs of delirium, using tools such as screening assessments and prioritising patients most at risk.

Crucially, the team now provides daily occupational therapy interventions designed to prevent and reduce the severity of delirium. Research shows that this regular input can halve delirium rates in acute and critical care environments, and Barnsley’s

therapists are seeing the benefits firsthand. Aimee, who has become the Trust’s Delirium Champion, has attended national conferences, reviewed leading clinical guidelines, and created a bespoke ‘Delirium Toolbox’ to support staff in delivering the best possible care. She has also delivered specialist training across the therapy workforce to help embed these practices throughout the hospital.

She said: “While functional activities remain central to occupational therapy, we emphasise that sensory stimulation and cognitive reorientation play an equally vital role - yet these approaches are still widely under recognised in delirium treatment.”

The team now hopes to widen its impact by working even more closely with the multidisciplinary workforce, raising awareness and ensuring that every patient at risk of delirium receives timely, coordinated, and compassionate care.

Kick the habit, keep the health

Barnsley Hospital Stop Smoking Service –joined by the Smoking in Pregnancy team and Occupational Health –made their way around wards throughout No Smoking Day (March 11). The teams were on hand to talk with staff about the support available to help them stub out the habit for good. Staff took part in a ‘spin

the wheel’ challenge for a chance to bag themselves some treats as a thank-you for supporting the initiative.

Colleagues were encouraged to look out for the teams on their ward and take a moment to discuss the help on offer – whether they were thinking about quitting, supporting someone else, or just wanting to know more.

Quitting smoking is the best thing you can do for your health. You might notice benefits sooner than you think:

n Your heart rate and blood pressure will begin to return to normal after 20 minutes.

n Your sense of smell and taste will begin to improve after 2-3 days.

n Your risk of a heart attack is half that of a smoker after 1 year.

Quitting smoking has other benefits like:

n You will have fresher breath and whiter teeth.

n Your skin might look younger and age less quickly.

n You might have more energy, feel less tired and get less headaches. It’s never too late to benefit from stopping smoking.

On average, smokers who quit in their 30s will add 10 years to their life. Even quitting at 60 will add three years.

voluntary sector, we are stronger when we work together. I am grateful for the support and shared purpose shown by all our partners. We’ve been celebrating some of our recent achievements, such as those of our apprentices (National Apprenticeship Week in February), and we have more to look forward to at our everpopular Heart Awards in May. Thank you for your ongoing trust and support. Together, we will continue building a hospital that Barnsley can be truly proud of.

Healthcare science that defends against infection

Tucked away in Barnsley Hospital at the end of a quiet corridor on Level 2 is one of the Trust’s smallest – yet most crucial – departments. Decontamination Services, also known as Sterile Services, may not be widely recognised by the public, but its impact is felt throughout the hospital and beyond. Without this team, surgeries would halt, clinics would close, and infection risks would soar.

Sterile Services Technicians play a vital role within healthcare science, working behind the scenes to ensure that every medical instrument used across the Trust is thoroughly cleaned, sterilised and safe. Their work draws on scientific principles ranging from microbiology to chemistry, as they combat harmful bacteria, understand how contamination spreads and operate sophisticated sterilisation technology. By meticulously checking, cleaning, packing and testing equipment, these healthcare scientists form a critical line of defence against infection. The department’s 35 technicians and supervisors bring more than 500 years of combined experience to their work, managing the full cycle of instrument reprocessing – from collection to redispatch. While historically a predominantly female workforce, the team has become more diverse in recent years, with more men joining the profession. Its longestserving technician began her journey straight from school on the YTS scheme and has witnessed dramatic changes in both technology and attitudes. What was once a relatively simple process

involving basic cleaning machines has evolved into a highly regulated, technically advanced discipline featuring automated washer disinfectors, rigorous quality checks and strict national standards. This shift reflects the growing scientific understanding of sterilisation, as well as rapid innovation within the field. Today, the department is committed to shaping the next generation of decontamination professionals. Since 2023, all new recruits have been enrolled onto the Level 2 Healthcare Science apprenticeship, ensuring hands-on experience is supported by robust scientific training. Apprentices learn everything from instrument tracking and machine parameter checks to endoscope reprocessing, developing the skills needed to meet modern healthcare demands.Several apprentices have already successfully completed the programme, with more approaching final assessment and others embarking on Level 3 study. With strong investment in training and a passion for knowledge-sharing, the future of Decontamination Services looks bright.

From the early days of nurses boiling instruments to today’s science-driven, highly technical processes, this often overlooked department continues to be a cornerstone of patient safety –and a shining example of women in healthcare science.

n To find out more about Healthcare Science, go to: Home - The Academy For Healthcare Science

Barnsley MP visits hospital’s Breast Care Unit

Stephanie Peacock MP popped in to Barnsley Hospital to hear about great progress on the hospital charity’s Breast Care Appeal.

The Labour MP for Barnsley South went on a brief tour of the Breast Unit and met colleagues including Matron Leanne Battley and Sister/ Charge Nurse Kay Steel. The Trust Chief Executive Dr Richard Jenkins welcomed Stephanie while Charity Development Manager Jane Mills told her that the appeal, only launched in June, was already at £206,000 of its £250,000 target.

The funds will be used to transform the Breast Unit – which looks after patients for example who have had mastectomies – into a more welcoming, calming and supportive healing space. The appeal focuses on improving patient experience for over 7,300 annual patients, with floor-to-ceiling nature prints, better seating and enhanced privacy.

Leanne said: “The unit itself is dated, although the service we provide is excellent – reflected in the number of compliments we get. We see all kinds of patients and the unit needs to be welcoming for all.”

Kay noted that the unit also saw a number of male patients and privacy was important.

Kay added: “Patients got together and came up with the various ideas for improvements. One of the first tasks is to improve the reception area and change the furniture and décor.”

To find out more about the Breast Care Appeal, and how you can support it, please turn to Page 4.

Pioneering ‘cancer exercise treatment’ expands

Yorkshire Cancer Research is expanding its Active Together service this summer, after revealing that nearly 3,000 people across Yorkshire have already been supported by the cancer exercise treatment programme. The expansion into Huddersfield and Calderdale comes as the Government has published its National Cancer Plan to improve the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer. The plan, which references evidence from the Active Together service, includes a commitment to make prehabilitation available to everyone diagnosed with cancer through digital

technology and provide rehabilitation for some people with cancer.

Here in Barnsley, the Active Together service delivered from the hospital is already proving a huge success. Among those it has helped is Lesley Penty, a mother-of-two from Barnsley. In early December 2024, Lesley was told that potentially cancerous cells had been found in her lung after attending a free lung health check.

Lesley said: “I needed surgery to remove the tumour in my lung, and Active Together helped prepare me for that by making sure I was as fit and as mentally prepared as I could be. I was also

Welcome to new Governors

Barnsley Hospital’s recent Governor elections saw multiple new faces joining our Council of Governors.

As well as Public Governors, we also recruited new Staff Governors. Chris Millington is our new Lead Governor. Chris was born in Barnsley where he still lives with his wife. They have two daughters and four grandchildren.

Chris said: “My full-time career path saw me working in the retail motor trade, starting on the shop floor, rising to be Main Board Director.

“I’m passionate about customer care and getting things done at pace. I look forward to bringing care closer to home and reducing inequality of care across the whole of Barnsley.

“We have a great local hospital and I want to contribute to making it better than the best.

New Lead Governor Chris Millington

I’m particularly excited about changing the way we deliver care through all of our health and wellbeing partnerships.”

Our Governors recently took part in the ‘Together at the Town Hall’ event in Barnsley (see photo below). This was a free event which showcased the very best of Barnsley Council services, local partners, activities – and everything that makes our town special. Exhibitions, stalls and talks were all on offer.

We now have four new Public Governors and three new Staff Governors. To find out more, please visit: https://shorturl.at/ TAtas

very tired after my operation, but thanks to the brilliant team at Active Together, I now feel fantastic both physically and mentally.

“I’m now more positive and hopeful for the future. Exercise is not only great for improving recovery and increasing cancer survival but has also been crucial in helping me focus on the joys of everyday life and my mental health.

“I want the Government to roll out lung screening and exercise programmes as quickly as possible so more lives can be saved.”

Active Together is a researchbacked cancer exercise

treatment service designed by Sheffield Hallam University’s Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre (AWRC). The service has been helping people across the region prepare for and recover from cancer treatment since 2022.

It is currently available in Sheffield, Doncaster, Barnsley, Rotherham, Wakefield and North Kirklees, Airedale, Wharfedale and Craven, Harrogate and Hull. Sadly, people in Yorkshire are more likely to have their lives cut short by cancer than almost anywhere else in England. Research shows exercise can reduce the risk of people dying by a third.

Dr Stuart Griffiths, Director of Research at Yorkshire Cancer Research, said: “It is encouraging to see the Government recognise prehabilitation and rehabilitation as essential components of cancer care and treatment. However, evidence from the charity’s Active Together service shows the most life-changing benefits come from structured, personalised cancer exercise treatment provided through one-to-one sessions and group classes – before, during and after cancer treatment.”

To find out more about Active Together, please visit: https:// www.yorkshirecancerresearch. org.uk/active-together

Major boost to Aseptics service

A specialised Barnsley Hospital service which looks after critical medicines – including chemotherapy drugs – is celebrating major improvements. The service, Pharmacy Aseptics, is responsible for the safe, accurate, and timely preparation of ready-to-administer treatments. These include chemotherapy, and adult and neonatal Parenteral Nutrition (PN) – a method of delivering essential nutrients to patients. These complex and often time-critical medicines support some of the most vulnerable and acutely unwell.

Back in 2023, the unit faced a setback due to deteriorating facilities. What followed was an extraordinary period of challenge, resilience and reinvention.

With the unit’s pharmaceutical isolators and airhandling system out of action, the 15-strong team of pharmacists, technicians and

assistant technical officers temporarily relocated to Rotherham NHS Trust.

For nearly 12 months, staff travelled daily to ensure chemotherapy treatments continued without delay.

Meanwhile, Barnsley Hospital undertook a significant capital refurbishment. New isolators were installed, the airhandling unit was replaced, and the department weathered multiple floods and additional facility disruptions.

Alongside this, the team introduced a new stock control and dispensing system – all the while responding to growing clinical demand and increasingly complex treatment requirements. Despite these obstacles, the turnaround has been remarkable.

In January 2026, the unit achieved a ‘low risk’ rating – the highest possible outcome under Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards. The team’s dedication

NHS apprentices play a vital role

Barnsley Hospital highlighted the achievements and contributions of all its apprentices past and present for National Apprenticeship Week 2026.

The week (9-15 February) brought together organisations and apprentices from across the country to show the positive impact apprenticeships have on individuals, workplaces and the wider economy. This year’s theme, ‘Skills for Life’, focused on the lifelong value of developing knowledge, capability and confidence, empowering people to grow and take opportunities throughout their careers.

At Barnsley Hospital, apprentices play a vital role across many departments, contributing fresh ideas, resilience and commitment. Throughout the week, the Trust celebrated colleagues who are currently undertaking apprenticeship programmes, alongside those who began in the NHS as apprentices and went on to build fulfilling careers within the Trust. Todd Finnerty, Project Management Office (PMO) Administration Apprentice, began his apprenticeship journey in October 2023, stepping into his first job after leaving school. Although his initial application for an IT apprenticeship wasn’t

successful, Todd embraced a new opportunity by joining the PMO team as a Level 2 Customer Service Apprentice, which he completed with a Distinction. He is now close to finishing his Level 3 Business Administration Apprenticeship. Reflecting on his experience, Todd said: “I never knew time could fly before starting at the NHS. Every second has been worthwhile, and I’ve built strong working relationships across all levels of the Trust. I’m excited for what comes next.”

Steve Ned, the Trust’s Director of People, added: “Our apprentices are something to be proud of at Barnsley Hospital, playing a vital

earned them one of the hospital’s Brilliant Awards, recognising their commitment to maintaining critical services despite long commutes and reduced capacity.

Technical Services Manager Alex Crosby praised the team’s dedication, emphasising their close collaboration with the Chemotherapy Unit and Planned Investigation Unit (PIU) and their relentless focus on patient safety: “This achievement reflects the professionalism and teamwork of every member of the service.”

For Barnsley patients, the improvements mean faster, more reliable access to vital treatments and the assurance that complex medicines are being prepared in a modern, fully compliant environment. For the Aseptics team, the recognition marks the end of an exceptionally challenging chapter – and the beginning of a stronger, more resilient service.

role in strengthening our teams and shaping the future of our workforce.

“Across the organisation, apprentices bring fresh ideas, energy and enthusiasm, making a real difference to patient care and helping keep our services running smoothly. From patient facing roles to the essential work that supports frontline care, apprentices are a key part of what makes our hospital work. The skills and confidence you’re developing today are helping to build a strong, talented workforce for the future.

“I thank our apprentices for everything they do – we’re proud to support and celebrate their success.”

Meet the Team: Activity Co-ordinators

At Barnsley Hospital, recovery is about more than medication, treatment plans or ward rounds. Thanks to our Activity Coordinators, patients are finding stimulation, companionship and motivation during what can otherwise be an isolating time. Working closely with therapy and nursing teams, coordinators Carly Mann and Hannah Taylor are helping patients stay physically active and mentally engaged – and crucially, reducing the risk of ‘deconditioning,’ the loss of physical and cognitive ability caused by long periods in bed. Carly, based on Ward 21, works alongside nurses, doctors, health carers and therapists to deliver both

group sessions and one-to-one activities tailored to each patient’s needs. Her weekly s chedule offers chair-based exercises and bingo on Mondays, to pamper mornings and crafts on Tuesdays, and the everpopular ‘tea for two’ and quiz on Wednesdays. Thursdays bring sitdown exercises and horse racing games, while Fridays finish the week with cards, bingo and a book club. Whenever possible, sessions take place in the ward’s dining room, though some activities are brought bedside for those unable to leave their rooms. Carly loves seeing patients regain mobility, confidence and social connection. The work can be demanding,

Em Shepherd

Emma’s leap for charity

Our very own Em Shepherd is warming up to do a skydive for Barnsley Hospital Charity to raise money for the hospital’s Breast Care Appeal.

Em started as a Communications and Media Officer at the hospital in January, and her stunt will help her celebrate turning 30 this year. She said: “As a notorious scaredy cat, I’ve always avoided high stress situations and am more comfortable scrolling TikToks on my sofa. I could count on one hand the times I’ve pushed myself out of my comfort zone.

“Working in NHS communications means I’m always hearing about other people’s bravery and resilience – but hardly ever show this myself.”

Em’s skydive is on Friday 24 April 2026. She is super close to her target of £500, and her fundraising will support a transformation of the dedicated Breast Unit where patients receive breast care. Around 7,381 patients are seen annually in the unit with a variety of symptoms and of those around 250 are breast cancer patients.

Em said: “I’m absolutely terrified, but know that those I’m jumping for will be facing harder battles. If you could support my jump, I’d be so grateful.”

Support Emma on JustGiving: https://shorturl.at/NwsMK

If you fancy taking a leap yourself, check out all of the charity’s events including a September skydive at www.barnsleyhospitalcharity. co.uk/events

especially when patients require one-to-one attention or when medical needs disrupt plans, but she adapts with creativity and compassion. Already, she’s proud of the number of patients she has encouraged out of bed and back into conversation and community. Seasonal events are also part of her vision – with Easter decorations, raffles, and bake sales all part of the fun. Hannah brings the same commitment, running a range of activities including movie nights, gardening sessions, pub quizzes and bespoke memory games she designs herself. Her work with patients living with dementia –spending time listening, chatting and completing ‘Reach Out to Me’

booklets – is a core part of her week. Fundraising is another passion, with monthly raffles and coffee mornings helping pay for extras such as activity supplies, festive treats and alcohol-free drinks for social events. One highlight was last summer’s mini funfair, where the day room was transformed with games like Hook-a-Duck and Tin Can Alley, allowing relatives and patients to enjoy precious time together. More events are planned for the coming months, with a calendar of spring activities. Whether through games, conversation or shared laughter, Barnsley Hospital’s Activity Coordinators prove that recovery is not only medical – it’s social, emotional and joyful too.

Incredible community support helps appeal near target

Barnsley Hospital Charity’s major fundraising appeal to enhance breast care services in Barnsley is edging closer to its £250,000 target with an incredible £206,000 already raised.

Launched in June 2025, the Breast Care Appeal aims to transform the dedicated Breast Unit at

Barnsley Hospital, creating a more welcoming, comfortable and calming environment for the thousands of patients who rely on the service each year. The unit supports more than 7,000 patients annually, both women and men including around 250

people diagnosed with breast cancer.

The appeal has captured the hearts of the community, with supporters taking on extraordinary challenges and hosting creative events. From walking, running and swimming to skydiving, wing walking and even swimming with sharks, fundraisers have gone above and beyond.

Others have supported the cause by buying raffle tickets, trying their luck on the tombola, sponsoring a star or dazzling at the Strictly Glitterball event held at Barnsley Civic in November last year.

With just £47,000 left to raise before June 2026, Jane Mills, Charity Development Manager is urging the public to get involved. Supporters can sign up for the Barnsley 10K in June, take part in the Dragon Boat Race in July, or organise their

own fundraising activity or make a donation using the QR code below. Every pound raised will help create a space that offers comfort and reassurance at a difficult time

and we are indebted to everyone who has helped achieve this magnificent milestone in 7 months! Special shout outs to just some of those who have helped so far.