news BARNSLEYHOSPITAL
The magazine of Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
SPRING 2025
www.barnsleyhospital.nhs.uk Barnsley Hospital CEO Dr Richard Jenkins
Here to help every step of the way
Ward wedding – ‘a moment of humanity’ One of Barnsley Hospital teams received a Cavell Star award for organising a ward wedding for a terminally-ill patient. Ward 35 Surgical Ward Nursing Team, Selina and Hannah from SDEC, and the end-of-life care team were presented with the award. The group was nominated by Matron Leanne Battley, CBU2 Surgery, for their extraordinary compassion, teamwork, and dedication in organising the wedding for a 38-year-old newly-diagnosed, terminally-ill patient. With only two days’ notice, the team
united to create an unforgettable day for the patient, his bride and their families. One staff member styled the bridal party’s hair, while her colleague gave her own bridal tiara for the bride to wear. Local businesses gave donations and a beautiful balloon arch. A staff member’s grandmother baked a two-tier wedding cake while another colleague organised the music. Presenting the award, Sarah Moppett, Director of Nursing, Midwifery & AHPs, said: “The wedding was not just a ceremony, but a moment of humanity, care, and joy made possible by the Ward 35 Surgical Ward Nursing Team, Selina and Hannah from SDEC, and unwavering dedication of the team.” the end-of-life care team were presented with the award.
Barnsley FC players visited tBarnsley Hospital before Christmas and met patients and staff.
Festive footie fun at hospital Patients and hospital colleagues had a nice surprise just before Christmas when the Reds’ players and guests from Barnsley Football Club visited wards to give out gifts. A group of 12 players popped into Ward 18, Ward 21/22 and the children’s ward. They also made time for a quick visit to the Emergency Department and were on site for over an hour, much to the delight of all involved. The lads spent time chatting, signing autographs and posing with fans for selfies. Among the fans was Patricia Wroe, 90, from Barnsley. Speaking from her hospital bed, she said: “It was a lovely
surprise for the players to pop in. It’s a special day for me anyway as my son is 70 today. I also grew up with football. I even remember Tommy Taylor!” Alan Whiteley was another patient who got a visit and photo with the players. Alan was joined by his visitor Yvonne Nunn. He said: “I started going to see the team when I was five with my dad, and now I’m 80. I’ve got lots of memories of some good games – and some bad ones!” Alan has managed a couple of pub teams in the past and his son and grandson still go to matches regularly. Matron Hannah Ryan said: “It was lovely seeing the patients’ faces light
up when the players came on the ward. It was really good for us too.” One of the players, midfielder Davis Keillor-Dunn, said: “We want to give back to the patients because it’s difficult being in hospital any time but especially at this time of year.” His team-mate Corey O’Keeffe added: “It is hard for people who love to be watching or playing sport when they’re in a hospital bed.” The visit was arranged by Bethany Grainger (Ward 18) and Christopher Ridyard, First Team Operations Lead, from the club. Christopher planned to return to ward 18 on Christmas Day afternoon to spend more time with patients.
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Welcome to the spring edition of Barnsley Hospital News. I hope you and your families had a chance to rest and recharge over the festive period. This time of year feels like the right time for many to reassess their habits, and the NHS is here to help every step of the way. You may have already been giving Dry January a try – going alcohol-free for a month – or you may have quit smoking. Quitting is one of the most important things you can do not just for your own health, but also for your family. We have been working hard across the Trust to improve our own health and wellbeing offer to hospital colleagues, and we have resources including a network of Inclusion & Wellbeing Champions and mental health first aiders. There are also some exciting health projects for the Barnsley community which are due to progress further this year. Among them is our partnership with other local organisations to transform some parts of the Alhambra Shopping Centre into ‘a health and wellbeing hub’. Watch out for news on this later in 2025. Our work with various partners is growing, and this trend of collaboration with other organisations is set to continue as we endeavour to overcome challenges to the NHS including financial pressures. The Trust has already done much to improve its financial position as well as its transparency and accountability. We’re proud that we, along with colleagues throughout the region, have continued to deliver crucial services in the face of ever-growing demand. We thank our colleagues for their exceptional dedication to healthcare, and you in our community, for your continued support and respect. Dr Richard Jenkins