PROUD
NEWS
21 AUGUST 2026
We celebrate the 100th edition of Proud News! Look back at some of our most memorable stories and editions inside...
Foreword Welcome to the 100th edition of Proud News. Reaching this milestone gives us a wonderful chance to reflect on the many stories we have shared, the achievements we have celebrated and, most importantly, the incredible people who make Barnsley Hospital such a special place.
When Proud News first launched, its purpose was simple: to shine a spotlight on our colleagues and the difference they make every day. Since then, we have told hundreds of stories that showcase the compassion, dedication, innovation and teamwork that exist across every part of our Trust. From award successes and career milestones to service improvements, fundraising efforts and everyday acts of kindness, each edition has highlighted the very best of Barnsley Hospital. While the stories themselves have varied, one thing has remained constant:
Emma Parkes
Joint Director of Communications
the pride our colleagues have in supporting one another and delivering outstanding care for our patients and communities. I am continually inspired by the people featured in these pages and by the many colleagues who take the time to nominate, recognise and celebrate others. As we celebrate this milestone, I would also encourage colleagues from every corner of the Trust to continue sharing their stories. Whether you work in a clinical, support, administrative or specialist role, your work matters and deserves recognition. Some of the most inspiring features we've published have come from teams who don't always seek the spotlight. Proud News is at its best when it reflects the breadth of talent, dedication and teamwork that exists across our organisation. Here's to the next 100 editions and to the many more stories still to come.
Glancing back:
Where it all began In this edition of Proud News, we will be taking a look back at some of our most memorable stories from across our 99 editions so far. We start with the first ever front page story. This was a celebration of Pastoral Support team’s Stacey and Kim who each earned a prestigious Chief Nursing/Midwifery Officer Award! We have seen many of our brilliant colleagues earn this amazing achievement, but it’s Stacey and Kim that live in Proud News infamy. Click to read the first full edition of Proud News
The first edition of Proud News was published on 6 September 2024.
These two have been absolute game-changers, making sure new Healthcare Support Workers and Maternity Support Workers get the best start.
Glancing back:
Remarkable Roma Our wonderful patients can tell a story of how much their care has impacted them better than anyone.
Roma was the cover star on the 7 March 2024 edition.
Using her own experiences, Roma created "The Little Girl Who Got Type 1 Diabetes"
This is the case with nine-year-old Roma-Larose Sutton-Kirkby, who has Type 1 diabetes, and has written a book to support other children like herself. Using her own experiences, Roma passed on her words and drawings to Rachel Jones, Team Lead Paediatric Diabetes Dietitian. Read the full article and Proud News edition
Glancing back:
The grand opening Looking at a much more recent entry now as we remember former UK Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Wes Streeting visiting our Health on the High Street Hub. Barnsley officially opened the first phase of its groundbreaking Health and Wellbeing Hub with former Health Secretary Wes Streeting MP visiting to mark the occasion. This was a celebration of all of our hardworking colleagues based at the Alhambra site and the teams that continue to shine everyday. Read the full article and Proud News edition
Alhambra Outpatients had top Proud News billing in the 30 January 2026 edition.
What we're seeing right here in the heart of Barnsley town centre is the future of the NHS. - Former Health Secretary Wes Streeting
Glancing back:
Football legends score big Our festive editions of Proud News are always memorable - see Tom Davidson and Emma Parkes in their finest Christmas jumpers. This festive edition of Proud News was published on 19 December 2025.
In this lovely story, we welcomed Barnsley Football Club, who brought joy to Barnsley Hospital with their annual Christmas visit.
My company does a lot of work with the NHS, and my son was born in Barnsley. We like giving back.
Fourteen‑year‑old Megan Wanless, a patient for eight weeks, was thrilled to receive a signed shirt from her favourite player, captain Luca Connell.. Read the full article and Proud News edition
Glancing back:
Wearing our uniform with pride Sometimes the photo can be the story. This was the case earlier this year when our colleagues stood outside the hospital in their new uniforms - making for a striking image. What we wear plays an important role in presenting a professional, confident image of Barnsley Hospital and reflects the values we’re proud to stand by. Read the full article and Proud News edition
This edition of Proud News was published on 17 April 2026.
What we wear plays an important role and reflects the values we’re proud to stand by.
Glancing back:
Barnsley Hospital Charity Our Barnsley Hospital Charity editions have played an important part of the Proud News journey.
This charity edition of Proud News was published on 30 May 2025.
Well done, and most of all, thank you all for your support! - Jane Mills, Charity Development Manager
From feats of outstanding bravery to spreading awareness, the generosity of our colleagues and patients have funded lifechanging work and improvements. As part of this, Mapplewell Primary School sponsored a star as part of the Shine Bright Christmas event raising £4000. Amazing! Read the full article and the Barnsley Hospital Charity edition
Glancing back:
One day. Every profession. One celebration In June, Barnsley Hospital held it’s first ever Celebration Day. It was such a fun day in Colliers Restaurant as colleagues came together to take a break and celebrate. Thank you to everyone who came along, our organisers, and our amazing stall-holders. It was possible because of you. This Proud News edition was overflowing with fantastic photos from the day, and colleagues enjoying a variety of treats - supported by the Barnsley Hospital Charity. Read the full article and edition of Proud News
The Trust’s first celebration day event featured in the 12 June 2026 edition.
Our Celebration Day recognised the dedication, skill and impact of every role across the hospital and beyond.
Glancing back:
Bringing wellbeing to life Barnsley Hospital’s second Wellness Festival was a huge success, welcoming over 400 attendees for a vibrant and inspiring day focused on staff health and wellbeing. The Wellness Festival edition of Proud News was published on 1 May 2026.
From start to finish, there was a real buzz, with a positive and energising atmosphere felt by contributors and attendees alike.
In this edition of Proud News, the buzz across the Education Centre was front and centre. Feedback from staff and partners was overwhelmingly positive, reinforcing the value of bringing wellbeing support, information and experiences together in one accessible event. Read the full article and the full Proud News edition
Glancing back:
Barnsley Hospital News Barnsley Hospital News has been an integral part of our Proud News editions throughout the years. These quarterly publications are a comprehensive round-up of news from across the Trust that are published online, in our Proud News line-up and in the Barnsley Chronicle.
This was the front page story from the summer 2025 edition of Barnsley Hospital News.
On this occasion, nurse Lisa Sanderson from Barnsley Hospital’s Breast Unit shares her story of how fortunate she was to overcome breast cancer – inspiring fundraising for the hospital charity’s cancer care appeal.
We remain confident that with your help, we have the resilience to continue improving and delivering crucial services.
Read the full article and Barnsley Hospital News
- Richard Jenkins
Glancing back:
New Frailty SDEC opens its doors Finally, we glance back on a more recent headline story as the revamped Frailty SDEC opened it’s doors last month.
The Frailty SDEC edition of Proud News was published on 24 July 2026.
The philosophy behind the service is illustrated by a piece of artwork from renowned Sheffield artist Pete McKee.
The move into a purposebuilt home represents the next stage in the service’s development and reflects the Trust’s ongoing commitment to improving care for older people. Patient Margaret Robinson cut the ceremonial ribbon at a celebration event with colleagues. Read the full article and the full Proud News edition
Now for this week’s news across the Trust Congratulations to Gynaecology Matron Ellie Lea for her Cavell Award! Ellie deservedly won a Cavell Award in recognition of her outstanding contribution to patient safety, medicines management and staff support. Known for her approachable and supportive nature, Ellie works closely with frontline staff, providing practical guidance, education and reassurance. Colleagues value her calm, solution-
focused approach and commitment to helping teams deliver safe, highquality care. Her flexibility, dedication and compassion for both patients and staff have made a lasting impact across the Trust.
Nominate a colleague for a Cavell Star Award today
PUBLICLY BRILLIANT
Stacey Hodgkiss In an unexpected and overwhelming recovery for a patient, Stacey supported them and their family with kindness and reassurance. She went above and beyond, advocating for the patient during painful complications and ensuring timely care. Her expertise and explanations helped them gain confidence with the patient’s stoma.
Stacey supported their physical and mental recovery, making an incredibly difficult time more manageable. The patient has said that they will always be grateful. Congratulations on your Brilliant Award Stacey!
Nominate a colleague for a Brilliant Award today
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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