PROUD
NEWS
11 SEPTEMBER 2026
New service offers trauma support Ainslie Hobson, Trauma Nurse Coordinator, tells us more...
Raising awareness of alcohol-free pregnancies Colleagues from Maternity Services, the Alcohol Care Team and Barnsley Council joined forces last week to raise awareness of the importance of remaining alcohol-free during pregnancy. Public Health Midwife colleagues hosted an awareness stall in the Antenatal Clinic Reception on 3 September, encouraging conversations with pregnant women, families, staff and visitors about the impact alcohol can have on a baby's development before birth.
The event highlighted Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), a lifelong condition that can occur when a baby is exposed to alcohol during pregnancy. Supported by the Maternity Outpatients Matron, Barnsley Hospital's Alcohol Care Team and a Public Health representative from Barnsley Council, the event demonstrated the value of partnership working to improve outcomes for women, babies and families across Barnsley.
OUR JOURNEY TO EXCELLENCE
Accreditation success for Ward 20 We are absolutely delighted to share the fantastic news that Ward 20 have achieved outstanding outcomes in their recent Ward Accreditation review. The team was recognised for its excellent multidisciplinary teamwork within a specialist stroke environment, supporting patients with complex clinical needs.
The Ward Accreditation process continues to provide a valuable opportunity for teams to celebrate achievements, share learning, and identify priorities to further strengthen patient safety, clinical effectiveness, and experience across the Trust. Well done to the entire team on Ward 20!
QUALITY IMPROVEMENT
Noise at Night A project that aimed to reduce the percentage of patients reporting sleep disruption on wards successfully contributed to rates falling from 35.17% to 20%. Staff and patient surveys were used to identify causes of disruption and provide baseline data. A range of interventions were introduced, including a nighttime sleep standards SOP, bay door posters and banners and the welcome pack booklet had information on reducing night-time disturbances.
Gemma Swain CBU 1 Matron
Ward-specific improvement initiatives were also trialled. As a result, reported sleep disruption fell to an average of 17%, exceeding the project aim. Bay door posters will now be ordered for other wards, and disturbance data will be shared with individual CBUs so they can respond to issues where needed.
Read more about this and other QI projects on the Hub
QUALITY IMPROVEMENT
Next week is national QI week National Quality Improvement (QI) Week takes place from 14-18 September and is an opportunity to celebrate improvement work and share learning from across the NHS. At Barnsley Hospital, we will be recognising the week by highlighting the quality improvement resources available to staff, including training opportunities, practical tools and examples of completed projects. We encourage staff to look out for updates and explore how quality improvement can support positive change for patients, colleagues and services.
Click here to see the national programme of QI Week events.
Flying the flag for nursing excellence Emma Cotney was delighted to receive her Professional Nurse Advocate (PNA) certificate after working hard to achieve the Masters level qualification. Emma is an Advanced Clinical Practitioner in the Acute Response Team.
Presenting the certificate, Becky Hoskins, Deputy Chief Nurse, said: “You can work with your PNA qualification in so many different ways, supporting people and in career conversations. As nurses, we use these skills a lot.”
If you would like to access a PNA for support, or are interested in becoming a PNA, please email bdg-tr.professionalnurseadvocates@nhs.net
Ainslie Hobson Trauma Nurse Coordinator
New service offers ‘Silver Trauma’ support A new Major Trauma Coordination Service has launched to support inpatients recovering from life-changing injuries - and to help families navigate what can be an emotional time. The specialist team works closely with clinicians across the
Trust to coordinate care, improve patient experience and ensure no aspect of recovery is overlooked. Acting as a single point of contact, Trauma Nurse Coordinators provide advice, information and holistic support, including help with social, housing and financial concerns.
“The service supports patients with serious injuries, including older ‘Silver Trauma’ patients, helping deliver joined-up, compassionate care when it matters most.” Ainslie Hobson, Trauma Nurse Coordinator
Anonymous reporting: What colleagues told us and what we’re doing Creating a workplace where everyone feels safe, respected and included is a shared responsibility.
Our anonymous reporting form gives colleagues a confidential way to raise concerns about racism, discrimination and related behaviours, while helping us better understand experiences across the Trust. From January to July 2026, 8 anonymous reports were made and colleagues shared valuable feedback that
has highlighted key themes and informed actions to drive positive change. We are committed to listening, learning and taking meaningful action in response. On the following page, you can see the anonymous reporting themes from January to July. Read more about our antiracist commitments.
When You Speak Up, We Take Action. Together, we can create a safer and more inclusive Barnsley Hospital for everyone.
Every report helps us to understand experiences, identify themes and take action.
WHAT COLLEAGUES TOLD US Unequal treatment
Microaggressions Stereotyping or assumptions Inappropriate comments or language Feeling dismissed or unsupported
Concerns about fairness Different treatment compared with colleagues Perceived discrimination linked to race, ethnicity or religion
Psychological safety
Racism & discrimination
Lack of confidence in raising concerns Low confidence that concerns will be addressed Feeling unsupported after speaking up
Racist comments or behaviours Bias linked to ethnicity, religion or cultural background Harmful assumptions
WHAT COLLEAGUES WANT Awarenesss
Accountability
Respect
Safe reporting
Action
WHAT WE ARE DOING Turning anonymous reports into learning, support and action Reviewing reports regularly EDI and HRBP colleagues review themes to identify patterns, risks and learning. Sharing learning across the Trust Themes and actions will be shared through staff updates, networks and governance groups. Supporting managers to respond well Practical guidance has been developed to help managers challenge, support and act consistently.
Increasing anti-racism awareness Training, awareness and allyship conversations will focus on racism, discrimination and impact. Making action visible We have developed a Rapid Reporting Poster and will continue to share “You said, we did” updates so staff can see what’s changing. View our anonymous report form for racism or discrimination
BRILLIANT TEAM
Trauma and Orthopaedic ANPs Amy, James and Adam are a fantastic team of Advanced Nurse Practitioners delivering outstanding care on Ward 33. They provide expert guidance to nursing staff and resident doctors, with exceptional knowledge in fragility fractures and managing deteriorating patients.
Their work has contributed to improved mortality outcomes and strong performance in the National Hip Fracture Database. Patients and relatives consistently give excellent feedback, praising their person‑centred care, professionalism and commitment to continuously improving services.
Nominate a colleague for a Brilliant Award today
PUBLICLY BRILLIANT
Georgia Kay
Congratulations to Georgia, Sister on our Acute Stroke Ward, and a very deserving recipient of a Brilliant Award. When a family faced one of the most difficult times of their lives, Georgia provided not only expert care for their loved one, but also compassion, reassurance and kindness when it was needed most.
The family praised Georgia for treating their relative as if they were her own family and for supporting them with patience, understanding and even a touch of humour during an incredibly challenging time. Thank you, Georgia, for going above and beyond and making such a difference. Nominate a colleague for a Brilliant Award today
Spotlight on
Freya Tudor-Owen works in the Occupational Health admin team, helping keep the department running smoothly while supporting colleagues across the Trust. As a Health and Wellbeing Champion, Freya is passionate about creating a positive, supportive environment for her team. She secured a wellbeing bench outside the department to encourage restorative breaks away from desks, shares regular wellbeing tips and resources, and is introducing a 'Star of the Month' award to boost morale and celebrate achievements. Join our growing network of Health and Wellbeing Champions today
Freya said: I've enjoyed making a positive difference to my colleagues. It's easy to get caught up in the pressures of a busy service, so I wanted to help create opportunities for people to take a step back and focus on their wellbeing.
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.
“The staff are absolutely amazing and very supportive. They always make sure you are comfortable and also in my experience when I’ve been upset or frustrated they sit and chat with you to try and help.” (Gynaecology Inpatient Ward)
Proud of my Pet
Meet Ralph
Proudly owned by Natalie Oldroyd, Learning Coordinator
Meet Luna Proudly owned by Sarah Plummer, Medical Workforce Rota Co-ordinator
PROUD
NEWS
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