PROUD
NEWS
25 SEPTEMBER 2026
Proud to Care Conference 2026 We reflect on this week’s Proud to Care Conference that brought our Trust values to life.
This week, colleagues representing a wide range of teams and professions
across Barnsley Hospital took part in this year’s Proud to Care Conference.
in Barnsley The conference focused on sharing and bringing to life our People Promise and Trust values of Respect, Teamwork and Diversity.
The interactive event included a number of breakout sessions and an opening from our Interim Joint Deputy Chief Executive, Bob Kirton.
Hidden Harm campaign: September is FASD Awareness As part of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Awareness Month, Public Health Midwife Walburgh Manhungira spoke at the launch of Barnsley’s Hidden Harm campaign. The event brought together professionals and partner organisations to raise awareness of the impact parental alcohol and drug use can have on children and families.
Walburgh highlighted the link between alcohol use in pregnancy and FASD, a lifelong condition that can affect learning, memory, behaviour and everyday life. The Hidden Harm campaign aims to help professionals, parents, carers and young people better understand these challenges, reduce stigma and access local support.
Have you seen the Faces of Barnsley exhibition in its new home at the library in the Education Centre? Those colleagues who took part in the project have been collecting their own portraits - including Dr Bharath Reddy who was one of several hospital colleagues and volunteers to take part.
New safety pods making a difference New safety pods are helping teams across Barnsley Hospital create even safer environments for patients and colleagues. The inflatable devices have been introduced to support staff during rare situations where physical intervention is required as a last resort, helping to reduce the risk of injury while maintaining patient dignity and safety. Colleagues are receiving specialist training to ensure the equipment is used safely and effectively when needed.
Mick McGowan, Non-deliberate Violence and Aggression Reduction Facilitator, said: “By providing colleagues with the right equipment, skills and support, we can further reduce the risk of harm and ensure we continue to deliver compassionate, safe care in even the most challenging circumstances.” The introduction of safety pods is another positive step in the Trust's commitment to de-escalation, reducing harm and supporting the wellbeing of both patients and staff. Want to learn more? Contact Mick McGowan for details of upcoming training sessions or check the events page.
Organ Donation Week Colleagues in ICU have been marking Organ Donation Week by raising awareness of the life-changing impact of organ donation. The unit has been decorated to help spark conversations with colleagues, patients and families about the remarkable gift of donation and the difference it makes to recipients and their loved ones. Throughout the week, activities have recognised donors, recipients, their families and the healthcare
teams who support people through every stage of the donation journey. On Thursday evening, the hospital was illuminated in pink as a symbol of gratitude from those whose lives have been transformed by organ donation.
Join the NHS Organ Donor Register
Occupational Health and Wellbeing team collecting their well-deserved award
Occupational Health and Wellbeing Team wins national award Congratulations to our Occupational Health and Wellbeing team, who have received national recognition at the 2026 NHS Health at Work Network Occupational Health Professionals Awards (OHPRAs). The team won ‘Growing our Occupational Health and Wellbeing Impact and Evidence-Based Practice’.
"We are delighted to receive national recognition, alongside being commended as Team of the Year. This reflects the dedication, innovation and professionalism of our team. Our priority is supporting the health and wellbeing of our workforce, and it is rewarding to see the positive impact of that work recognised nationally." Michael Shanaghey, Head of Occupational Health and Wellbeing
QUALITY IMPROVEMENT
Patient Observations of Hand Hygiene (POSHH) This project aimed to improve hand hygiene audit data collection in outpatient and clinical areas where routine staff audits were difficult to undertake. The team introduced patient-led observations using a QR code survey, supported by posters, simplified questions and staff prompts.
The project was led by Sharon Johnson, Specialist Nurse As a result, observations increased from a baseline of zero to an average of eight hand hygiene observations per month. No concerns about staff hand hygiene practice were reported, providing reassurance that patients observed good compliance and demonstrating the potential for wider Trust rollout.
Read more about this and other QI projects on the Hub
Matron Emma reflects on a career supporting families Emma Hay, Matron for Maternity Services at Barnsley Hospital, said: “Midwifery has always been part of who I am. I come from a strong nursing and healthcare background, and after qualifying as a midwife I spent almost four decades working in maternity services before joining Barnsley Hospital as Matron three and a half years ago. “While I no longer provide direct clinical care, I still feel privileged to support birthing people, babies and families by helping to shape and improve our services. What makes our maternity team so special is the dedication, compassion and commitment they show every day. They are the people delivering outstanding care, and I am proud to represent them, champion their ideas and support them to make a difference for local families.”
Samantha shines a spotlight on Barnsley team Samantha Day, Midwifery Team Leader at Barnsley Hospital, said: “Midwifery is a career that brings something new every single day, and that’s one of the reasons I love it so much. As a Midwifery Team Leader, I have the privilege of supporting both families and colleagues through some of life’s most important moments. “Watching a team come together to provide compassionate, safe and personalised care is incredibly rewarding. What makes Barnsley special is the people – there is a real sense of teamwork, kindness and support that runs through everything we do. “Even on the busiest days, everyone pulls together with the same goal of achieving the best outcomes for women, babies and families. I’m proud to be part of a team that makes such a positive difference every day.”
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 nurses were excellent in their care and attitude to me, l felt important and was made to feel that I mattered. They never fail in their duty and care even under very stressful situations. If I could give a medal to everyone from the sister to the cleaners it wouldn't be enough. This includes all of the night staff. The help from physios was invaluable especially the care package when I went home.”
(Ward 20)
Proud of my Pet
Meet Teddy
Proudly owned by Kelly Bradley, Operational Support Manager
Meet Bramble Proudly owned by Sarah Plummer, Medical Workforce Rota Co-ordinator
PROUD
NEWS
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