PROUD
NEWS
9 OCTOBER 2026
October is Stoptober Take the first step towards better health by quitting throughout October. Read more on page 2.
Working together to secure the future nursing workforce A pioneering partnership between Barnsley Hospital, Rotherham Hospital, Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals and Sheffield Teaching Hospitals has transformed how newly qualified nurses are recruited across the region. The Trusts introduced a single recruitment process, replacing multiple applications, interviews and onboarding procedures with one coordinated approach.
Following a successful pilot and full rollout, 301 candidates were interviewed and 264 nursing posts offered across the region. Working closely with local universities, the project created a fairer, more streamlined experience for students while improving workforce planning. The initiative has now been shortlisted as Best Workforce Team of the Year at the Nursing Times Workforce Awards 2026.
Stoptober: encourages smokers to take the first step to quitting Stoptober has returned, encouraging people who smoke to take the first step towards better health by quitting throughout October. The national campaign highlights that people who stay smokefree for 28 days are five times more likely to quit for good. Since launching in 2012,
Stoptober has helped millions of people make a quit attempt. Dr Ceryl Harwood, Consultant in Public Health, said quitting smoking remains one of the most effective ways to improve health and reduce inequalities. Amy Kirk, QUIT Service Lead, added that the upcoming Smokefree Generation legislation will help protect future generations from the harms of tobacco. Anyone wanting support to quit can access free local services through Smokefree Starts and Yorkshire Smokefree Barnsley.
This Black History Month, we asked our Race, Equality & Inclusion Staff Network (REIN) members about what Black History Month means to them, what they’re proud of and how they honour their community.
HONOURING OUR COMMUNITIES: MY STORY IHUOMA OSONDU, MEDICAL WORKFORCE OFFICER “Born and raised in Nigeria, I grew up in a culture where family, community and supporting one another were at the heart of everyday life. Those values continue to guide me both personally and professionally. Moving to the UK was exciting but challenging. Starting over in a new country meant adapting to a different culture while staying true to my heritage. Like many people, there were times when I questioned whether I belonged, but those experiences strengthened my resilience and belief in
the importance of equality and inclusion.
Today, I am proud to work as a Medical Workforce Officer within the NHS, supporting the doctors who provide frontline care. Knowing my work contributes to safe patient care gives me a strong sense of purpose.
I am proud of my Nigerian heritage and proud to be part of a diverse NHS workforce. Black History Month celebrates not only historical achievements but also the everyday stories, strength and contributions that continue to enrich our communities. My journey has taught me that belonging is not about changing who you are to fit in. It is about being accepted, valued and respected for exactly who you are. By sharing our stories, we build understanding, celebrate our differences and create workplaces where everyone can thrive.” Read Ihuoma’s full story and find out more about the REIN on the Hub
Barnsley Hospital achieves Anti-Racist Framework Bronze Accreditation Barnsley Hospital has achieved Anti-Racist Framework (ARF) Bronze Accreditation, recognising the progress made across the Trust to create a more inclusive workplace for colleagues. The accreditation is a significant milestone in the Trust’s antiracism journey and reflects the collective efforts of teams across the organisation, supported by the staff network. Find out more on the Hub
“This achievement reflects the collective effort of colleagues across the Trust who are committed to creating a more inclusive and actively antiracist organisation. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this important milestone and continues to support our journey towards embedding anti-racism across the Trust” - Pauline Garnett, Head of EDI
South Yorkshire ICS wins national menopause award South Yorkshire Integrated Care System (ICS) has been recognised at the 2026 Menopause & Menstruation Friendly Employer Awards, winning the Best Engagement Campaign Award. Barnsley Hospital is proud to be one of the 14 accredited organisations that make up the ICS.
Winners were chosen by an independent panel of experts from a record number of entries, recognising organisations delivering meaningful and lasting change for colleagues. Sarah Newbold, from the Occupational Health and Wellbeing team, said: "We are proud to be part of this achievement and will continue building on this success to strengthen support for colleagues and create a more inclusive workplace."
The award celebrates the ICS's work to raise awareness, encourage open conversations and improve understanding of menopause in the workplace. Visit the team at their Menopause Event, 11:30-13:00 in Colliers restaurant
AGM reflects on a year of progress Colleagues, members and partners came together for Barnsley Hospital’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) 2026 to look back on the Trust’s achievements over the past year.
Thank you to everyone who attended and to all colleagues whose hard work and dedication continue to make a difference to patients, families and communities across Barnsley.
FLU VACCINATOR LOCATIONS THIS WEEK Protect Yourself, Your Patients and Others Flu can spread quickly in healthcare settings, but a simple vaccination helps reduce the risk for everyone. It helps protect you, your patients, your colleagues and your loved ones from serious illness. Book your appointment today via your Vaccination Track email, or visit one of our friendly Flu Vaccinators who will be at the listed locations next week. Find out more on the Hub
Monday 12th October 13:30-15:30: Alhambra, Orthoptics, room 9 Tuesday 13th October 10:00–12:00: Maternity, room in ANDS 14:00–15:00: Roaming, Medical Wards Wednesday 14th October 09:00 – 12:00, Emergency Department, ED meeting room Please call Occupational Health on ext 4939 to request a visit for your team or find out where the vaccinators are located during roaming sessions.
Celebrating 10 years of professional excellence Congratulations to Mike Lees, who has been recognised for reaching an impressive milestone of 10 years as a Chartered Security Professional. Mike recently received a commemorative certificate and pin in recognition of a decade of dedication to the security profession and his commitment to maintaining the highest professional standards.
Chartered Security Professional status is regarded as a mark of excellence within the security industry, recognising individuals who demonstrate outstanding knowledge, experience and professionalism. Well done, Mike, on this fantastic achievement and thank you for your continued contribution to keeping our Trust safe and secure.
BRILLIANT INDIVIDUAL
Mark Railton
Congratulations to Mark Railton, Deputy Associate Director of Operations, who has been recognised through a Brilliant Award nomination for his exceptional dedication to CBU1 and the wider Trust. Described by colleagues as someone who always goes above and beyond, Mark is known for his calm, approachable leadership and unwavering support for staff and consultants alike.
Whether helping with rotas, recruitment, leave requests or personal challenges, he is always ready to listen and find solutions. Colleagues praised his outstanding work ethic, professionalism and commitment, describing him as an inspiring leader who consistently puts others first and makes a lasting difference across the organisation. Nominate a colleague for a Brilliant Award today
Occupational Health and Wellbeing Service secures national reaccreditation Barnsley Hospital’s Occupational Health and Wellbeing Service has successfully renewed its Safe Effective Quality Occupational Health Service (SEQOHS) accreditation, reaffirming its commitment to delivering high-quality support for colleagues across the Trust. Following its annual assessment, the service has been reaccredited until September 2027.
SEQOHS is the national quality standard for occupational health providers and assesses services against rigorous criteria including safety, effectiveness, governance and continuous improvement. Congratulations to the Occupational Health and Wellbeing team on this fantastic achievement and recognition of their ongoing commitment to staff wellbeing.
QUALITY IMPROVEMENT
Smoking screening for children, parent and carers This project aimed to increase the screening of Paediatric patients over the age of 11 and their carers for smoking from a baseline of 0% to 45%, in order for them to be offered Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) or a referral to the QUIT team, where applicable. Changes to the clerking proforma to include screening questions, with automated referrals to the QUIT team and an IRiS dashboard monitoring compliance for screening led to 61% average compliance rates for children and 69.5% for parents/carers.
The initiative improved access to smoking cessation support and established a more consistent approach to screening. Well done to those involved!
Read more about this and other QI projects on the Hub
Why being a midwife makes Zoe immensely proud Zoe Perrow, Midwife at Barnsley Hospital, said: “I came to midwifery after retraining from a completely different career because I knew I wanted to work with people and make a difference. What I love most is the variety – every day is different, and I have the privilege of supporting women and families through some of the most important moments of their lives. Birth still gives me goosebumps, even now, and helping women feel empowered and supported is incredibly rewarding. What makes Barnsley special is the team. We work in challenging situations, and it’s very difficult to be a midwife currently, so we rely on each other every day. There is a real sense of family, friendship and support. I am immensely proud to be a midwife and proud of the compassionate, high-quality care our team provides to local families.”
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.
“Seen quickly staff were polite and explained things in easy to understand terminology. All staff very respectful kept informed at all times of what was happening.”
(Surgical SDEC)
Proud of my Pet
Meet Oreo and Bambi
Proudly owned by Sarah Plummer, Medical Workforce Rota Co-ordinator
Meet Baby Gaga Proudly owned by Karen Drumgoon, ASDAT Co-ordinator
PROUD
NEWS
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