PROUD
NEWS
16 OCTOBER 2026
Allied Health Professionals Day Lauren makes history as the Trust's first AHP to gain professional advocate qualification. Read more on page 7.
National recognition for patient safety work Congratulations to the team behind our HSJ Patient Safety Awards shortlisted entry, who recently attended the national awards ceremony. Being named among the 217 finalists is a fantastic achievement and
recognition of the dedication, innovation and hard work taking place across Barnsley Hospital to improve patient safety and outcomes. The awards celebrate outstanding patient safety initiatives from across the UK, with finalists selected
through a rigorous judging process. While the winners have now been announced, reaching the shortlist is an achievement in itself and a testament to the team's commitment to delivering safe, high-quality care. Well done to everyone involved for showcasing the Trust’s work on a national stage.
New SEND clinic making a real difference for families A dedicated SEND Phlebotomy Clinic is helping children and young people with additional needs access blood tests in a more supportive and personalised way.
The clinic was created for children with autism, learning disabilities, sensory needs or significant medical anxiety.
Developed by Lead Nurse Fran Connelly, alongside colleagues from the Paediatric Outpatient Department, Learning Disability and Neurodisability teams, clinics run every Wednesday in Children's Outpatients.
Longer appointments and tailored support help reduce stress and improve the experience for families.
“This is the first time we've managed a blood test without distress.” A parent of a patient
QUALITY IMPROVEMENT
Pelvic Health Physiotherapy: reduction in DNAs This project aimed to reduce the Physiotherapy Pelvic Health Service DNA (Did Not Attend) rate from 10.8% to 6% or below, addressing wasted appointments and long patient waiting times. A range of interventions were introduced, including clearer communication of the DNA policy, agreeing treatment goals with patients, consistent application of the policy by staff, and displaying DNA data and associated costs. As a result, the average DNA rate reduced to 6.7%, with rates remaining between 5% and 7% over the last nine months.
The project improved team confidence in managing DNAs and highlighted the value of setting expectations with patients.
Read more about this and other QI projects on the Hub
Staff Survey CBU 1 leads want to hear from you The NHS Staff Survey provides every colleague with the opportunity to tell us what it is really like to work within the CBU, what we are doing well, and where we need to improve. Our staff are at the heart of everything we do, and the Staff Survey is your opportunity to share your experience of working in the CBU. Your feedback helps us understand what’s working well, where we can improve, and what matters most to you. Every response counts and every voice matters as we continue to make the CBU a place where people feel valued, supported and proud to work.
ADoN Clare Hart, Clinical Director Dave Walker, and the CBU 1 Management team
Lauren makes history as the Trust's first AHP to gain professional advocate qualification As part of Allied Health Professionals Day, which was celebrated on Wednesday, we highlight the incredible achievement Lauren Holdsworth. AHPs play a crucial role in improving the lives of patients. These colleagues work across a range of sectors from emergency response and diagnosis to mental and physical rehabilitation. Lauren was delighted to receive her Professional Advocate (PA)
certificate - after working hard to achieve the Masters level qualification. Lauren has made history as the first AHP in Barnsley to gain her advocacy award. Lauren said: “I’d really encourage other AHPs to consider becoming a Professional Advocate. It’s a fantastic opportunity to develop your skills, support your colleagues and help create a positive working environment where people feel listened to and valued.”
“I get vaccinated because every vaccination helps keep our community and colleagues safe.” David Plotts, Non-Executive Director
Stay Strong. Get Vaccinated. Book your appointment today via your Vaccination Track email, or visit one of our friendly Flu Vaccinators who who will be at the STAY STRONG. listed locations next week.
GET Don’t waitVACCINATED. - protect your health and help keep our hospital safe as we approach the winter season by getting your flu vaccine.
FLU VACCINATOR LOCATIONS THIS WEEK Protect Yourself, Your Patients and Others We all have a role to play in helping prevent the spread of flu. Getting vaccinated is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself while helping to keep patients, colleagues and loved ones safe this winter. 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. Find out more on the Hub
Monday 19th October 9:00-11:00: Neonates and Paediatrics 11:00-12:00: Pharmacy, seminar room Tuesday 20th October 09:00–10:00: Theatres 10:00–11:00: AMU and ED 11:00-12:00: Radiology Wednesday 21st October 10:30-12:00: Radiology Thursday 22nd October Evening Session 16:00-20:00: Domestics 20:00-23:00: Roaming main hospital site
A warm welcome to our new Project Search interns
26/27 Project Search Interns Abby, Bailey, Jack, Lee, Oliver, Daniel, Steph, El and Jarvis. Project SEARCH helps young adults with learning disabilities and autistic young people gain workplace skills, confidence and experience through supported internships. We're delighted to welcome this year's Project SEARCH interns to Barnsley Hospital. Through hands-on workplace experience, mentoring and support,
they'll have the opportunity to build confidence, develop new skills and take positive steps towards their future careers. Their enthusiasm and willingness to learn have already made a fantastic impression. Helen Mangham, Work Skills Facilitator in the Learning for Living and Work department at Barnsley College, said: “It has been
wonderful to welcome this year's interns to Barnsley Hospital and see the enthusiasm and commitment they have already brought to their placements. Throughout the academic year each intern will complete three placements across different departments within the hospital, gaining valuable experience and developing workplace skills along the way. I am excited to watch their confidence grow throughout the year and look forward to seeing all they achieve as they take important steps towards their future careers." We asked some of this year's Project SEARCH interns what they're hoping to get from the experience. Their responses highlight their enthusiasm, ambition and excitement for the year ahead.
“I’m hoping to get experience in the hospital and beyond. I want to try and make a difference to people’s day.” El “I’d love to secure paid employment after this internship.” Oliver “As long as I can make someone happy and smile, that’s what’s important to me.” Lee “I want to use this experience to support me in getting my dream job by building my skills and confidence.” Abby “I want to make a difference and help people.” Daniel
If you would like more information and think you could offer a placement, please email our EDI Team
Together We Shine Different colours, different lands, Together we heal with caring hands. Different cultures, stories and ways, Together we brighten healthcare days. Black history speaks of courage and pride, Of barriers broken and doors opened wide. Our roots may differ, our purpose aligns Each brings a colour, together it shines. No colour should fade for another to glow, Together we're stronger, together we grow. Many colours, one purpose, one heart United in care, never apart. Professor Rajeev Gupta For Black History Month Professor Rajeev Gupta, Chair of the Race, Equality & Inclusion Staff Network (REIN) says: “I am passionate about equal opportunity for all, irrespective of ethnicity or background. The REIN is a positive environment to bring changes to culture so all feel comfortable and confident raising issues that affect them. Everyone is welcome.”
“There’s something special about being a Barnsley midwife” Olivia Pillinger and Olivia Bell, Integrated Midwives at Barnsley Hospital, said: "Midwifery is more than a career – it is a privilege and a passion. Supporting women and families through some of the most important moments of their lives is incredibly rewarding, and we are proud to play a part in their journey. What makes Barnsley special is the people. “There is a real sense of teamwork, kindness and community, with colleagues always willing to support one another. Whether training here or joining after qualifying, it doesn’t take long to feel part of the team. “That close-knit culture shines through in the compassionate, personalised care we provide every day for 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.
“All my questions were answered promptly and efficiently, I was kept informed of my care at all times.”
(Gynaecology Inpatient Ward)
Proud of my Pet
Meet Point
Proudly owned by Sarah Plummer, Medical Workforce Rota Co-ordinator
Meet Selena Proudly owned by Karen Drumgoon, ASDAT Co-ordinator
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.
Got a story for us? Send it in! communications.barnsley@nhs.net Stories should be less than 100 words and include at least one photo.
Think before you print! We’re trying to reduce our carbon footprint as a Trust, so appreciate you only printing this document if absolutely necessary.
Tell us what you think Please take 4 minutes to to tell us what you think about Proud News