PROUD
NEWS
23 OCTOBER 2026
Be a Handwashing Hero We mark Global Handwashing Day and Infection Prevention and Control Week by celebrating the importance of clean hands.
Global Handwashing Day and Infection Prevention and Control Week
Be a Handwashing Hero! Colleagues across the Trust became Handwashing Heroes as we marked Global Handwashing Day and Infection Prevention and Control Week with activities celebrating the importance of clean hands.
Staff also made pledges showing their commitment to providing clean, safe care for all the lives we touch.
Colleagues took part in our ‘How Many Harry the Hands?’ competition, won by Olivia Bailey, while children were invited to design a superhero cape for mascot Harry the Hand. SC Johnson also hosted educational sessions covering effective hand hygiene, correct handwashing techniques and how we can all support good practice.
Nine-year-old Eadie, alongside Sonya Hurdiss, took the top prize with her fantastic design. A special thank you also goes to Sonya for supporting Hand Hygiene Awareness Week.
Thank you to everyone who supported the activities, took part in the competitions, attended the educational sessions and made a pledge. Your enthusiasm helped make our Hand Hygiene Awareness activities a fantastic success. Hand hygiene remains one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent healthcare-associated infections and protects our patients, visitors and colleagues. You might have seen that the lockscreen for this week was promoting hand hygiene training.
Together, we can all be Handwashing Heroes!
As part of IPC week that ran alongside Global Handwashing Day, we looked at the past, present and prevent (future) of Infection Control. Celebrating the historical figures of medicine who have paved the way for modern Infection Prevention. Information and posters about past, present and prevent can all be found on the Hub and our IPC Facebook page.
Staff Survey CBU2... have your say! 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. It’s been a tough year. Let’s be honest about it. We’ve faced challenges, change and pressure, and we know it hasn’t always been easy. So rather than us telling you how things are going, we’d much rather hear it from you. What’s working? What could be better? What would make a real difference? What should we protect and build on? The NHS Staff Survey is your opportunity to tell us what it really feels like to work in CBU2. Be honest. Be constructive. Have your say. Because whether it’s something we’re getting right or something you think we really need to sort out, we need to hear it.
Associate Director of Operations Louise Deakin and Associate Director of Nursing Kerry Fraser, with the CBU2 management team.
QUALITY IMPROVEMENT
A change to recording proposed causes of death (PCOD)
This project aimed to improve compliance with national standards by ensuring medical teams recorded the Proposed Cause of Death (PCOD) before Medical Examiner review, reducing delays in death registration. To support implementation, the team introduced training, communications, MDT engagement and daily reminder prompts. As a result, completion of PCOD without prompts averaged 36%, exceeding the target of 35%, while completion rates increased to 64% when prompts were provided.
Bev Hanks and Karen Stephens Bereavement Office
The project highlighted the importance of staff education and ongoing reminders in supporting timely and accurate recording of causes of death. Read more about this and other QI projects on the Hub
available to all colleagues FlourishDx (FDx) is an online psychological health and safety platform that has been designed to help organisations prevent harm, promote and support colleague mental health and wellbeing. After a 12-month pilot at BHNFT, we're pleased to announce that all colleagues now have access to the FDx platform until April 2029.
For individuals: A suite of Mental Health & Sleep Health training videos Wellbeing Check-in (a quick self-check so you can monitor your mood/changes over time) Relaxation and other selfhelp strategies
For teams: Self-assessment surveys (based on positive psychology principles) Read more about a team Strength Spotting who took part in the (highlight team members’ successful pilot strengths with a shout out) Risk Management (survey / action planning tools to FDx provides a range of identify and address multimedia self-care / personal aspects of work impacting resources to promote positive mental health & wellbeing) mental health and wellbeing habits for staff. Scan the QR code or click here to log in and activate your FlourishDx account
“I am black, but beautiful, O daughters of Jerusalem, like the tents of Kedar, like the curtains of Solomon.” Song of Songs 1:5 TLV I am Black but beautiful, Made in the image of God, Known by Him before I was made in the secret place, His eyes saw my unformed body, Born in Zimbabwe, In the vast continent of Africa, I’m proud to be black, I’m proud to be African That’s my heritage; My heritage is a crown I carry with pride and joy, Do not call me any other, Do not rename me, Do not repaint me, Do not shrink me into shades, That were never mine, So call me by what I am, I’m black and beautiful. This is my God given radiance. Rev. Connie Ashton Lead Chaplain
STOPTOBER
Helping more people quit with NRT NRT is a safe, effective, evidence-based treatment that reduces tobacco withdrawal symptoms and helps manage cravings. These unpleasant symptoms can begin within hours of the last cigarette or vape. NRT should therefore be started on admission, informing patients that they cannot smoke whilst in hospital but that we will treat them with NRT to prevent cravings.
Prescribing is straightforward, with no absolute contraindications or drug interactions. As first-line, use the EPMA "Smoking" protocol to prescribe a long-acting patch plus a short-acting inhalator for breakthrough cravings. All patients who smoke or vape nicotine should also be referred to the Quit Team. Completing the smoking status question in CareFlow clerking and nursing admission forms generates an automatic referral.
Hospital staff who smoke can also access free, confidential stop smoking support and NRT through the QUIT Team. Contact us on ext. 2323 or email bdgtr.quitprogramme@nh s.net.
“My friend’s mum died suddenly of the flu when I was 15 years old. The impact of this unexpected loss is something I will never forget. I want to do my bit to reduce the transmission of the flu virus which was responsible for around 3,800 deaths in the UK last year. I’m aware that I could have the flu without any symptoms or knowing that I have it and unknowingly pass it on. I don’t want to pass flu on to vulnerable patients and family which is why I have the vaccine every year.” Sarah Moppett, Chief Nurse
STAY STRONG. GET VACCINATED.
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. Our friendly vaccinators will be roaming on site at the hospital and offering drop-in sessions at these locations and times this upcoming week.
Find out more on the Hub
Monday 26th October 9:00-10:30: Maternity, room in ANDS 10:30-12:00: Theatres 13:30-15:30: Alhambra, room in Rheumatology Thursday 29th October Evening Session 16:00-20:00: Domestics 20:00-23:00: Roaming main hospital site Please call Occupational Health on ext 4939 to request a visit or find out where the vaccinators are located during roaming sessions.
PUBLICLY BRILLIANT
Amanda Robinson A family has expressed their heartfelt thanks to Amanda and the Ward 22 team for the exceptional care, compassion and dignity shown to their father during his time at Barnsley Hospital. Admitted with serious and complex health conditions, he was cared for by Dr Robson, Sister Amanda Robinson and colleagues across the ward.
Despite the challenges of his illness, staff consistently treated him with kindness, patience and respect, always finding ways to make him smile. Although he sadly passed away, his family said Amanda’s humanity and dedication made an incredibly difficult time more bearable and will never be forgotten. Nominate a colleague for a Brilliant Award today
Sharon reflects on a career shaped in Barnsley Sharon Tunnacliffe, Maternity Matron at Barnsley Hospital, said: "I trained as a midwife in 1990 after first qualifying as a registered nurse, and I have loved midwifery ever since. Throughout my career, I have worked across many areas of maternity services, and joining Barnsley Hospital three years ago felt like the perfect way to continue that journey. What attracted me to Barnsley was its reputation for innovation, compassion and putting women and families at the centre of everything it does. As a Matron, I am passionate about creating a culture where colleagues feel valued, supported and empowered, because compassionate leadership leads to compassionate care. I am incredibly proud of our teams and the outstanding care they provide, helping families receive the very best start to their parenting journey.”
Katie shines a spotlight on Barnsley’s maternity team Katie Mathers, Midwife, said: “I first became interested in midwifery when I was younger, inspired by my auntie who was a midwife. Although I briefly considered a different career path, I knew midwifery was where I belonged. I trained at Barnsley Hospital and have spent more than 20 years caring for women, babies and families here. While the role has changed over the years and can be incredibly challenging at times, it remains a privilege to support people through such important moments in their lives. Knowing that you have made even a small difference to someone’s experience is what makes the job so rewarding. The support of my colleagues is also invaluable – we’re a close-knit team who genuinely look out for one another and share a passion for providing the best possible care.”
Flying the flag for nursing excellence Congratulations to Nurse Abigail Searles from Gynaecology Inpatient Ward, who has successfully completed her Professional Nurse Advocate (PNA) training programme. Achieving this Masterslevel qualification required
dedication, determination and many hours of study in her own time. Abigail was awarded the certificate by Deputy Chief Nurse Becky Hoskins who thanked her for her determination and dedication to the training alongside her role.
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 I have seen is the staff working very hard trying to do their best for everyone. They deserve a medal. Thank you for looking after me.”
(Ward 20)
Proud of my Pet
Meet Marge Proudly owned by Louise Pemberton, Head of Medical Education
Meet Benji Proudly owned by Karen Drumgoon, ASDAT Co-ordinator
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