We will remember - colleagues reflect on Remembrance Day
OccupationalTherapyWeek
Last week we celebrated Occupational Therapy (OT) Week. The theme this year was Early Intervention and Prevention and outlined the work we are doing to prevent admission where possible, and how early intervention and education can reduce deconditioning.
OT Practice Educator
Austin Carr said: ‘’I was honoured with the task of
putting a display together in the main reception to highlight the hard work that the Occupational Therapy team do here at Barnsley Hospital.
Occupational Therapy week was an opportunity to show that we can do more than assess for discharge, and seeing patients earlier in their admission means better health outcomes, shorter stays and increased cost efficiency.”
SolarSwitch-on heraldsgreenerfuture
Barnsley Hospital has marked a major sustainability milestone with the switch-on of its first solar panel installation. Funded by the NHS Energy Efficiency Fund, the 1,001-panel system will generate 378,660 kWh annually, enough to power 140 homes and save 73 tonnes of carbon each year.
Michael Wright, Net Zero Lead, praised the initiative as a key step toward the hospital’s 2040 net zero goal, supported by cutting-edge technologies and community-driven innovation.
Alan Heathcote, Head of Projects, called it a symbol of environmental stewardship.
StaffSurvey
TheNHSStaffSurveyclosesthismonth
Your voice truly matters. Last year’s feedback led to real change, including new leadership development programmes, a simplified appraisal process, and investment in our Operations team. These improvements reflect our shared commitment to compassionate, inclusive leadership and a better workplace for all. Please take a few minutes to complete the survey and help shape the future of Barnsley Hospital.
You’ll also be entered into a prize draw to win one of two £100 shopping vouchers for each CBU and BFS. Thank you!
Simon Enright Medical Director
CAVELL STAR
TraceyAllen
Tracey is a long-serving Macmillan nurse at Barnsley Hospital, supporting patients with Cancer of Unknown Primary (CUP) — often the most complex cancer cases. Her advanced communication and psychological support skills help patients, families, and colleagues navigate uncertainty with compassion.
Known across the Trust, Tracey drives multidisciplinary planning, requests vital tests, and always puts patients first. Her dedication, leadership, and expertise make her a role model for Macmillan nurses everywhere. Tracey goes above and beyond every day, inspiring those around her and making a profound difference in cancer care.
Nominate a colleague for a Cavell Star Award today
13–19October2025
This year, we celebrated the vital work of infection prevention with this year’s theme Stand UPPP— representing Unite, Protect, Prevent, Prevail.
Unite: We honoured the many roles across our organisation that contribute to infection prevention. From frontline staff to support teams, every individual plays a part in protecting patients, healthcare workers, and the wider community.
Prevent: Staff engaged in hydration awareness and a fun daily Wordle challenge to highlight the importance of
preventing Gram-negative infections like E. coli.
Protect: We focused on device safety, reminding staff that every device is a potential infection risk. Our youngest patients on the Children Ward, joined in with a shield-themed colouring activity to promote protection.
Prevail: Educational materials were shared on Gram-negative infections (E. coli, Klebsiella, Pseudomonas), empowering staff with prevention strategies.
Together, we stood UPPP to keep our healthcare environments safe
AdultInpatient Survey
Barnsley Hospital will soon take part in the 2025 Adult Inpatient Survey, inviting feedback from patients who stayed one night or more throughout November. Managed by IQVIA, this national survey helps us understand how patients experience care across the hospital. Staff contributions are vital—your work directly shapes the feedback we receive. Insights from previous surveys led to improvements like Bedside Information for discharge. Please encourage participation and celebrate positive feedback—it helps us share best practice and continue delivering outstanding care across all teams.
4922/4925
bhnftpatientexperience@nhs.net
RemembranceService
On Remembrance Day we commemorated the contribution of military and civilian servicemen and women in conflicts. The service was an opportunity for colleagues to make their own act of remembrance should they wish. Among them were exmilitary personnel now serving in a variety of roles across the hospital.
Nigel Bullock, Clinical Nurse Specialist Acute Pain shared: “A big thank you for an emotional Remembrance Day service to Connie and her team. I previously served as an Army nursing officer in conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. I showed my emotion at the service and was comforted by Connie and others in the congregation. It was a time to reflect not only the past, but that the day symbolises hope for the future.”
RemembranceService
Scott Hurley, Facilities Team Leader shared his reflections on the day: “Armistice Day, or Remembrance Day as it is more formally known as, is a day that allows me to reflect on the past, my service and more importantly the future. Albeit, I do this most days. Wherever I am paying my respect, the location does not matter. I have been in Operational Theatres such as Bosnia/Kosovo/Iraq, a Church, and even on a muddy rugby pitch.
It is a time that I thank those who have served, those who are serving and those who paid the ultimate sacrifice and never returned.
I think about my family, who I followed into the Armed Forces, I think about those individuals that I met along the way and helped shape my journey. I also think about those veterans, that are less fortunate since leaving the service.
I recently completed the "Very Brief Advice on Smoking" course on ESR (mandated for all clinical staff). It took less than 20 mins but has given me more confidence when speaking with patients about tobacco dependency. I now use this learning in my daily practice when I see someone who smokes.
Susie Orme Consultant Care of the Elderly and Stroke and Associate Medical Director
VeryBriefAdviceonsmoking
Very Brief Advice (or VBA) on smoking is an evidencebased, NICE recommended intervention that all healthcare practitioners can use when speaking to someone who smokes. It takes less than a minute to deliver and involves asking patients about their current smoking, advising on the best ways to stop, and helping them access further stop smoking support.
Providing VBA helps staff identify and treat tobacco dependency in our patients. VBA training is available on ESR for anyone to do, but is mandated for clinical staff to undertake at least once.
Meet the
ActiveTogetherTeam
Active Together, a lifechanging cancer prehabilitation and rehabilitation service, is making waves across Yorkshire! Jointly delivered by Barnsley Hospital and Barnsley Premier Leisure, and funded by Yorkshire Cancer Research, the programme empowers patients with tailored support in exercise, nutrition, and mental wellbeing.
Led by a dedicated team of AHPs, psychologists, and fitness professionals, Active Together helps people achieve meaningful goals and improve quality of life. Now part of a regional evaluation with NHS trusts in Sheffield, Rotherham, and Doncaster, its impact continues to grow across the county. Barnsley leads with pride!
FLU VACCINATORS ON SITE THIS WEEK.
Our friendly vaccinators Denise and Julie will be out with the trolley at the hospital conducting flu vaccination sessions at these locations and times this upcoming week. If you work near these areas on site and haven’t yet been vaccinated, we encourage you to look out for, or visit our vaccinators. No appointment is necessary.
Find out more on the Hub
Monday 17 November th 09:00–12:00: Roaming BHNFT 13:00–16:00: Roaming BHNFT
Tuesday 18 November th 09:00–15:30, Gateway Plaza
Thursday 20 November th 09:00–12:00, Medical Outpatients 13:00–16:00: Roaming BHNFT
Friday 21 November st DROP-IN SESSIONS, OH, Block 9 09:00 – 12:00 and 13:00 – 16:00
“As a Public Health Midwife, I get vaccinated because it helps protect the families we support and promotes healthier pregnancies. Vaccination is a simple step that reduces the risk of serious illness in pregnancy and gives babies important early protection too. It’s also reassuring to know that health professionals like myself are vaccinated, so we can continue providing safe care with added confidence.“
Walburgh Manhungira, Public Health Midwife
TopInterns: SmashingItSince September!
We welcomed our new Project Search Interns to Barnsley Hospital in September (see Issue 55) and this year’s cohort of students are an exceptional group of people, all very eager to learn and build on their work experience. In this issue, we say a big well done and thank you to our Intern of the Month for October.
WhatisProjectSearch?
DFN Project Search is a transition to work program in partnership with Barnsley College for people with disabilities aged 18-24 in their last year of education.
Skye is is working on the Breast Unit. She’s been awarded Intern of the Month for her resilience and hard work, reassuring patients and developing empathy in the role.
Well done Skye!
Students participate in three internships exploring a variety of career paths over three rotations each year; October to December, January to March, April to June.
ReducingInappropriateReferrals toCardiologyfromAMU
Barnsley Hospital’s cardiology referral project successfully reduced inappropriate referrals from AMU from 47% to just 11%. Led by Samia Farhad and team, the initiative introduced clear referral criteria and implemented the Careflow Connect system, enabling consistent, trackable communication and consultant feedback. Staff engagement and feedback shaped improvements, and the project is now embedded as business as usual, with positive staff response and measurable impact. It aligns with strategic goals: Best for People, Patients and the Public, and Performance delivering safer, smarter care. Click here to visit the QI Team
Samia Farhad Physician Assistant
Be part of improvement. Call the QI team on 5643, or click to email
BRILLIANT INDIVIDUAL
AmberBroadhead
Amber, Sister on Ward 34, exemplifies excellence in every aspect of care. Her calm, compassionate approach, outstanding time management, and forwardthinking make her indispensable. She mentors with heart, collaborates across teams, and drives quality improvement.
Amber champions inclusive, sustainable, person-centred care, aligning perfectly with Trust goals and values. Her respect for patients, teamwork with colleagues, and advocacy for diversity set a gold standard. Amber doesn’t just do her job, she elevates it. She truly deserves recognition and celebration.
Nominate a colleague for a Brilliant Award today
Publicly Brilliant
MortuaryTeam
The Barnsley Mortuary Team Nicola, Mark, and Kelsey are compassionate, dedicated professionals who care deeply for every patient and grieving family. Often overlooked, they work tirelessly behind the scenes and during viewings, treating each person with dignity and respect.
Funeral directors and families alike praise their kindness, professionalism, and unwavering support. Whether during COVID or daily duties, they go above and beyond with a smile. Their work deserves recognition, appreciation, and heartfelt thanks from the entire community.
Nominate a colleague for a Brilliant Award today
Barnsley Hospital is proud to celebrate the incredible nominees connected to our hospital community in this year’s Proud of Barnsley Awards.
We’re incredibly proud of our charity team and the other fantastic shortlisted nominees whose dedication, compassion, and commitment to our hospital and community continue to inspire us all. Their recognition at the Proud of Barnsley Awards is a true reflection of the impact they make every day.
Hospital Hero: Lisa Sanderson
Luke Callaghan
Yvonne Moreland
Jo Bowering
Charity Fundraiser: Stephanie Ellis-Smith
Volunteer: Linda Proctor
Exceptional Achievement: Dr Kerin
Charity: Barnsley Hospital Charity
Pelvi y pyTeam
The Pelvic and Perinatal Health Physiotherapy team is committed to improving quality of care in this specialist area. Over the past two years, we have implemented the new national Perinatal Pelvic Health Service specification, introducing antenatal and postnatal classes, an online self-referral form, updated patient resources, and contributing to the GetUbetter app.
We also deliver MDT training to raise awareness. In men’s health, we created a leaflet on urinary dysfunction and are monitoring referrals. Additionally, our LARs QI project trials physiotherapy for stoma reversal patients to improve continence outcomes.
