PROUD
NEWS
9 JANUARY 2026
Children’s outpatients are brilliant Read page 10 to find out why
Prioritise your Health and Wellbeing As we step into the New Year, we’re proud to reaffirm our commitment to supporting every colleague’s health and wellbeing. In this challenging period, a comprehensive range of services is available to help you stay well, feel valued, and thrive.
Our new Health and Wellbeing Strategy sits alongside practical tools such as the Health and Wellbeing Passport and our enhanced Occupational Health & Wellbeing Service, offering counselling, lifestyle assessments, physiotherapy, and stress‑at‑work guidance. With VIVUP’s Employee Assistance Programme, Wellbeing on Wednesdays, dedicated Champions, and active Staff Networks, support is always within reach.
Michael Shanaghey Head of Occupational Health & Wellbeing
Together We Raised £1,412 for Macmillan Support A huge thank you to everyone who supported our Macmillan Christmas Raffle. Your generosity and enthusiasm mean so much. We’re grateful to our Trust Volunteers for their hard work on the day. Macmillan has supported the hospital for many years through cancer information, awareness, and funding key roles, including the Information POD, which helps over 100 people each month.
All raffle prizes were drawn by the Barnsley Mayor and Lady Mayoress and have now been claimed. Thanks to your donations and purchases, we raised an amazing £1,412 for Barnsley Macmillan Support.
Staff Survey Early indication of results This year’s staff survey results highlight a strong sense of pride and confidence across our organisation. An impressive 59% of us completed the survey which is well above the 48% average for similar organisations. The results show that most of us would recommend our organisation as a place to work and would be happy with the standard of care provided to friends or relatives.
Steve Ned Director of People
We’ll see full results released in February, and national results published in March, by which time our management teams will be well into producing their action plans in response to your feedback.
Scan the QR code to access the quarterly NHS Pulse Survey which is live throughout January.
QUALITY IMPROVEMENT
Try Dry January This January we will be raising alcohol awareness and raising money for the hospital charity while having some fun. I’d encourage everyone to take part with me for this 31-day challenge to abstain from alcohol. Not only will you have fun throughout January completing challenges, most importantly you will be benefiting your health with better sleep, increased energy, lowering anxiety and improvement in mood. You can sign up as a team or an individual, so let’s have some fun!! To sign up, ring ACT ext. 5299 or the hospital charity on ext. 1560 for further information.
Ruth Walker Alcohol Specialist Nurse Doing Dry January? Share your story with the Comms team by email.
FLU VACCINATORS ON SITE THIS WEEK Our friendly vaccinators will be roaming on site at the hospital next Monday 12th and Tuesday 13th January. Please call Occupational Health & Wellbeing team on ext. 4939 to request a visit or find out where the vaccinators will be located during these roaming sessions. Staff are reminded that you can also book an appointment for your flu vaccine via Vaccination Track. Find out more on the Hub
STAY STRONG. GET VACCINATED.
“I’m vaccinated to help prevent getting unwell with flu and being unable to work over the winter period. This will also help prevent the spread of infection to my family and colleagues. I am a Community Neonatal Nurse and visit very vulnerable patients in their homes therefore I feel it is my duty as a professional to help protect my patients and family by getting the flu jab which will help stop the spread of infection.” Helen Skiffington, Neonatal Outreach Sister
“I have the flu jab because as an asthmatic it is important for me to protect myself against flu. I also want to protect my family, colleagues and the women and families of Barnsley.” Louise Spence, Pastoral Support Midwife Book your flu jab today
Award season has officially begun Barnsley Hospital Heart Awards We’re delighted to confirm the Barnsley Hospital Heart Awards will take place on 15 May 2026, celebrating the people and teams who go above and beyond for our patients and each other. Nominations will be opening soon, so start thinking about who deserves recognition.
National Industry Awards The Communications team supports entries for national and industry‑recognised awards, helping showcase our brilliant work beyond the Trust. Look out for updates on the Hub and in Proud News.
BRILLIANT TEAM
Ward 18
Ward 18 has shown exceptional teamwork during a challenging period of staff shortages and leadership changes. Despite high patient acuity and heavy workloads, the team has supported each other to maintain excellent standards of care. Band 6 nurses provided guidance, HCAs ensured organisation, and the discharge coordinator streamlined processes.
Our new consultant improved efficiency, while the interim lead nurse resolved rota and training issues. Every member from nurses to hostesses put patients first, delivering compassionate, safe care and creating a supportive, family-like environment.
Nominate a colleague for a Brilliant Award today
BRILLIANT TEAM
Children's Outpatient Following a service review and user feedback, the Children’s Outpatient Department launched a dedicated Paediatric SEND Phlebotomy Clinic. This patient-centred clinic provides a calm, adapted environment using play and distraction techniques to reduce anxiety. Families are contacted before appointments to discuss preferences and needs, ensuring personalised care.
Designed collaboratively with input from patients, families, and staff, the service reflects the Trust’s values of compassion, respect, and inclusivity. It improves health outcomes, supports equality, and enhances experiences for children, young people, and families.
Nominate a colleague for a Brilliant Award today
Recognising Our ED Teams in the New Series Your willingness to open your doors, share your expertise, and allow the cameras to capture the reality of your work has created something truly special. This series doesn’t just show what happens in an ED, it shows the humanity, compassion, and resilience that define our team every single day. From the fast-paced moments of critical care to the quieter acts of kindness that often go unseen, you’ve helped bring to life the full story of what it means to work in emergency medicine.
Thank you for your dedication, your openness, and your continued commitment to delivering exceptional care. This series is a celebration of you, and it wouldn’t exist without your involvement.
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.
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