PROUD
NEWS
19 DECEMBER 2025
Execs Visit the Chaplaincy for Carol Service See more on page 10
Today’s prize is an Aldi Snack Hamper To be in with the chance of winning, please email your answer to the question below to the communications inbox: communications.barnsley@nhs.net
In the song The Twelve Days of Christmas, what gift is given on the fifth day? A) Five calling birds B) Five French hens C) Five turtle doves D) Five golden rings
Emma Parkes
Joint Director of Communication
Collier’s Restaurant Christmas Opening Times As we approach the festive season, we want to make sure everyone knows when we’re here for you. Our team remains committed to providing support and service throughout the holidays, with adjusted opening hours to reflect the celebrations.
Thank you for your continued support. From all of us, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Let’s make this festive season safe, joyful, and full of care.
Christmas Day: 07:30 – 14:30 Boxing Day: 07:30 – 14:30 New Year’s Eve: 07:30 – 18:00 All Other Days: 07:30 – 19:30
Deconditioning - Christmas style! As part of Barnsley Hospital’s Christmas ward based activities, ward staff alongside the Deconditioning Practice Educator, students on a deconditioning placement, senior leadership team, and the Patient Experience team supported activities from the 8th-12th December across the wards of 17, 19, 21, 23 and 30.
Funded y t i r a Ch
In total 29 patients using the dining room or in a bay or single cubicle took part in quizzes and craft activities with a Christmas theme with the aim of increasing patient movement, improving mood and reducing social isolation.
Patients commented on how much they enjoyed the activities, how it “made by brain work and helped my concentration” and the importance of having the opportunity to do activities like this as they bring people together.
We will be doing more activities in the new year. If you have an idea for an activity or would like some support to put on an activity, please contact Marcus Dearns Deconditioning Practice Educator on m.dearns@nhs.net
Chari ty Fun ded
PUBLICLY BRILLIANT
Tracey Allen “I nominate Tracey for the Brilliant Award for her exceptional care and dedication. Following a recent cancer diagnosis and inpatient admission, Tracey went above and beyond to coordinate treatment, ensure clear communication, and speed up processes so patients felt informed and supported.
She even assisted with referral information for the family history clinic. Her compassion, professionalism, and commitment to patient well-being make her a true credit to the hospital. Nothing is ever too much trouble for Tracey she truly deserves this recognition.”
Nominate a colleague for a Brilliant Award today
Football Legends Score Big on Festive Cheer at Barnsley Hospital! Barnsley Football Club brought joy to Barnsley Hospital with their annual Christmas visit. Children and families were delighted as players handed out gifts, thanks to the generosity of Burendo, the tech company owned by Barnsley lad Glenn Crossley.
Glenn explained: “My company does a lot of work with the NHS, and my son was born in Barnsley. We like giving back.” Fourteen‑year‑old Megan Wanless, a patient for eight weeks, was thrilled to receive a signed shirt from her favourite player, captain Luca Connell.
Festive Cheers for NHS Heroes The festive visit wasn’t only about patients – Barnsley FC also brought cheer to the hardworking hospital staff. Nurses, doctors, and support teams often spend Christmas away from their own families, ensuring care continues for those in need. The Reds took time to thank them personally, sharing
gifts and warm words of appreciation. Staff members said the visit boosted morale and reminded them they are valued by the wider community. With Burendo’s support, the players showed gratitude to those who give so much every day.
A Heartfelt Thank You We extend heartfelt thanks to all who made it possible. To the players, who gave their time and energy to bring joy to patients; to the communications team at the club, who worked tirelessly to organise and share the story; and to the hospital staff, whose dedication ensures care continues even through the festive period. Special gratitude goes to Burendo and Glenn Crossley for sponsoring the gifts.
Together, you created unforgettable moments of kindness, proving Barnsley’s community spirit shines brightest at Christmas.
DFN Project Search at Barnsley Hospital DFN Project SEARCH is a programme that helps young people with learning disabilities and/or autism gain the skills and experience needed for paid employment. Barnsley Hospital is proud to host interns through this initiative, offering real workplace experience in a supportive environment. This partnership promotes inclusion and helps interns build confidence and independence while contributing to our hospital community. 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.
November’s Star Intern:
Josh Mitchell
Josh is working in the canteen. He’s been awarded Intern of the Month for his hard work, good humour and resilience during all the changes in the restaurant during his placement. He has kept smiling throughout despite finding change difficult to manage. Well done Josh!
“Protect yourself and others, have the flu vaccine this winter.” Clare Turner, Vaccination Midwife
Stay Strong. Get Vaccinated. Keep yourself and your patients safe this festive season by getting your flu vaccine. How to book during the festive period: Call Occupational Health on ext. 4939 or 01226 434939 Email the Occupational Health team to arrange your STAY STRONG. appointment.
GET Don’t waitVACCINATED. - protect your health and help keep our hospital safe this winter!
BRILLIANT INDIVIDUAL
Donna Chadwick
“I nominate Donna for the Brilliant Award for her inspiring efforts supporting the Little Princess Trust. On 19th September 2025, she bravely shaved her hair to raise funds and awareness, donating it to create wigs for children facing hair loss.
Donna has raised over £2,000 through raffles and community engagement, demonstrating compassion, teamwork, and respect. Her actions embody our Trust values and strategic goals by fostering care beyond treatment, inspiring kindness, and making a real difference for patients and the public.” Nominate a colleague for a Brilliant Award today
Celebrating Accreditation Success in Endoscopy We would like to give a big ‘Shout Out’ to Dr. Ahmad Shirazi -Nejad, our esteemed Gastroenterology consultant, who has recently achieved Accreditation as a Bowel Screener for Endoscopy services. This is a fantastic and welldeserved achievement. It is independent and impartial recognition that ensures patients receive highquality, safe and consistent care, enhancing our units capacity and expertise in the national bowel cancer screening programme.
Dr Shirazi- Nejad Gastroenterology Consultant
Please join us congratulating Dr Shirazi- Nejad!
Joy and memories at Christmas Carol service Barnsley Hospital’s Chaplaincy Team held their annual Christmas Carol service, which was well attended by staff and visitors. The service offered a moment of reflection and community. The Chaplaincy Team provides compassionate listening and guidance, helping people explore meaning, resilience, and hope.
the chapel is open to all, regardless of faith or background, chaplaincy reminds us that kindness and understanding can ease burdens. The carol service highlighted how shared reflection fosters wellbeing and strengthens community even in difficult circumstances.
Try Dry January Dry January is an important initiative for our organisation because it reflects our commitment to health, wellbeing and prevention for both staff and the people we support. It encourages reflection on alcohol use, supports physical and mental wellbeing, and fosters a positive, supportive workplace culture. By taking part, we lead by example and strengthen the credibility of our public health messages. Dry January also helps reduce Stigma, encouraging open conversations about alcohol and its impact on individuals and families. Ultimately, it supports compassionate, informed care and reinforces our commitment to improving health outcomes within our communities
Doing Dry January? Click here to share your story with the communications team by email
The Urgent Care Therapy Team The Urgent Care Therapy Team (UCTT) are a team of Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists who work in A&E, AMU, SSU and the Acute Frailty Unit. The remit of the team is to assess and treat patients who are medically fit for discharge but would be unable to be safely discharged without therapy input. This means that patients are not admitted inappropriately, and assists with patient flow.
The team recently trialled early intervention in ambulance triage as part of a GIAGW project, aiming to assess patients at the front door to improve speedy discharges. They are currently auditing a further two-week trial to evaluate if this is effective and can become a new way of working. Thank you for all you do!
Christmas Pay Dates To support everyone in enjoying Christmas celebrations, December’s payday will arrive early this year. Payslips are available on ESR from today (19 Dec)
Salaries will be paid on Tuesday 23 December 2025 Looking ahead, January 2026 payday will be on Wednesday 28 January 2026
PROUD
NEWS
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