Surgical SDEC. “Every aspect of care was delivered with kindness.”
Read more on page 10
AngelaTaylor,oneoflast year’sHeartAwardwinners
Angela Taylor, one of last year’s Heart Award winners, is encouraging others to celebrate the incredible work of Barnsley Hospital colleagues over the past year ahead of the shortlist announcement. Angela was nominated for going above and beyond the call of duty to support the bereaved family of 12year-old Sophia. Angela’s dedication, empathy, and kindness provided muchneeded comfort to parents, grandparents, and the medical team.
About her nomination last year, she said: “I felt so grateful to the family who originally nominated me. The fact that they took the time to do this when they were grieving the loss of their little girl is simply amazing.
Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to nominate
Thankyou,Angela
This led to me and the little girls’ grandfather going to the House of Lords last September to speak about the Cavell Award. But when a family member says thank you for the care that you gave, it really does make all the stress and heartache of caring for sick children worth it, being a paediatric nurse on the children’s ward really is one of the hardest jobs to do at times.
Receiving the award also made me feel more appreciated after working in this role for over 30 years. I feel that this experience has made me an even more caring and compassionate nurse. I’m very proud to have won my Heart Award.
Keep an eye out for the upcoming communications about who has being shortlisted!
We are delighted to name Ebony Armstrong as our first intern of the month for 2026 (January). Her excellent support within the Neonatal Unit and with our Play Leaders — including her commitment to high standards of care, cleanliness, and family support — has truly stood out. Congratulations, Ebony.
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.
Students explore a variety of different career paths over three rotations each year.
StarIntern:
EbonyArmstrong
When talking to Ebony at the start of her DFN Project Search Supported Internship, she said:
I’d really like to build my confidence and look forward to gaining valuable work experience.
Acorn Unit’s Mothers’ D coffee morning on Mar 13, and St Patrick’s D party on March 17
Reductionofthe useofcaffeinated productsTrustwide
The project aimed to reduce the negative effects of caffeinated hot drinks on in‐patients by lowering caffeine‐related bladder sensitivity, which can increase urinary frequency and heighten the risk of patient falls.
The initiative sought to replace standard caffeinated tea and coffee with decaffeinated alternatives across the Trust, using falls data and containment‐pad usage as key outcome measures.
Rachel Jane Falls Prevention Lead
Lindsay Reynolds
Continence Specialist Nurse
Be part of improvement. Call the QI team on 5643, or click to email
A “Taste the Difference” event demonstrated that most participants preferred or were open to switching to decaffeinated drinks, supporting wider adoption.
A trial on Wards 30, 35, and the Acorn Unit showed encouraging outcomes: night‐time and toileting‐related falls decreased across all trial areas, and containment‐pad usage reduced by 10.2%, generating a cost saving of £639. These findings contributed to the Trust’s decision to roll out the decaffeinated‐as ‐standard approach across all inpatient wards in May 2025.
Post‐rollout, the Trust continued to meet its target of 6.6 falls or fewer per 1,000 bed days, demonstrating sustained improvement. The project’s outcomes show that a simple environmental and cultural change—switching to decaffeinated drinks—can positively influence patient safety, reduce costs, and support ongoing falls‐prevention efforts.
Read more about this and other QI projects on the Hub
BRILLIANT INDIVIDUAL
BeckyJones
I am honoured to nominate Becky Jones, Lead Nurse on Ward 21, for her exceptional leadership, compassion, and unwavering support during one of the most difficult periods of my mental health journey. Becky listened without judgement, advocated for me, and ensured I was treated with dignity and respect.
Her calm, honest communication and person‐centred approach made me feel safe and valued. She leads with empathy, integrity and inclusivity, inspiring her team and making a profound difference to everyone she supports.
Nominate a colleague for a Brilliant Award today
PUBLICLY BRILLIANT
ShelbyBroadhead
I would like to nominate Shelby Broadhead for the exceptional care and compassion she showed my Nan during her stay on AMU on 6 November.
Despite a demanding workload, Shelby remained patient, kind, and attentive, making my Nan feel truly valued.
She also took time to reassure me when she saw I was worried, which meant so much during a stressful time. Shelby’s calm, empathetic approach and genuine dedication to her patients stood out. She made a lasting difference, and I am deeply grateful.
Nominate a colleague for a Brilliant Award today
BRILLIANT TEAM
SurgicalSDEC
I would like to nominate Surgical SDEC for the outstanding, timely care they provided to my partner, which supported a faster recovery. Every aspect of care was delivered with kindness, compassion, and nothing was ever too much trouble.
The team liaised promptly with doctors, ensuring he was seen quickly and a clear plan was made. My partner, who is often anxious in hospitals, felt comfortable and well supported.
We are both grateful to Victoria, Sandra, Kay, Danielle and Selena for their exceptional care.
Nominate a colleague for a Brilliant Award today
