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BHNFT Proud News - Issue 83 - 24 April 2026

Page 1


Administrative Professionals –

Supporting care, every step of the way

We take a moment to say thank you

Admin ProfessionalsDay: AMomenttoSay ThankYou

My current role for the past 8 years is Project Manager within the Portfolio Management Office.

For 29 years I am proud of the variety of roles (PA, Secretarial Management and Operational Management) and experience that brings. Having worked operationally gives me a practical, realistic approach to projects, and helps me understand the challenges teams face day to day.

The most stand out achievements for me are the Covid Heart Frames I put together and delivered across the Trust and more recently the roll out of the new National Uniform.

I’m proud to be an Inspiring Futures NHS Careers Ambassador and part of the ED&I and Health & Wellbeing Champion networks. At the heart of it all for me is simply helping, supporting people and making a difference - whether that’s through improvement work, teaching, mentoring, or advocacy.

AdminProfessionalsDay: AMomenttoSayThankYou

“One of the most rewarding parts of our role is translating patient and carer experiences into meaningful service improvements.

We are very proud of the way our team has been able to bring staff, patients and volunteers together to co‐design changes, improve environments, and celebrate positive practice across the Trust.”

AdminProfessionalsDay: AMomenttoSayThankYou

Isabelle Kilner is an administration apprentice who works in Workforce Development and Student Support.

She joined the team in October 2025 and shows a strong commitment to learning, improvement, and delivering high quality support to both colleagues and students.

During recent periods of staff sickness, Isabelle stepped up without hesitation, taking on additional responsibilities and covering tasks outside her usual role. She approached this challenge positively, adapting quickly and ensuring the smooth running of the service.

Isabelle is the welcoming face of the department for visiting students. She consistently treats everyone with kindness, respect, and professionalism, putting students at ease and ensuring they feel supported and valued.

Isabelle aspires to continue her career within the NHS following the completion of her apprenticeship, and she already demonstrates the values, behaviours, and commitment expected of an outstanding NHS employee.

AdminProfessionalsDay: AMomenttoSayThankYou

Leeann Newsome is an exceptional professional who works with remarkable efficiency, insight, and dedication. She is far more than an administrator – she is deeply knowledgeable, always bringing fresh ideas, and plays a vital role in everything we do. Her contribution to growing our staff networks was instrumental in them winning the Heart Award last year.

No matter how busy life is, Leeann always checks in on others, prioritising wellbeing and making people feel genuinely cared for. She consistently goes above and beyond her role and is a truly compassionate, inspiring person.

Got an inspirational story to share?

Click to email the Comms team

AdminProfessionalsDay: AMomenttoSayThankYou

Abi Dorricott and Joe HamptonGuest are both Learning and Development Coordinators. They job share for the Learning and Organisational Development team.

Abi has been in her role for eight years and Joe has been in his role for four years now.

Abi started as an apprentice in 2018 and Joe started at trust in the Pharmacy department and moved across to us in 2022.

The best things within their job role are that they play a role in actively supporting colleagues across the Trust to develop both themselves and the teams they work in with a view to providing the best possible care to our patients.

They are also proud of being a part of the great team who coordinates the Proud to Care Conference annually for the Trust.

AdminProfessionalsDay: AMomenttoSayThankYou

I would like to take this moment to personally acknowledge two people who mean a great deal to me and who are a valued part of the Vocational Training TeamLizzie Morris and Eden Lee.

Both Lizzie and Eden began their careers with the Trust as apprentices within the Vocational Training Department, and it has been a real privilege to see them

They play a crucial role, supporting apprenticeship programmes alongside helping facilitate the Staff Survey and schools’ engagement to name just a few of the areas they contribute to.

They pay a vital behind-thescene role in ensuring the Trust’s apprenticeship programme run smoothly and effectively. They are

AdminProfessionalsDay: AMomenttoSayThankYou

My name is Connie Ashton and I am the Lead Chaplain at the Trust, providing leadership to the chaplaincy service and ensuring high‐quality spiritual, pastoral and religious care for patients, families and staff.

I came into chaplaincy through a strong vocational calling to support people at times of illness, uncertainty or overwhelming and have worked in healthcare and pastoral settings before taking on a leadership role in 2019.

“At its heart, the chaplaincy service offers compassionate presence - supporting people not just clinically, but as whole persons.”

My faith background and experience shapes a values‐driven approach focused on compassion, inclusion and dignity for people of all faiths, beliefs and none. I am passionate about holistic care and work closely with multidisciplinary teams to ensure pastoral and spiritual needs are recognised as an integral part of patient care and staff wellbeing.

Some of the most rewarding aspects of my role include supporting patients and families during some of the most challenging moments of their lives, advocating for the importance of spiritual care within the NHS, and developing a skilled, responsive chaplaincy team.

“Spiritual care is not about having answers - it’s about creating safe space for people to explore meaning, hope and resilience at times of vulnerability.”

WELLNESS WITH LASTING IMPACT WellnessFestivalbookablesessions

We’re just one week away from Barnsley Hospital’s second

Wellness Festival, delivered in partnership with Barnsley Premier Leisure.

On Tuesday 28 April, the Education Centre will host a full day of inspiring activity focused on you and your wellbeing –from keynote speakers and practical workshops to taster sessions, cooking demos and wellbeing marketplace stalls. Your wellbeing matters.

Don’t just take our word for itfeedback from last year includes:

“Best event I’ve been to. Not just for the information, but for the activities too – there was something for everyone.”

All sessions are first come, first served with limited spaces, so we strongly encourage you to book as soon as possible.

Tuesday 28 April 8:30am - 6pm

Education Centre

Find out more about the event on the Hub

Embeddingpositive changestoimprove patientexperience

This project aimed to improve patient experience through the development, testing and implementation of practical change ideas. Initiatives trialled included “3 Things About Me” bedside signs to support personalised interactions, Welcome Packs to improve access to information, and a Care Partner initiative to support family involvement in care. These initiatives were tested across ward areas.

As a result, Care Partner packs were implemented across multiple wards, Welcome Packs became standard at bedsides, and bedside boards are being rolled out across the Trust, with staff reporting improved conversations and engagement with patients. Be part of improvement. Call the QI team on 5643, or click to email

BRILLIANT INDIVIDUAL

JayneDawson

Jayne has supported CBU3 in a temporary position and has been amazing. Jayne has been a consistently fantastic source of guidance, reassurance, and practical help across a wide range of situations. Nothing is ever too much trouble, and Jayne approaches every request with patience, professionalism, and genuine care.

Her positive attitude and willingness to help create a supportive environment that strengthens both team morale and organisational culture.

Jayne is an absolute credit to the HR team, and her dedication has had a meaningful impact on colleagues across the organisation.

Nominate a colleague for a Brilliant Award today

BRILLIANT INDIVIDUAL

SamMills

Sam has gone above and beyond to improve the cervical screening service, leading SQAS actions, supporting patients, driving digital improvements, and ensuring safe, efficient, high‐quality care.

Sam is an invaluable member of the team and continues to move the service forward in a positive way and represents the hospital values perfectly.

Nominate a colleague for a Brilliant Award today

ProudofmyPet

We all know that the best way to unwind after a long shift at work is to come home to your beloved pet.

To celebrate, we want you to send us photos of your pets to feature in future editions of Proud News and the summer edition of Barnsley Hospital News.

BarnsleyshinesinTheGuardian withHealthontheHighStreet

We were proud to see Barnsley featured in The Guardian last week, highlighting our outpatients centre at the Alhambra, as well as a visit to the Community Diagnostic Centre. 'Health on the High Street' is the result of a close partnership between the Trust and Barnsley Council and is already helping more people attend

appointments, reduce travel barriers and experience care in a more convenient setting.

Read the Guardian article for more

We’re pleased to announce that ticket sales for this year’s Heart Awards have been extended until Tuesday 29 April. This gives more colleagues the chance to join us for an evening celebrating the incredible achievements across our organisation. We hope many of you can join us for this special celebration.

Date:Friday15May

Time:From6.30pm

Venue:TheHolidayInn Dodworth TicketPrice:£25(Includes three-coursemeal)

Email communications.barnsley@nhs.net to request the online payment link.

PartnershipAward

This award recognises individuals who champio partnership working by building strong relationships, communicating clearly, and working side by side with colleagues to improve care for patients and each other.

Dr

Rajeev Gupta

Dr Gupta champions equality, wellbeing and inclusive leadership through national advocacy, editorial influence and professional networks. His partnership work strengthens staff support, representation and cultural inclusion, creating fairer systems and improving experiences across the NHS workforce.

Maternity/Medical Engineering/Walters Medical

The Maternity, Medical Engineering and Walters Medical teams collaborated to safely procure and implement new resuscitaires, improving neonatal care, strengthening teamwork, standardising practice and enhancing safety, confidence and outcomes for babies, families and staff.

Procurement

The Procurement Team delivers collaborative, efficient procurement across Barnsley, Rotherham and the SY ICS, improving value, reducing duplication, strengthening governance and supporting better outcomes for patients, staff, partners and the wider system.

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BHNFT Proud News - Issue 83 - 24 April 2026 by The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust and Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust - Issuu