The Infection Control Team have been celebrating Hand Hygiene Awareness
Within the NHS, we know we have several professional celebration days that occur across the year. Such days recognise the dedication, skill, expertise and impact that our colleagues make to our patients every day.
In recent years each profession has marked their day individually. This year we will celebrate with one day where all professions can share one wider celebration for everyone to enjoy, on 10 June 2026.
This will compliment profession specific days, not remove them. It is something we haven’t done before, and will be a brilliant and new way to celebrate our professions who work tirelessly to provide the best care to our patients.
We’d love to see you at Colliers Restaurant on 10 June from 11am-2.30pm.
Helen Green
Children’snursesraiseover£1,400 forDreamflight
Members of the Children’s Community Nursing Team came together to support Dreamflight, a UK charity that gives children with serious illness or disability the trip of a lifetime to Orlando - helping them build confidence, independence and a new outlook.
The team hosted a fun-filled fundraising event at the Tin Oyle in Barnsley town centre, featuring bingo, a quiz and a raffle, with prizes kindly donated by colleagues and local businesses.
Thanks to their brilliant efforts and community support, the event raised an incredible £1,496.60 for South Yorkshire Dreamflight.
Control Team have been celebrating Hand Hygiene Awareness.
To kick-start the celebrations, the team hosted a Hand Hygiene Champion event, at Barnsley College.
presented to the Champions, including ‘The Traitors: A Clean Hand Conspiracy’.
This involved traitors Janine Jordan and Kate Lavelle, convincing the faithfuls that they were loyal to the clean hand pledge, whilst working together in secret to sabotage missions - ultimately winning the game and their well-deserved Greggs gift vouchers!
A visit from SC Johnson saw Lucas Wiernicki achieve 100% on the Semmelweis hand scanner machine, demonstrating a perfect technique.
The Hand Hygiene Champions of the Year 2025–2026 were announced and kindly presented by Deputy Chief Nurse Becky Hoskins, to Champions Hayley Dudill, Beth Hamer, Emma-Jo Myers, Lauren Billard and Emma Leach on the Intensive Care Unit.
Thank you to Barnsley Hospital Charity for sponsoring the prize.
In addition to the event, information supporting the World Health Organisation’s global campaign was posted on the Hub and social media.
Also shared were numerous facts regarding the importance of handwashing and a video to celebrate the wonderful Hand Hygiene Champions.
DementiaActionWeek
Ward 21 marked Dementia Action Week (18–24 May) with a series of thoughtful initiatives, led by Rebecca (Becky) Faxon.
At the centre was a powerful “Tree of Hope,” with staff adding their fingerprints as pledges to support patients living with dementia, and their families.
The team also used a patient discussion game to spark meaningful conversations, alongside regular bingo and “Tea for Two” sessions to bring comfort and connection to the ward.
Looking ahead, career bags are set to be introduced, helping patients reconnect with past roles and life stories.
A huge well done to Becky and the Ward 21 team for their compassion and commitment to delivering truly personcentred care.
Earlier this month, the Trust celebrated its own PeriOperative Day - an idea put forward by Barnsley Hospital colleagues to recognise nurses, ODPs and support workers in theatre and recovery. Everyone working in theatre and recovery is a crucial member of our ‘whole hospital team.’
They are clinical professionals dedicated to supporting patients during and after surgery, and ensuring procedures run smoothly.
To shine a light on their valuable role in theatres, colleagues came together with a selection of treats throughout the day.
Our colleague Mike Lees was honoured to attend a Buckingham Palace Garden Party in recognition of his outstanding contribution to healthcare security.
Mike, from the Trust’s Protective Services team, was invited to the prestigious event last Tuesday, hosted by His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen.
He said: “It was a proud moment to represent the Security Institute, Barnsley Hospital and the NHS. This recognition reflects the dedication of our teams and colleagues across the Trust.”
Back at Barnsley, the experience has also sparked some light-hearted chat, with Mike swapping Buckingham Palace stories with Sue Spencer, Head of Patient Flow, who attended a Garden Party the previous week.
WorldNo TobaccoDay
This Sunday is World No Tobacco Day and the Healthy Lives team would like to remind colleagues that the hospital is a smokefree site, which includes the hospital grounds, and the area around the hospital. This has been introduced into law through the tobacco and vapes bill.
As a responsible employer, we are looking at how best to support staff who do smoke or vape whilst at work. The smokefree site policy is currently being reviewed. Colleagues who do smoke or vape can access support from the hospital QUIT team. Staff will receive 1:1 meetings with a tobacco advisor (by phone/in person), free nicotine replacement therapy for 12 weeks, and protected time to attend appointments. Contact the team on 01226 432423.
We’re extending smokefree zones across our hospital sites, and we know that for many colleagues who smoke or vape at work, this can bring real challenges during a busy shift.
We’re inviting colleagues who smoke or vape at work and staff who don’t smoke or vape to take part in a survey that helps co create improvements for the next version of our smokefree policy.
Complete the smokefree site survey
BraveKirstytakes on26.5milesfor Macmillan
Registered Nurse Kirsty is taking on the Northumberland Coast Mighty Hike – a 26.5mile marathon walk on 5 September 2026 – to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support.
A cause close to her heart, she hopes to make a difference to people affected by cancer, recognising the importance of support for patients and families.
Donate to Kirsty’s fundraiser
No one should have to face cancer alone. This charity is close to our hearts, I know many of us have family and friends who have experienced cancer and being able to gain access to support makes a huge difference.
- Kirsty Spanton Registered Nurse
ITmagiceasesdigitalpanic
We’ve all felt that moment of tech frustration - slow internet, forgotten passwords, or systems that just won’t cooperate. In a busy hospital, every second counts. That’s why IT teams are taking support directly to staff through engaging drop-in digital roadshows.
Recently held in the Emergency Department, these sessions offer handson help, from quick fixes to showcasing innovations like Ambient Voice Technology.
Led by experts, the roadshows empower clinicians with practical tips, smarter system use, and time-saving tools. The goal is simple: reduce admin stress, streamline workflows, and give staff what matters most - more time to focus on patient care. We will be based on the landing area outside the lifts on wards 19 and 20 on Thursday 4 June, 1pm –4pm.
BRILLIANT INDIVIDUAL
SimonChau
Dr Simon Chau, Consultant Aneasthetist, this week received his Brilliant Award.
Dr Chau stepped into the clinical lead role despite inital reluctance and has excelled through compassion, resilience, and steady leadership. He supported colleagues through personal challenges, rota pressures, and the death of a team member.
He ensured continuity of care and created meaningful memorials for the team.
His dedication and impact deserves recognition.
Nominate a colleague for a Brilliant Award today
Meet rescue rabbits Dory, Moana and Groot:
They love as much fresh food as they can get. Strawberries are a favourite! They are wannabe escape artists so my garden now resembles the rabbit version of Fort Knox! They love to huddle together to sunbathe!
Maddie Whelan Health Care Assistant
Thank you to everyone who has sent in your photos. It’s brightened up our inbox.
To submit your pet, email the comms team with three facts about them.
