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BHNFT Proud News - Issue 97 - 31 July 2026

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PROUD

NEWS

31 JULY 2026

Andrew shines as latest Cavell star Congratulations to Staff Nurse Andrew Murphy on Ward 21 for his Cavell Award! Read more inside.


We celebrate International Security Day International Security Day is an annual opportunity to recognise and thank our Security Officers for the invaluable work they do every day 24/7 to protect staff, patients and visitors across the hospital. Our Security Officers provide reassurance, respond to incidents, support staff during difficult situations, help keep our sites safe and secure,

and work closely with clinical and non-clinical teams to help maintain a safe environment for everyone. The national event asks that officers are acknowledged with a simple ‘thank you’.


Lynn reflects on a career built in Barnsley Lynn Clay, Maternity Stop Smoking Advisor at Barnsley Hospital, said: “I joined Barnsley Hospital 36 years ago and have spent the majority of my career working in maternity services, supporting women and families in a variety of roles. Today, as a Maternity Stop Smoking Advisor, I help pregnant women access the support they need to make positive changes for themselves, their babies and their families. “It’s about much more than stopping smoking – it’s about building trust, understanding individual circumstances and connecting women with the right support.”

Did you know?

Barnsley’s latest smoking at time of delivery (SATOD) rates for birthing people in 2025-26 are at 6%. The rates have improved year on year with a continued decline since 2021-22.

Got an inspirational story to share? Click to email the Comms team


The last few days to help shape our next smokefree policy We know change works best when it’s shaped with the people it affects. Whether you smoke, vape, or neither, we would value your feedback. By completing this survey, you will help us co-create improvements to the next

version of the Trust’s Smokefree Site Policy. Your insight will help us better understand what works, what doesn’t, and how we can offer more practical and compassionate support. It’s an opportunity to share your experiences, feel heard, and help shape a policy that’s realistic and works in practice. Your perspective matters.

Please do take the time to fill out the smokefree site survey

Amy Kirk - Health Improvement Manager QUIT


IN PURSUIT OF QUALITY

Accreditation success for Ward 32

We are absolutely delighted to share the fantastic news that Ward 32 has achieved outstanding outcomes in their recent Ward Accreditation review. The team has been recognised for its resilient and adaptable team, delivering high-quality care within a busy respiratory environment caring for patients with complex needs.

The team has demonstrated excellent infection prevention standards, with no MRSA or E. coli cases during the reporting period, and consistent achievement of five-star cleanliness ratings. Their proactive approach to antimicrobial stewardship highlights a clear commitment to patient safety. Well done to the entire team on Ward 32!


Jenny helps her colleagues to grow and thrive Jenny Brindley, Practice Educator Midwife and Professional Midwifery Advocate (PMA), is passionate about supporting colleagues across Barnsley Hospital’s maternity services. Jenny coordinates training programmes, maternity emergency simulations

and support for early career midwives, helping colleagues build confidence and develop new skills. Having joined Barnsley Hospital in 2009, she has held a variety of maternity roles and values the strong team spirit within the service. Jenny said:

“We’re a family who come together to support one another. Seeing colleagues grow and succeed is incredibly rewarding.”


BRILLIANT INDIVIDUAL

Abigail Searles

A severe injury has unfortunately kept Abi’s colleague off work and away from the ward for the last 12 months. Navigating such a long, difficult recovery has been incredibly challenging. However, Abi has been an absolute pillar of strength during this time. Despite the intense daily pressures of managing the ward, she consistently went out of her way to check on her team.

Abigail’s regular messages, unwavering encouragement, and genuine kindness completely lifted her colleague’s spirits on their darkest days. Congratulations on your Brilliant Award Abigail!

Nominate a colleague for a Brilliant Award today


PUBLICLY BRILLIANT

Angela Wheldon Angela recently looked after a patient post-operatively whilst they were an inpatient. She was recognised as a fantastic nurse, knowledgeable, witty and compassionate. Nothing was too much trouble and she did everything with a huge smile on her face. Angela is a credit to the trust, role modelling both positive and professional attitudes.

During every interaction, she has been kind, caring and most importantly cares for her patients as if they were her own. The patient thanked Angela for such a positive experience on a day they were dreading. Congratulations on your Brilliant Award Angela! Nominate a colleague for a Brilliant Award today


Pauline is thankful for 25 years of service This year, Head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Pauline Garnett celebrates 25 years of service with Barnsley Hospital! When asked what stands out, she said: “This year marks 25 years of continuous NHS service, although next year will be 40 years since I started my nurse training in London. My career has taken me through many different roles and specialties, each bringing opportunities to learn, grow and make a difference. “Today, as Head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at Barnsley Hospital, I feel privileged to support colleagues and help create an inclusive workplace.

25 YEARS

“My husband often jokes that I am unusual because I am so passionate about my job! But for me, it's about making a difference, whether that's supporting colleagues, improving experiences or helping create positive change. I feel incredibly proud of the journey so far and grateful for the opportunities and people who have shaped it.”


CAVELL STAR

Congratulations to our Cavell winner Congratulations to Staff Nurse Andrew Murphy on Ward 21 for his Cavell Award! Andrew was awarded for his extraordinary dedication to our Trust’s nursing documentation digitalisation project. Over the past two years, Andrew has consistently gone above and beyond his expected duties, becoming an indispensible champion for both nursing staff and patients during this critical cultural transformation.

Without his tireless advocacy, our digital transformation would lack the crucial clinical voice that makes the difference between a technical implementation and a meaningful improvement in patient care. Nominate a colleague for a Cavell Star Award today


Feedback

FRIDAY This week’s feedback is a wonderful reminder that every single one of our colleagues plays a part in making a patient’s experience the best it can be. From the moment someone walks through our doors to the moment they leave, every interaction matters. Whether you work in clinical care, administration, support services, facilities, or any one of our many vital teams you make a difference.

“My mum is disabled and is unable to speak. The consultant and nurse both addressed her and had the most gentle and friendly manner. They explained everything clearly so that my mum understood.” (Dermatology)


Proud of my Pet

Meet Nelly

Meet Chester

Proudly owned by Nicola Austin, Operational Support Manager.

Proudly owned by Jen McDermid, Dermatology


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.

Got a story for us? Send it in! communications.barnsley@nhs.net Stories should be less than 100 words and include at least one photo.

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