Improving outcomes for patients at risk of delirium
Read more out this OT project on page 5
OurAnti‑RacistCommitment
As we mark Race Equality Week, we reaffirm our commitment to becoming an actively anti‐racist organisation. Guided by our Anti‐Racist Framework, we continue to tackle inequity, remove barriers and work together to build a culture where every colleague feels respected, valued and safe. This week, we encouraged all colleagues to take a moment each day to participate in the 5‐Day Challenge - a simple but powerful opportunity to reflect, learn and take meaningful action.
Small daily steps can help us deepen understanding and drive lasting change. We have recently launched our Anonymous Reporting Platform, offering a safe and confidential way for colleagues to speak up about racism and discrimination. Thank you to those who have already used the platform; your courage is helping us identify concerns and shape improvement work across the Trust.
Together, we remain committed to meaningful change and to building the organisation our staff and communities deserve.
Pauline Garnett
Head of Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI)
StrengtheningSafePractice: TheTrust’sNewMedicinesCode
This week’s Proud News celebrates the launch of the Trust’s updated Medicines Code, developed through true collaborative working. The Lead Pharmacist Governance and Medication Safety Officer worked closely with nursing, medical, pharmacy, governance, and patient safety teams to ensure the Code reflects best practice across the organisation.
The Medicines Code sets Trustwide standards for safe and effective medicines management, supporting patient safety, professional accountability, and consistent practice. All colleagues involved in medicines use are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the updated document via Trust Approved Documents (TAD).
ReducingWastefrom VCandA-LinePacks
Thank you to everyone involved in this project:
Anaesthetics: Dr Andy Pedder, Dr Caroline Rider Dobson, Dr James Turnbull, Dr Jaya Pitchka
Procurement: Victoria Hall, Kathryn Beverley, Paul Taylor
Sustainability: Mo Sajard
Read more about this and other QI projects on the Hub
OccupationalTherapy
Delirium Project
The Medical Occupational Therapy Team has developed a Delirium Project to improve outcomes for patients at risk of delirium, aiming to lead an interdisciplinary approach to raise awareness and strengthen hospital‐wide management. OTs now prioritise these patients, complete the 4AT, and deliver daily interventions focused on sensory stimulation and cognitive reorientation—key but often overlooked strategies in delirium prevention.
Specialist
OT Aimee
Burton‐Draper initiated the project five years ago, informed by research showing daily OT can halve delirium incidence.
After attending training at King’s College Hospital, Aimee became the team’s Delirium Champion and created a Delirium Toolbox.
BarnsleynamedUK'sfirst"TechTown"
Barnsley is leading the way in AI adoption for public services and businesses.
Tom Davidson attended Barnsley's Tech Town launch event alongside and provided an insight into the innovative ways we're using tech and AI here at the Trust.
Tom said, “Barnsley Hospital is developing its 'Tech Town' programme as part of our wider ambition to make digitally enabled, inclusive care the norm for patients and staff, in line with the national Health Plan for England. Tech Town is not a single product or system; it is a coordinated approach to how we use digital tools and AI to support safer, more efficient and more personalised care.”
Our focus is on equipping staff with the right tools and skills so patients experience clearer communication, shorter waits, and care that is better shaped around individual needs.
Sir Steve Houghton and Tom Davidson meet Secretary of State for Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology Liz Kendall
Some initiatives build on work already underway, such as the Emergency Department’s move from paper-based systems to digital records, improving safety by ensuring information is legible, accessible and shared more effectively with specialist teams. Other developments are newer and are being tested and implemented carefully, in partnership with colleagues across the Trust, our Integrated Care System partners and relevant national bodies.
Thank you to everyone involved in preparing for this visit, and special thanks to Tom, Hannah and Bethany for representing the hospital at this momentous launch event.
Look out for the next edition of B-Digital for what’s happening in hospital tech, and how to get involved.
Nursing Project Manager Hannah Brown (L) and Chief Nursing Information Officer Bethany Pearson (R) talked about how clinicians use technology.
FlourishDxpilotmaking positiveimpacts
harm and support colleague mental health & wellbeing.
Through the FlourishDx psychosocial risk assessment and focus group in summer 2025, the team identified practical improvements to their working processes. A key change was replacing fixed desktops with laptops and docking stations, enabling Caseload Officers to “unplug and go” between work areas. This has reduced transition time, improved productivity and supported flexible working.
Team members described feeling more efficient and better able to maintain continuity. Josh Bailey (pictured) said, “I was sceptical… but the laptops coming out of it has had a positive impact – I feel a lot more productive and my worklife balance is a lot better.”
The process also gave team leader Nicola Dent insight into wellbeing needs, helping target support effectively. Staff have also benefitted from the app’s relaxation and self‐help resources during busy moments.
PatientAdvice&Complaintsteam: “Wearethebridge,notthedestination.”
The Patient Advice and Complaints Team (PALS) supports service users by handling feedback, concerns, advice requests and formal complaints. The team liaises with people by phone, in writing and in person, working with staff across the Trust to investigate issues and provide responses. They also monitor feedback themes and complaint action plans to identify improvements and make positive changes to service user experience.
Carl Barnes, BHNFT Occupational Psychologist for the FlourishDx pilot, spoke with Caseload Officers Josh Bailey and Rachel Lang, and Team Leader Nicola Dent, asking what they want colleagues and hospital users to know about their team.
“We’re here to work with you, not against you.”
What we do and don’t do:
We don’t deal with lost property (but our lovely colleagues in Estates do). We don’t handle subject access requests (but our lovely colleagues in Medical Records do).
We do signpost to other services and resources. We do act as a liaison between families, patients and clinical teams.
We are the bridge, not the destination.
Find out more about the Patient Advice and Complaints team
NicotineAddiction:
it’sokaytotalkaboutit
From colleague feedback, we know that staff who smoke can sometimes feel judged which can prevent them from seeking support.
For many people quitting isn’t as simple as willpower alone.
Smoking isn’t a lifestyle choice it’s an addiction that often starts in childhood. As a smokefree employer, our trust is proud to support staff to quit.
The Healthy Lives Team offers free, non-judgemental support tailored to you including up to 12 weeks of free nicotine replacement therapy. Appointments are flexible with protected time from work provided to make support easier to access.
If you’d like to find out more or have an informal chat contact the Healthy Lives Team on 2423. Amy Kirk Improvement Manager, QUIT
HeartAwards2026
Luke Callaghan, one of last year’s Heart Award nominees, is encouraging others to celebrate the incredible work of Barnsley Hospital colleagues over the past year.
Luke was nominated for the Charity Award in 2025 for his exceptional dedication and support of our charity. As a hospital porter, Luke plays a vital role in patient care, but his commitment goes beyond his daily duties. He has taken on challenging fundraising activities such as skydiving and a fire walk raise awareness and funds for our cause. Luke said:
“Being nominated for a Heart Award last year was a massive achievement. It’s a rewarding thing and felt like a massive achievement. It’s a great night.”
If you know someone who is making a difference and deserves recognition, please take a look at the categories and submit a nomination. Find out more and make a nomination
“I
Gary Francis, Non-Executive Director
BRILLIANT INDIVIDUAL
JasmineTolond
Jasmine has excelled in her new role as Lead Physician Assistant, providing outstanding support to PA students on placement and significantly enriching their learning experience. She introduced a dedicated simulation day and mock OSCE, both highly praised by the Undergraduate Simulation Lead and described by students as fantastic, thorough, and extremely valuable.
Her positive, encouraging approach has made a meaningful impact on their development. Jasmine’s work reflects the Trust’s commitment to developing future workforce talent and demonstrates strong teamwork, collaboration, and dedication to delivering the best possible student experience.
Nominate a colleague for a Brilliant Award today
Freyashinesasweheadinto NationalApprenticeshipWeek
We are delighted to celebrate Freya’s successful completion of her End Point Assessment.
Throughout her apprenticeship with the Communications team, she has shown dedication, professionalism, and impressive growth.
With National Apprenticeship Week taking place next week, Freya’s achievement is a timely reminder of the valuable contribution apprentices make across our organisation.
Well done, Freya!
Completing my End Point Assessment is a huge milestone. My apprenticeship in Comms has helped me grow so much, and with National Apprenticeship Week next week, I’m really grateful to everyone who’s supported me
Send your Shout Out’s for apprentices past and present to share in National Apprenticeship Week
Freya Ingham Apprentice, Communications Team
BRILLIANT INDIVIDUAL
TomNewman
During an exceptionally challenging shift with backup generators, IT failure, and phone outage Dr Newman demonstrated outstanding support. Despite the pressure, he proactively came to offer help on wards and assist with flow issues, showing true teamwork and compassion. His collaborative approach reflects Trust values and strengthens future workforce development. His kindness made a stressful situation feel manageable and reflected the Trust’s goal of being Best for People. Tom exemplifies our values of respect and teamwork, reminding us that leaders also need support. A heartfelt thank you.
Nominate a colleague for a Brilliant Award today
Introducing
Feedback
Every day, our patients remind us how much the kindness, skill and compassion of our colleagues mean to them. Across our hospital, incredible work happens quietly and behind the scenes, and it deserves to be celebrated.
Each Friday, we’ll share some of the wonderful feedback we receive to recognise the difference our colleagues make across all specialties and departments, and to say thank you for everything you do.
Faces of Barnsley is a borough‐wide portrait photography initiative designed to celebrate the people who make Barnsley a vibrant and diverse community.
Thank you to everyone who welcomed the photographer into their workplace this week to have their portrait taken.
Some of the portraits will form part of a flagship exhibition at Barnsley Town Hall which will be on display for the next couple of years
Faces of Barnsley is a celebration of individuality and unity, inviting Barnsley folk to help shape a living gallery that reflects the heart of the borough.
