A right royal affair for Protective Services
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Today’s prize is a £10 Greggs Voucher. To be in with the chance of winning this prize, please email your answer to the question below to the communications inbox: communications.barnsley@nhs.net
Building on the success of our Proud to Care Conference in October, a number of teams have recently received heartfelt messages of appreciation from delegates who attended the One Team session.
The recipients were both surprised and delighted to discover that colleagues from across the Trust had taken the time to acknowledge their dedication and hard work. It was a powerful reminder that when we come together as One Team, the impact of our care and commitment can reach far and wide.
We’re incredibly proud to recognise Jo Bowering, Community Midwife at Barnsley Hospital, for her outstanding dedication and compassion. Jo consistently goes above and beyond to support families, building trust, offering guidance, and ensuring every individual feels respected and cared for. Her commitment reflects the very best of midwifery practice, and she truly embodies the values of the Cavell Award.
Congratulations, Jo — not only on this well‐deserved Cavell Award win, but also your Proud of Barnsley Award. A double celebration of passion, professionalism, and care.
Nominate a colleague for a Cavell Star Award today
Jo has dedicated 25 years to Barnsley Hospital, most of them in the Emergency Department. Starting as a staff nurse in 2001, she progressed to sister, lead nurse, and later Emergency Nurse Practitioner after completing advanced training. Jo helped establish the nurse-led minor injuries service, which celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2016.
She describes the ENP role as both challenging and rewarding, and feels privileged to work alongside such dedicated colleagues. We’re proud to honour Jo’s leadership and commitment to patient care.
Congratulations to Jo on this incredible achievement.
Thank you for your 25 years of dedication and hard work!
Colleagues have been taking part in violence and aggression reduction training at Barnsley Hospital, led by Mick McGowan a former police officer with over 30 years’ experience.
This two‐day programme focuses on high‐pressure areas such as the Emergency Department and Acute Medical Unit, equipping staff with skills in:
Safer de‐escalation
Positive approaches to behaviour
Re‐directing and guiding Clinical holding
Mick shared: “My purpose remains the same: keeping people safe.”
Thank you to Mick and our colleagues for building a culture of safety, compassion, and support across Barnsley Hospital.
Read this story and others in Barnsley Hospital News
We are delighted to share the success of our neonatal AHP baby group pilot. Designed for high‐risk infants and their families post‐discharge, the monthly group provides vital peer support, anticipatory guidance, and neurodevelopmental education.
Families benefit from Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy assessment, dietetic advice on weaning, and input from a neonatal outreach nurse. Proposed during “give it a go” week, the initiative tackles inequities in service provision.
Attendance has been strong, and parent feedback overwhelmingly positive— highlighting the impact of early, specialised intervention.
Barnsley Hospital Protective Services earned two awards in November. One honoured their role in implementing Martyn’s Law, a campaign led by Figen Murray OBE, who lost her son in the Manchester Arena bombing. The team proudly received a “Peace Bear” as recognition. The second award celebrated their voluntary contributions to NHS security management development nationally.
At a separate London event, Lead Technical Specialist Mike Lees met HRH Princess Anne, who discussed the Trust, NHS, and their security efforts. Mike described the experience as a privilege, noting her genuine interest despite a busy schedule.
The NHS has already issued a flu SOS with cases rising rapidly and the flu season starting earlier than usual.
Once you get vaccinated, it usually takes 2 weeks for your body to build up protection against the flu virus. With the festive season just around the corner, get your flu vaccine now to make sure you and your loved ones are protected in time.
Our friendly vaccinators will be on site at the hospital at these locations and times this upcoming week. We encourage you to act now, stay strong and get vaccinated before Christmas.
Wednesday 10 December th 09:00–12:00: Roaming BHNFT 13:00–16:00: Roaming BHNFT
Thursday 11 December th 09:00–12:00: Roaming BHNFT 13:00–16:00: Roaming BHNFT
Friday 12 December th DROP-IN SESSIONS, OH, Block 9 09:00 – 12:00 and 13:00 – 16:00
Please call Occupational Health on ext 4939 to request a visit or find out where the vaccinators are located during roaming sessions. Find out more on the Hub
October Flu Vaccination Prize Draw Winner!
As a thank you to all staff who have received their flu vaccination, we’re entering everyone into a monthly £50 voucher draw. This is our way of showing appreciation for helping keep our patients, colleagues, and community safe. We’re thrilled to announce that Melanie Hoggard from the Neonatal Unit was our October prize draw winner!
Could you be next? If you haven’t had your vaccine yet, there’s still time! Book an appointment via Vaccination Track or visit a drop-in session this week to be included in the monthly draws.
This Black History Month, we asked our Race, Equality & Inclusion Staff Network members how have they shown strength in their personal or professional life? And what does Black power mean to them?
“Black Power,” to me, is more than physical strength - it symbolizes determination, focus, and resilience in pursuing justice despite discrimination and adversity. Growing up in an African rural setting marked by poverty and limited opportunities demanded more than physical strength; it required activating the ‘Black Power’ within me - staying focused, determined, and resilient through each stage of my journey to pursue life’s dreams.
Relocating to the UK brought new challenges: adapting to unfamiliar systems and confronting gaps in cultural awareness and diversity. As a Black ethnic minority, I’ve faced workplace victimisation that affected my wellbeing, yet I remained professional and composed.
In moments of disappointment, I’ve drawn strength from my faith, personal values, and the support of family and a few allies. My journey continues, and the ‘Black Power’ within me fuels my resolve every day.”
The Freedom to Speak Up Guardian is an independent NHS role that supports staff to raise concerns safely and confidentially. If you have an issue that concerns you, you can talk to:
Within the Organisation
Freedom to Speak Up Champions
Your manager/trusted colleague
HR
Staff Networks
Patient Safety / Quality Teams
PNA’s / PMA’s
Unions
Guardian of Safe Working Chaplaincy
Counter Fraud
Senior Managers / Executive Team
Non-Executive Directors (NEDs)
Outside the Organisation
NHS England (NHSE) Care Quality Commission (CQC)
National Guardian’s Office
GMC Freedom to Speak Up Guardian
Sue Todd - CBU 1 Management team
Jan Micaleff - Clinical audit
Beverley Dransfield - Chemotherapy unit
Clare Lenthall - PIU
Toni Haigh - Theatres
Clare Elsworth - Senior theatre
practitioner team
Helen Reeve - Staff nurse General medicine
Dave Bissell - Critical care project lead
Lisa Box - Cardio Respiratory Physiologist
Leanne Newsome - Inclusion and
Wellbeing Admin support
Bernadette Marr - MDT co-ordinator
Tammy Oates - Fracture clinic
Kelly Furniss - BFS Procurement
Rhys Vertigans - Physio
Alexandra Mitchell - Pharmacy
Tarren McKee - Pharmacy
Kate Lansley - Birthing Centre
Charlotte Haigh - BFS
Sharon Botham - BFS
George Ellis - Ward 17
Since April 2025, Linda Meason has led Barnsley Hospital’s catering transformation as Contract Director with BFS. With 15 years at Medirest, Kings Mill Hospital, she brings expertise and passion for delivering our hospital’s catering service to colleagues, visitors, and patients.
A major achievement under her leadership is the opening of Collier’s Food Court, a modern, welcoming space offering variety, convenience, and comfort. Colleagues gain a retreat during busy shifts with freshly cooked and nutritious options; visitors enjoy a relaxing environment close to loved ones; and patients benefit from varied menus.
Linda says: “It’s the sense of community seeing how much the restaurant means, from a quick coffee to families sharing a meal. Being part of that positive experience is rewarding.”
Her commitment to quality and innovation ensures Barnsley Hospital’s catering continues to drive forward improvements. The new food court is more than a place to eat it fosters connection, comfort, and care.
