A BARNSLEY Hospital consultant paediatrician estimates that he has treated thousands of young patients during a quarter of a century of service.

Dr Diarmuid Kerrin officially retired last month but continues to do clinics at the hospital until his successor is in place.

And the dedicated doctor has been nominated for a Proud of Barnsley award by one of his colleagues.

“I nominate Diarmuid Kerrin he is not only one of my work besties but also a wonderful friend to have and an absolutely fantastic consultant paediatrician.

“He has worked at Barnsley Hospital for a number of years but sadly decided to hang up his stethoscope on August 15, 2025.

“Throughout his time in Barnsley Dr Kerrin has cared for some extremely sick children with care and compassion.

“Diarmuid has been a fantastic support to many families with poorly children as well as when they visit clinics for appointments.

“He is extremely dedicated to his work at Barnsley Hospital, so much so that he has agreed to return to help with clinic until his successor is in post.

“Many junior doctors and students find Diarmuid an inspiration with his phenomenal work ethic, pragmatism and sensible approach to patient management and at the same time communicating fantastically with the patients’ families who have total confidence in Dr Kerrin to look after their most treasured possession.

“A huge voice of wisdom and experience in the paediatric department, he is going to be greatly missed by colleagues and patients.”

Dr Kerrin started at the hospital in 2001 and has loved his time in the town both inside and outside the hospital.

“We had been living in Leeds even though I was brought up in London and we immediately found Barnsley to be really friendly. We moved to Old Town just a ten minutes’ walk from the hospital and it really was such a great, welcoming place.

“My wife also works in town and my children have gone to school here and it’s been great.

“I didn’t decide to retire because I was burnt out and I still loved my job but I did want to scale back and have the flexibility to do other things. Retirement is great so far, I went to a music festival recently and we will do some travelling.

“My wife, Julie, has been a massive supporter of me so I think I also need to turn my hand to some jobs around the house even though I’m not very handy.”

Lynn Berry, secretary to the paediatric consultants, who nominated Dr Kerrin added: “Originally from ‘darn south’ as I keep reminding him, with very Irish roots, he is a total advocate for Barnsley, supporting local events and festivals and venturing into the many real ale establishments ‘int tarn’.

“On the downside to all this he is a metal head and a Leeds United supporter (but we don’t hold this against him). I could go on and on and write a whole novel on this fabulous guy and the work he has done at Barnsley Hospital but giving him the Proud of Barnsley award would absolutely be the icing on the cake for his retirement.”

On hearing about the nomination, Dr Kerrin said: “I’m honoured and touched to be nominated but I feel that ultimately I was just doing my job, a job that I loved and felt passionate about.

“I had fantastic work colleagues who I had great working relationships with and I loved getting to know the families while treating the patients.

“In the end I was sometimes treating the next generation having originally treated the parents who are now bringing their children which is amazing.”

Clinical Director Dr Sughrat Siddiqui paid tribute to Dr Kerrin: "I am beyond delighted to see Dr Kerrin has been nominated for the Proud of Barnsley Award. I have known Dr Kerrin and worked with him closely in some very tense situations with critically unwell children for nearly 15 years and he has always been capable, highly skilled, compassionate and kind with patients and their parents, staff and other medical teams.

“He is respectful, polite and approachable with all staff members and gains their immediate trust. More recently I have had the honour of being Clinical Director for the division of the hospital that includes Dr Kerrin's speciality and there is no-one anywhere in the Trust who met the news of his plans to retire with anything but disappointment.

“For me, an award like this one is about going above and beyond and hardly anyone nationwide exemplifies this quite as well as Dr Kerrin.

“The amount of extra clinics and services that he has provided the community of Barnsley with no concern for payment is humbling. Which describes Diarmuid really well, a humble gentleman but a giant in the field of paediatrics and a credit to Barnsley Hospital, who will be sorely missed by all.”