BARNSLEY Hospital has been shortlisted for two prestigious awards.

The trust has been shortlisted in the ‘Developing a Positive Safety’ and ‘Quality Improvement Initiative of the Year’ at the HSJ Patient Safety Awards 2026.

Colleagues on ward 33 (orthopaedics) introduced structured daily multidisciplinary (MDT) safety board rounds, creating a more open and supportive culture where staff are encouraged to raise concerns and work together to improve patient safety.

Claire Lawson, trauma and frailty lead, said: “I am immensely proud to have led this project by role modelling strong values-based leadership embedded in kindness and to have seen the impact this has had on a positive culture shift that has transformed the safety on the ward.

“What a legacy to leave and one that we can scale up throughout the trust and beyond by making every contact count.”

Meanwhile, the trust’s innovative ‘Decaf by Default’ initiative has made decaffeinated drinks the standard option for patients.

The project was designed to improve sleep, reduce anxiety and lower the risk of falls and toilet-related incidents, while also supporting continence care.

Rachel Jane, falls prevention lead, added: “It is a real honour to be shortlisted for a national HSJ Patient Safety Award and to see this project recognised at such a high level.

“Since the rollout of Decaf by Default, we have seen a sustained reduction in falls trust wide, alongside a decrease in containment pad use, demonstrating a positive impact on both patient safety and dignity.

“This recognition reflects the hard work and commitment of making a positive change, to improve patient care.”