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The nomination recognises the Trust’s project “Implementing a Collaborative and Coordinated Approach to Clinical Governance and Patient Safety in an Acute NHS Trust”, which has reshaped how safety, learning, and improvement are embedded across all— to ensure safer, more aligned and joined-up care.
Historically, governance processes across the Trust had operated in silos, with various teams working separately. This structure, while functional, meant missed opportunities for shared learning and robust oversight. In 2022, a bold step was taken to change that. Under the leadership of Associate Director of Quality and Clinical Governance, the Clinical Governance and Compliance Manager Tracy Church and the Associate Director of Midwifery, Sara Collier-Hield, the teams were brought together into a single, integrated clinical governance structure.
The results have been impressive:
- 100 per cent compliance with Duty of Candour
- No repeated safety investigations, showing improved learning from incidents
- 100 per cent of women and families offered the chance to be involved in learning responses
- Positive patient and staff feedback exceeding 90 per cent
- No Regulation 28 reports (Prevention of Future Deaths) since July 2022
This transformation has had real impact on safety, experience, and culture. One staff member involved in a learning response shared, “My involvement made me think differently and had a really positive impact on my outlook and wellbeing.”
Feedback from external reviewers has been equally encouraging. The Integrated Care Board praised the team’s work during a maternity assurance visit, while the Care Quality Commission (CQC) noted, “The culture was one of learning and focused on improvement, not blame.”
Beyond Barnsley, the work is influencing change elsewhere. The integrated team has presented nationally, with other NHS Trusts now looking to Barnsley as a model of best practice.
Gill Feerick, Associate Director of Quality and Clinical Governance said:
“This recognition from the HSJ is a testament to the dedication of our clinical governance teams who have broken down barriers to deliver safer, more compassionate care for our patients. Their work not only strengthens our hospital, but also inspires improvement across the NHS.”
With the new model now embedded, Barnsley Hospital is delivering more coordinated, transparent and person-centred care than ever before — and showing what’s possible when collaboration and learning sit at the heart of patient safety.