Barnsley Hospital Shortlisted for Prestigious HSJ Patient Safety Award for improving the experience of care for patients and families living with dementia

The nomination celebrates the Trust’s ambitious, person-centred programme “Improving Dementia Care and Overall Experience for Patients and Their Families and Carers within the Hospital Setting.” At the heart of the initiative is a commitment to listening to and learning from the people who matter most – patients, carers and families.

The journey began with the powerful ‘Hearing the Voice’ engagement event in November 2022, where carers of people living with dementia shared their experiences candidly with senior Trust leaders and frontline teams. Their voices were not only heard but became the catalyst for wide-ranging, co-produced improvement initiatives designed to enhance safety, dignity and compassion in dementia care.

Since then, the results have been transformative:

• 100 per cent of dementia patients are now identified through a Trust-wide alert system, ensuring staff can deliver tailored, safe care from admission to discharge.
• Complaints relating to dementia care have dropped by 50 per cent, with no complaints recorded in the most recent quarter.
• Patient satisfaction for dementia care has soared from 53 per cent to an outstanding 100 per cent in 2024/25 to date.
• Significant reductions in falls, repeated falls, and average length of stay have all been reported, alongside a dramatic increase in dementia training compliance among staff.

Associate Director of Quality and Clinical Governance at Barnsley Hospital, Gill Feerick , said:

“Being shortlisted for this HSJ award is a real honour and testament to the work of our staff, carers, volunteers and community partners who have shown unwavering commitment to improving dementia care. This recognition affirms the power of involving patients and carers as true partners in shaping safer, more compassionate healthcare.”

The Trust’s approach has not only brought measurable clinical improvements but has reinvigorated staff morale, inspired new projects, and strengthened partnerships across Barnsley PLACE. Notably, the Trust’s innovative Care Partner Policy has broken down traditional barriers between hospital teams and carers, empowering families to stay involved in their loved one’s care with dignity and support.

The team looks forward to the red-carpet event ceremony, hosted 15 September in Manchester.