Health Secretary Wes Streeting opens Barnsley ‘Health on the High Street’ hub
The scheme has moved some hospital outpatient appointments into the Alhambra shopping centre
The Health Secretary Wes Streeting, has officially opened the first phase of a new health and wellbeing hub in Barnsley town centre.
The scheme has moved some hospital outpatient appointments into the Alhambra shopping centre, meaning patients can now attend routine clinics in the town centre rather than travelling to Barnsley Hospital.
Mr Streeting visited Barnsley on Thursday (Jan 29) to see how the hub is already operating, as part of the government’s wider ambition to deliver more healthcare services in community and high street locations.
The first services to move into the former Wilko unit include ophthalmology, optometry and retinal screening. Rheumatology, dermatology and orthotics services are expected to follow later this year.
Other outpatient services are due to relocate as part of a phased opening, with the hub expected to be fully operational by 2028.
During the visit, Mr Streeting met staff and patients and said the scheme showed “the future of the NHS”.
“What we’re seeing right here in the Alhambra is a shopping centre and a town centre that is actually on the up,” he said.
“Having this brilliant facility right at the heart of the shopping centre will mean that it’s more easy and convenient for the patients to get access to care. It’s bringing more people to the shopping centre and to the town centre, making sure it goes from strength to strength. If people get a coffee on the way or do a bit of shopping, then so much the better.
The hub sits near the Glass Works, home to Barnsley’s NHS Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC), which opened three years ago.
The CDC has delivered more than 220,000 appointments for services such as blood tests, X-rays and ultrasounds.Mammogram attendance has increased by 22 per cent, while missed appointments have fallen by 24 per cent.
Dr Richard Jenkins, chief executive of Barnsley Hospital, said the expansion into the Alhambra has built on the success of the diagnostic centre.
“It’s clear that there is a real appetite for bringing more health services to a town centre location which is easy, convenient, modern and linked with other services and facilities.
“Expanding the range of health and wellbeing services in the heart of our town centre, alongside the CDC, is going to deliver even more efficient and effective services, hugely enhancing people’s experiences and ultimately improving the lives of residents.”
The Alhambra Shopping Centre was purchased by Barnsley Council with support from the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, as part of plans to create a mixed-use town centre destination.
Council leaders say the wider health hub could attract up to 150,000 additional visitors each year, generating an estimated £1.5m in extra spending for the local economy.
Councillor Sir Steve Houghton, leader of the council, said bringing services into the town centre made appointments more appealing for patients.
“We know from talking to patients that they prefer coming into town for an appointment over visiting the hospital, where they can also go on to enjoy a coffee and some shopping. This diversification of the high street offer will continue to increase visitor numbers to our fantastic town centre, driving economic growth and supporting local businesses.”
South Yorkshire mayor Oliver Coppard said the project was helping the region tackle long-standing health inequalities.
“By bringing services into the heart of Barnsley, everyone will now be able to access a wide range of health and wellbeing support in the town centre – no longer needing to visit a hospital.”
Work is already under way on plans for a second phase of the hub, which is expected to include mental health services, a wellbeing centre and a gym.