'Future of the NHS' town centre health hub opens

The health secretary has officially opened a new town centre health hub that he has called "the future of the NHS".

Outpatients can now use the clinic at the Alhambra shopping centre rather than travelling to Barnsley Hospital.

The hub will offer routine services in ophthalmology, optometry and retinal screening; rheumatology, dermatology and orthotics are expected to follow later this year with the hub due to be fully operational by 2028.

The second phase of the development will include a wellbeing centre, gym and mental health clinic.

Wes Streeting visited the site as part of the government's plans to deliver more healthcare in community and high street locations.

Meeting staff and patients, he said: "What we're seeing right here in the Alhambra is a shopping centre and a town centre that is actually on the up.

"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 retail and leisure development, home to Barnsley's NHS Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC), which opened three years ago.

The CDC has provided more than 220,000 appointments for services such as blood tests, X-rays and ultrasounds. Data shows attendance for breast screening has increased by 22%, and the number of missed appointments has fallen by 24%.

Dr Richard Jenkins, chief executive of Barnsley Hospital, said: "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."

Barnsley Council now owns the Alhambra, and hopes the health hub could boost footfall by 150,000 visitors per year.

Leader Sir Steve Houghton said: "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."

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