MAJOR transformation work to relocate Barnsley Hospital’s outpatient services to the Alhambra Shopping Centre thanks to more than £60m in funding is well underway - and the first phase of services are set to be launched later this year.
Barnsley Council bought the Alhambra - which originally opened in 1991 - two years ago for £4.5m with the support of the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority.
The Alhambra is at the forefront of the plans for the ‘Health on the High Street’ initiative, which is expected bring in 250,000 people a year.
The venue will transform parts of the shopping centre to create convenient health services within the heart of the town centre and work is well underway on what will be the UK’s largest relocation of hospital outpatient services.
The first floor of the shopping centre will be turned into the health and wellbeing hub, which will see its first outpatient appointments transfer to Barnsley Hospital’s new satellite centre in the heart of town by this autumn.
It’s the next phase in Barnsley’s town centre regeneration which the council say is already creating an example for other areas to follow up and down the country following the success of the Community Diagnostic Centre.
The CDC has been instrumental in reducing waiting times, increasing attendance rates for appointments and improving patient satisfaction, welcoming approximately 220,000 appointments to date for services like blood tests, ultrasounds and X-rays.
Since its opening in April 2022, the CDC has seen a 22 per cent increase in mammogram attendance and a 24 per cent reduction in missed appointments.
Dr Richard Jenkins, chief executive at the hospital, told the Chronicle: “It's changed how we think about delivering healthcare.
"We're a public service and the CDC and this make it a better service.
“We’ve been listening to what our patients, their families and our colleagues tell us and 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.”
Work is also stepping up in the former Wilko store - which closed at the end of 2023 - which will be used by the hospital’s eye specialists from ophthalmology services.
They are due to be the first to move into the Alhambra.
Other hospital outpatient services are due to move in before the end of the year as part of a phased opening of the hub, which will include services from a range of health and wellbeing partners and is due to be fully operational in 2028.
Council leader Sir Steve Houghton told the Chronicle: “It's a hugely impressive development that's going to transform health services in the borough.
"For the residents up at the hospital - because this is one of the things that crosses my desk every single week - transport, parking and congestion will be reduced.
"It'll take a bit of time but we'll get there.
"No matter which way you look at this it's a win-win.
“There are so many projects going off in Barnsley - I've never been as optimistic about the future as I am now.
“When people come here they won't just see the hospital transplanted into the town centre, they'll see a new way of doing things.
“The Glass Works set the standard - we'll keep meeting those going forward.
“I’m excited to see the first Barnsley Hospital services moving into the space later this year, making it easier for you to get vital health checks and scans, and can’t wait for the space to continue growing its offer over the next few years.”
It’s been enabled by more than £60m of funding from South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority.
By attracting an additional 150,000 footfall per annum, the hub is expected to generate at least £1.5m in additional visitor spend.
South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard said: “I’m determined to give everyone the chance to live happier, healthier lives, right across South Yorkshire, and we’re investing in that plan, building on the momentum and success we’ve seen right across the region.
“I love Barnsley.
"I've not just worked here myself - my dad worked here for 30 years and my mum worked here for about a decade.
“This is a place really close to my heart so to see the progress that Barnsley has made and continues to make is a real success story.
“It's not just pioneering for Barnsley, it's showing the way forward not just in South Yorkshire but nationally as well.”
