A new NHS diagnosis centre, which will bring high-tech healthcare directly to the heart of Barnsley, moved a step closer today with news that it will open to patients this Spring.
The centre, based in The Glass Works, will help alleviate pressure on existing NHS facilities and will be open seven days a week. With access to the 670 parking spaces in The Glass Works car park, it is seen as a more convenient way for patients to receive ultrasound, X-ray, breast screening, phlebotomy and bone density scans.
Barnsley Hospital’s deputy chief executive and chief delivery officer, Bob Kirton, said: “We’re delighted to be able to offer vital diagnostic services to our communities in Barnsley and beyond at such a convenient location. The Glass Works is perfect for our patients and will mean people will not have to spend so much time travelling to and from the hospital for these important appointments.”
The new clinic adds an interesting new dimension to The Glass Works, which opened in September and has attracted several national retail and leisure brands – including Next, TK Maxx, River Island, Cruise, Fridays, Nando’s, Cineworld and Superbowl UK. The clinic is seen as another great way to bring people right into the heart of Barnsley.
Cllr Steve Houghton, the Leader of Barnsley Council, said: “The Glass Works is a superb location for the new diagnostic clinic. It’s convenient, central location will make it easier for Barnsley residents to get health scans more efficiently and will help reduce NHS waiting lists and improve overall care.”
Staffed by a multi-disciplinary team, NHS leaders say the clinic will allow hospitals to treat those most in need and help tackle the backlog created during the Covid-19 pandemic. Local GPs will also be able to refer their patients to the clinic so their patients can access tests closer to home.
The new one-stop-shop for checks, scans and tests is one of 40 opening across England, set to provide around 2.8 million scans in the first full year of operation. The funding for the diagnostics centre at The Glass Works has been secured by South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw Integrated Care System (SYBICS), who secured £3 million for two initial sites in South Yorkshire – The Glass Works and Montagu Hospital in Mexborough.
