A REVOLUTIONARY project which has allowed patients to access healthcare in an easy-to-attend town centre environment has already improved outcomes just six months after opening, a report has revealed.
Health on the High Street, which has seen innumerable services transfer from Barnsley Hospital to the Alhambra, has posted positive results.
The first services to transfer to the health and wellbeing hub, in the former Wilko store on the upper floor of the centre, were ophthalmology, optometry and retinal screening.
These were followed by rheumatology, dermatology and orthotics as part of a phased opening of the modern, innovative hub, which has been developed by a range of health and wellbeing partners and is due to be fully operational by 2028.
The development, which has been hailed as the UK’s largest relocation of hospital outpatient services outside a clinical setting, has delivered 220,000 diagnostic appointments already.
Meanwhile, medics have recorded a 22 per cent increase in attendance for mammograms, while missed appointments have fallen by 24 per cent.
A report, as part of a Freedom of Information request from Barnsley Council, said: “There’s also been clinical delivery improvements - the median wait time has reduced to 9.6 weeks from the national average of 14 weeks.
“A total of 200 healthcare staff now work in the Alhambra and the NHS Community Diagnostics Centre (CDC).
“Patients report higher satisfaction due to convenience and environment, and staff feedback highlights improved working conditions.
“Each person spends approximately £15 when they attend, buying a coffee or visiting Barnsley Market.
“That’s £5m more for our town centre traders.
“By relocating appropriate activity away from acute hospitals, the programme contributes to reduced pressure on higher-cost settings.
“Although full evaluation is ongoing, early evidence from Health on the High Street shows clear health and system benefits.
“Outcomes, not outputs, are the ultimate measure of success, aligning the programme with national priorities around prevention and system efficiency.”
Receivers Avison Young were appointed at the Alhambra - on Cheapside in the heart of Barnsley town centre - in order to find a new buyer in 2021.
Having opened in August 1991 when it was known as The Mall, a £10.5m price tag was slapped on it when news broke of its sale but a £4.5m sum was agreed upon.
The cash solely came from the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA).
“Without the council’s intervention the asset would have returned to the open market as a shopping centre, without any strategic plan for its long-term sustainability as a viable asset for the town centre.
“There was also a risk that any potential owner would look to convert the Alhambra for residential or other uses which were completely unsuited.
“The development of a health and wellbeing hub in the Alhambra helped to future-proof its use for the long-term and secure the additional complementary retail uses in the centre.
“Its economic benefits already seen through delivery of the CDC in
the Glass Works which has seen increased visitor numbers and associated visitor spend, as well as jobs retained and potentially created.”
Dr Richard Jenkins, chief executive of Barnsley Hospital, praised the wider scheme.
“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.
“This means we could build on the success of the Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC), which has been incredibly well-received by the people of Barnsley.
“Expanding the range of health and wellbeing services in the heart of our town centre, alongside the CDC, delivers even more efficient and effective services, hugely enhancing people’s experiences and ultimately improving the lives of residents.”
