A MULTI-MILLION pound NHS hub – set up in the town centre to ease a backlog of screening appointments – will now be expanded after plans were given the green light by the council’s planning board.
The current diagnostic hub – in the Glass Works – opened last April and provides mammography, ultrasound, X-ray and other scanning facilities.
Its location was chosen due to its central, easy-to-get-to location and close links with Barnsley Interchange.
Planning documents state that the current service has proved ‘very successful in providing patients with convenient and direct access to services without travelling to the Barnsley Hospital campus and increase uptake of diagnostic screening’.
Barnsley Hospital has now identified an opportunity to further expand the unit into three further adjacent units to provide CT and MRI scanning facilities.
A planning statement said: “Barnsley Hospital NHS Trust have recently opened a phlebotomy and diagnostics unit within the Glass Works containing mammography, ultrasound, X-ray and Dexa scanning facilities.
“This has proved very successful in providing patients with convenient and direct access to services without travelling to the Barnsley Hospital campus and increase uptake of diagnostic screening.
“Following on from the success of phase one, Barnsley Hospital NHS Trust have identified an opportunity to further expand the unit into three further adjacent units and incorporate CT and MRI scanning facilities.
“The Glass Works’ town centre location is ideal for this use. Public transport links are excellent with Barnsley train and bus station just a short walk.
“Car parking provided as part of the Glass Works development is also available for use by visitors to the diagnostic unit.
“The proposal is for internal alteration works to three units which will result in no alteration to the external appearance or landscaping of the building.”