Community Diagnostic Hub opens at the Glassworks
In April Barnsley Hospital opened the doors to its pioneering Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) in the town centre’s Glass Works. At that time the centre offered phlebotomy and ultrasound diagnostic services, which were later joined by breast screening in May and plain film x-ray services in early June.
From 28 June the centre brings bone density scanning to the unit to complete the initial set of diagnostic services planned in the first phase of development. Sometimes known as DEXA scanning, a bone density scan uses low dose X-rays to see how dense (or strong) your bones are, and are often used to diagnose or assess your risk of osteoporosis, a health condition that weakens bones and makes them more likely to break.
The convenient and accessible location in the heart of Barnsley will not only provide greater local capacity for these vital diagnostic services, but it’s hoped more people will feel able to attend their regular check-ups and so help in early detection of disease.
Some people are intimidated by a hospital environment and the unit in the Glass Works is far from that. People enjoy the light and modern feel of the building, and the majority of patients who have already attended an appointment there say they prefer it to the hospital. Patients also prefer the transport links to the centre as parking capacity is often limited at the hospital site.
The Glass Works, Barnsley’s newest public space in the town centre, was unveiled early in September 2021 as an exciting new location for retail, leisure and food and drink. Development is now moving into its final phase which will comprise of new restaurants such as Nando’s and a 13-screen Cineworld multiplex.
The historic Barnsley Markets had already moved into its new home back in 2018, and was later followed by the new state-of-the-art Library @ the Lightbox and independent food court Market Kitchen in 2019. More recently Sports Direct, T.K. Maxx, Next, USC, JD Sports and Deichmann shops as well as the new Superbowl UK bowling venue have also opened as part of the scheme.
A new public square that connects The Glass Works with the transport interchange and the wider town centre opened earlier in the year which has since opened up the heart of Barnsley town centre like never before. The square serves as a destination in its own right, with outdoor seating from the town’s new restaurants and leisure venues spilling out around its border and regular vibrant community and cultural events planned.
