The emergency department provides a 24-hour emergency service for the people of Barnsley and the surrounding area.

The department saw over 72,000 patients last year: almost 200 a day, more than almost any other hospital in a town of this size in England.

The department is divided into a number of separate areas:

Resuscitation room

This area is used for the treatment of the most seriously ill or injured patients. It consists of three bays, one specifically for children.

Major treatment area

This area is used for the assessment and treatment of patients with illnesses and injuries who do not require the facilities of the resuscitation room but may be too unwell to be placed in the waiting room.

Paediatric area

A separate waiting area and two treatment cubicles are provided for younger patients.

Minor injury and illness service

This service is provided by medical staff and emergency nurse practitioners. In addition during evenings and weekends, the minor illness service is provided jointly with doctors from Primecare; the GP out-of-hours service.