A new pathology laboratory supported by Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust has taken a step forward with the appointment of a construction and design firm to lead the construction of the new building.
BAM Construction will oversee the development of the land, having previously worked with the trust on their NHS Nightingale Hospital, and its interoperative MRI scheme. The new laboratory is set to open in 2023.
Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust estimate the cost of the building to be £27m, with the new building to be located at St James’s University Hospital in Leeds. Some services from the Old Medical School at Leeds General Infirmary (LGI) will move to the new laboratory.
Simon Worthington, Director of Finance, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust said: “This is a huge milestone having a Primary Supply Chain Partner on board and will mean we can move forward at pace to progress to a full design for the new building.
“By bringing many of our pathology services under one roof we can maximise new technology and manpower to continue delivering a high-quality clinical service to support patient care. It will also allow staff to develop their skills in a new hi-tech facility.”
The development is part of the wider part of Leeds Teaching Hospitals’ Building the Leeds Way programme, which seeks to improve and update hospital infrastructure and services across the Yorkshire region. Work has started on a new adults hospital alongside a new home for Leeds Children’s Hospital on the Leeds General Infirmary site.
Paul Cleminson, BAM’s Preconstruction Director, said: “We are really pleased to continue our working partnership with Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust. This pathology project allows us to build on that trust and understanding that our expertise in modern methods of construction, carbon net zero and smart digital technologies can deliver a true future-proofed building serving needs across West Yorkshire and Harrogate. There has been a demanding programme, but we are on track.
“This scheme has the potential to push the boundaries of what digital construction can achieve, so we are very excited about not only the benefits it will bring for local people but also, what can be learned to help us all improve all healthcare buildings.”
BAM construction has already started work on the designs for the new building, and work on the site is expected to begin later this year.
