BAM Construction has been appointed to deliver the new £27m state-of-the-art pathology laboratory based at St James’ Hospital
The new pathology laboratory – which will also provide pathology services to hospitals across West Yorkshire and Harrogate – will allow Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust to bring many of its pathology services together.
BAM’s appointment follows a competitive process under the government’s capital framework for health known as Procure22.
Built to accommodate cutting edge equipment and specialist technology, the new laboratory will be designed for fast, accurate, routine and specialist testing.
It will allow some of the services currently housed in outdated facilities in the Old Medical School at Leeds General Infirmary (LGI) to move to the new laboratory.
The development is part of Leeds Teaching Hospitals’ Building the Leeds Way programme, a long-term vision to transform healthcare facilities across the Trust for patients and staff.
BAM has begun work on designs for the new pathology facility which will include engagement with service users in hospitals across Leeds, West Yorkshire and Harrogate.
‘Maximise new technology and manpower’
Simon Worthington, director of finance for Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “This is a huge milestone having a PSCP 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.”
Paul Cleminson, BAM’s preconstruction director, added: “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 anticipates starting on site late this year and completing late Spring 2023.
