Latest on new pathology laboratory works

25 November 2020

Demolition work on the site of our new purpose-built, dedicated pathology laboratory at St James’s University Hospital will soon be completed.

Once up and running the new laboratory will serve hospitals across Leeds, West Yorkshire and Harrogate and will allow the Trust to bring many of its pathology services together into a purpose-built laboratory.

Built to accommodate cutting edge equipment and specialist technology, the new laboratory will be state-of-the-art and designed for fast, accurate, specialist testing.

The site is currently being prepared for the start of construction towards the end of 2021. There will be a period of engagement over the latest concept designs and floor plans over the coming weeks and months before a final design is agreed.

The new laboratory will support hospitals to improve diagnostics for patients and help to meet the growing regional demand for specialist treatment and care - as well as developing staff to improve services.

It will also be part of a West Yorkshire and Harrogate pathology network currently being developed for the region.  The new laboratory is expected to be complete in the Spring of 2023. 

What is Pathology?

Pathology testing helps doctors to diagnose, treat and prevent disease.

Pathology is the study of samples from a person’s body - for example, blood or skin samples - to find out what is causing their illness and how serious it is. The results help doctors to plan the best treatment and care.

It covers all areas of medicine, from testing for cancer to preventing the spread of infection. It also plays a key role in research, for example by studying the effects of new drugs or finding new treatments for disease.

How the new building may affect you

The Trust is working to make sure the building will be a real improvement to the local surroundings.

• It will replace old, unused buildings that will be demolished
• It will be a bright, modern building with an attractive design
• The Trust wants to develop a quality aesthetic look to the external design of the building which may include a range of materials or even a green wall
• For any trees removed during the demolition we will plant more in the area around the laboratory
• The new building will enhance this part of the St James’s University Hospital site
• As it will be a busier area of the hospital site it will help improve security in the area

We will keep you updated on activity, but you can leave written comments at our email address: futurehospitalsleeds@nhs.net.