Leeds City Council have approved plans for an advanced pathology unity as part of the St James’s University Hospital with the idea that it will serve hospitals across the West Yorkshire region. The plan outlines a 61,000 sq ft design over two floors.
Planning consultancy firm, Lichfields, secured the plans for Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust. Currently, most of Leeds Teaching Hospital’s pathology services are currently in outdated facilities at Leeds General Infirmary so most of those services will now be in the new facility at St James’s University Hospital. The facility will consolidate biochemistry, haematology, immunology, microbiology, and cytology services currently split across both sites
The approval is timely as the need to understand the causes and effects of disease and injury are ever more important.
Phillip Wood, chief medical officer at LTHT and a consultant immunologist said: “I am delighted that this new laboratory has been given the go ahead by Leeds City Council.
“The trust is a world-leader in pathology and this new state-of-the art facility will enable staff and partners to work in a bespoke environment that reflects and enhances the leading-edge services they provide.
“Demand for pathology services has continued to grow from year to year and has played an absolutely vital role in the current coronavirus outbreak.
Demolition of certain vacant parts of the hospital that were formerly residences and teaching spaces is needed to start the development of the new plans. The demolition is set to take place later this year and the competition of the project is expected to be in Spring 2023.
The plans also mean that vacant estate at Leeds General Infirmary can be released and redeveloped to further improve the city of Leeds and surrounding West Yorkshire towns and benefit their citizens.
For more information regarding this approval go to www.planningportal.co.uk
