BAM tops out new pathology laboratory in Leeds -

BAM has completed the roof of the new, state-of-the-art Pathology Laboratory at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust (LTHT), marking another significant milestone in the delivery of the project which is set to support improvements in diagnostic testing across the region.

A topping out ceremony was held last week marking the milestone with key stakeholders by signing the concrete stair core of the building.

Representatives from BAM, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust and other stakeholders came together to celebrate the completion of the highest point of the build.

Footage captured by the Trust’s time-lapse camera shows the roof structure being completed and covering the lift and stair cores. BAM has made significant progress on the laboratory in the past few weeks, with the first windows of the building now installed.

Based at St James’s Hospital, the new facility will be part of the West Yorkshire and Harrogate Pathology Network, formed through the collaboration with the West Yorkshire Association of Acute Trusts (WYAAT) and will support the delivery of pathology services across West Yorkshire and Harrogate.

As well as supporting improvements in diagnosis for people across the region, the new laboratory will help to meet the growing regional demand for specialist treatment and care.

Paul Cleminson, Pre-Construction Director, BAM

“This is an important scheme for us at BAM. We value our strong partnership with Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust. Digital techniques are assisting us with the precision of our work, co-ordinating the supply chain’s contributions, and preserving valuable data for others later on in operating the building.

“Human input here is fantastic too, with hundreds of local people having worked on the scheme already. We have created 78 weeks of apprentice learning on site, conducted workshops with local academies and placements for local students. We have always said at BAM that it is not just what we build, but how we build it, that creates our legacy.”

Paul Cleminson

Pre-Construction Director, BAM

Dr Phil Wood, Chief Medical Officer and Deputy Chief Executive at LTHT, said: “We are incredibly proud to reach this significant milestone in the construction of our new pathology laboratory.

“To be able to stand on the roof and see the building taking shape has been really exciting and means we are one step closer to realising our ambition to drive collaboration across multiple trusts in our region and support improvements in specialist and routine diagnostic testing for all our patients, right across West Yorkshire and Harrogate.

“It’s going to be a fantastic working space for our staff, with cutting edge technologies paving the way for more innovative and transformative pathology services supporting both primary and secondary care delivery.

“We can’t wait to welcome everyone back here to celebrate the grand opening!”

With much of the building being pre-fabricated off-site, BAM has been able to maximise efficiencies in programme delivery and reduce waste, supporting the Trust’s sustainability and net zero carbon ambitions.

Building completion is planned for the end of summer 2023 with pathology services then transferring throughout 2023 and 2024, becoming fully operational following the installation of new, high-tech equipment.

BAM is supporting the Trust’s aims to develop a world-class pathology building that is flexible, digital by design and that supports the delivery of net zero carbon. It will be mechanically ventilated with heat recovery and systems to minimise power and re-use heat.