Construction of The Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust (LTHT)’s new state-of-the-art pathology laboratory has reached a new milestone, bringing it a step closer to transforming diagnostic services right across West Yorkshire.

The new laboratory 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 with advanced equipment and new technologies to support innovative testing and diagnostics.

Construction of the new laboratory is set to complete this summer with pathology services then transferring on a phased basis throughout 2024 and becoming fully operational following the installation of new, high-tech equipment.

Funding for the new facility is supported by the West Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership and LTHT aims to develop a world-class pathology building that is flexible, digital by design and supports the delivery of net zero carbon. It will be mechanically ventilated with heat recovery systems to minimise power and re-use heat.

It will also incorporate a single, shared Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) for the region, which will mean tests can be ordered, tracked and results reported electronically to clinical services across West Yorkshire and Harrogate, speeding up results for patients.