Pathology lab moves a step closer

Preparations for a new pathology laboratory at University Hospitals Dorset’s Royal Bournemouth Hospital site, including a histopathology diagnostic hub, have now been completed, bringing this cutting-edge facility a step closer to the people of Dorset.   

The innovative new facility will provide a wide range of pathology and research services as well as offices, staff facilities, new access road, car parking, cycle stores and landscaping. It will include a specialist diagnostic hub which will be used to study and diagnose diseases and illnesses using the latest in medical technology to analyse anything from a simple blood test to advanced genetic screening.

Commenting on the commencement of works, Stephen Harding, Head of Service for One Dorset Pathology - a collaborative partnership between Dorset County Hospital and University Hospitals Dorset - said:

“This is a very exciting and significant project for the patients of Dorset.

“Pathology services are an essential part of the efficient and safe running of hospital and GP services, analysing the thousands of tests that are done for patients every day.

“The new facility will have the very latest in specialist technology and deliver better value, high quality diagnostic and care for patients across the region.”

Development of this new £12.7m facility, located on the Wessex Fields site adjacent to the hospital, has been supported in part by a £2.7 million Local Growth Fund investment by Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) for the histopathology diagnostic hub as part of its initiatives to support Covid-19 recovery and accelerate healthcare resilience in the county.

The diagnostic hub will be operational later this year with the build fully completed in the summer of 2023, with Hurn-based Amiri Construction appointed as build contractor following a competitive tendering process. They will be working to designs developed by UHD in partnership with the team of architects from Ansell & Bailey.

More information: 

·         Amiri Construction join a team that includes architect, Ansell & Bailey, AKS Ward, structural and civil engineers, services consultant, Richard Stephens Partnership, and McPhersons as cost consultants.

· Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership is a business led private and public sector partnership, promoting local economic growth and prosperity. Dorset LEP deliver projects that support and develop infrastructure, housing, skills, enterprise and business growth to achieve long-term economic benefit for all in Dorset. For more information visit www.dorsetlep.co.uk.

· Local Growth Fund: Awarded by government to Local Enterprise Partnerships, over £12bn will have been invested in projects across England through the Local Growth Fund, with individual LEPs using their local knowledge to get all areas of the country firing on all cylinders. Find out more at: https://www.dorsetlep.co.uk/local-growth-fund

Some additional key facts:

· There are 38 LEPs covering the whole of England.

· The government has awarded £9.1bn in three rounds of Growth Deals to local areas to drive economic growth.

· LEPs are investing in a wide range of projects including transport, skills, business support, broadband, innovation and flood defences.

Photo caption:

·         Site team photo (LtoR): Martin Davidson (UHD, Capital Projects Manager), Stephen Harding (One Dorset Pathology, Head of Service), Dr Rasaq Olufadi (Dorset County Hospital, clinical director), Jeff Kinnon (Amiri Construction, Project Manager)

·         Pathology Hub artist impression (credit: Ansell & Bailey)