CONSTRUCTION is well underway on a new “cutting-edge” pathology facility at Bournemouth Hospital.

Structural building and groundwork has been started for the new pathology laboratory at the hospital, which will include a histopathology diagnostic hub and is set to be fully completed by the summer of 2023.

Stephen Harding, head of service for One Dorset Pathology, said: “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 the £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.

The diagnostic hub will be operational later this year with the build fully completed in summer 2023.

This work is happening in conjunction with the building of a new emergency department at the site. The BEACH Building is planned to open later than the pathology building with an autumn 2024 completion date.