Work starts on 'world-class' lab

The new centre is expected to cost about £9.5m

Work has begun on a "world-class" laboratory which will unite blood cancer treatment and research experts.

The new £9.5m facility at Gartnavel Hospital in Glasgow will be one of the most advanced in the UK.

The high-tech unit will combine blood transfusion and bone marrow laboratories with a leukaemia and blood cancer research centre.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde is working in collaboration with Glasgow University on the project.

'Exciting project'

The centre, which is due for completion this autumn, will be on the same site as the new Beatson Oncology Centre, where most patients with leukaemia receive their treatment.

Bringing Glasgow's experts in blood cancer treatment and research together under the same roof for the first time will enable the service to attract further world leaders and competitive research funding, according to NHS executives.

Jim Crombie, director of diagnostic services, said: "This exciting project is the culmination of many years work by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and key partners.

"The start of this construction heralds the beginning of our laboratories modernisation programme across Glasgow."