Eyes on the finish line at St James’s Hospital’s Ophthalmology Unit

I&G recently invited a selection of electrical students from Castleford College of Construction for a site tour of the new Ophthalmology Unit at St James’s Hospital. 

The students were guided round by Site Manager Garry Higgins, and Phil Perfect from Richardson’s Electrical, who provided the budding electricians with an insight into the industry and experience of a live construction site. 

Working on behalf of Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, I&G are currently working on multi-million-pound improvements to bring multiple ophthalmology services under one roof within the Gledhow Wing of the hospital.  

This includes the reconfiguration of the existing space to make more efficient use of the facilities in response to growing patient numbers and a need to increase capacity, as well as improve staff welfare by providing them with more functional space to work in.  

Garry Higgins has been a site manager for I&G for 20 years and has worked closely with Leeds Teaching Hospital Trust ever since. He said; 

“I’ve worked on multiple projects on behalf of the Trust over many years, building a strong relationship with the team, so I was delighted when the opportunity to work on another hospital improvement project for the Trust came about.  

“It was great to be able to invite such enthusiastic students to site at such a crucial point in the programme. We felt they asked great questions and were engaged throughout – I hope it has inspired them to continue to work hard and progress their career within construction! 

“These facilities are going to significantly impact both staff and patients, and I’m humbled to not only play my own part in bringing the Ophthalmology Unit to fruition, but also showcase my team’s hard work to the next generation.” 

The new and improved Ophthalmology Unit is due for completion before Christmas.