THE Royal Oldham Hospital's new £17.5m central pathology laboratory has been given the seal of approval by the medical director of the NHS.

Prof Bruce Keogh officially opened the building, unveiling a plaque and taking a tour.

The laboratory is one of the largest of its type in the country and has already begun handling samples from hospitals and GPs across north east Manchester.

The lab is expected to play a crucial role in the future health of people in the region as more than 70 per cent of diagnoses depend on pathology tests.

Prof Keogh said: "I was very impressed - it really is first class and it will play a vital role in supporting the provision of health services for the 800,000 people who live in this area."

"Clearly a lot of hard work has gone into its development." John Jesky, chairman of the Pennine Acute Trust which runs the hospital, said: "I am sure staff will make the most of this wonderful resource to deliver the best service for patients."