The facility – which has been introduced to support care while refurbishment takes place at the Women and Children’s Hospital, with work due to be completed in December – includes two operating theatres and a ward. Built to the same standards as permanent facilities, it includes a first-of-its-kind (for a hireable theatre facility) concrete floor and a fully equipped operating environment. Around 75 per cent of the building was constructed off-site before being delivered and installed at the hospital.
The unit is also fully relocatable, meaning it can be reused for future projects, reducing waste and offering longer-term flexibility for the NHS.
The project forms part of the Trust’s longer-term plans to modernise and improve the Doncaster Royal Infirmary site, following several years of significant capital investment across its hospitals.
Dr Kirsty Edmondson Jones, director of infrastructure, said: “Keeping services running for our patients is our priority. This facility allows us to continue delivering care while we carry out important improvements to the Women and Children’s Hospital.
“This is part of our wider ambition to modernise our estate at Doncaster Royal Infirmary and ensure our buildings are fit for the future, following continued investment in our hospitals over recent years.”
Victoria Phillips, partnerships manager at Darwin Group added: “This has been a real partnership with the Trust to deliver a solution that keeps patient care and treatment running while essential works are carried out.
“By combining modern methods of construction with permanent-grade standards, we’ve created a high-quality clinical environment that supports services without interruption, while also offering flexibility for the future.
“This project is especially close to my heart as someone with strong ties to the local area. It’s incredibly meaningful to contribute to facilities that support my community and help ensure patients can continue to access vital care when they need it most.”