Darwin Group® has handed over a new temporary theatre and ward facility to Doncaster Royal Infirmary – believed to be the first-of-its-kind in the NHS, to help maintain services during major upgrade work.
The facility 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 this year.
The unit includes two operating theatres and a ward, enabling planned procedures to continue and helping to avoid delays or cancellations for local patients.
Designed and delivered by Darwin Group, the temporary theatres have been built to the same standards as permanent facilities, including the first-of-its-kind concrete floor for a hireable theatre facility and a fully equipped operating environment.
While temporary hospital buildings are often perceived as more basic, this facility sets a new standard, ensuring care continues in a space that both feels and functions like a permanent theatre. Around 75% of the building was constructed off-site before being delivered and installed at the hospital, helping to speed up the build and reduce disruption on site.
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.
Hospital leaders say the temporary setup will help maintain safe, high-quality care for local people throughout the upgrade, ensuring services remain accessible and on time.
As well as supporting patient care, the facility has been designed with colleagues in mind. Natural light, more spacious working areas and improved layouts aim to create a more comfortable and practical environment for colleagues.
The unit is also fully relocatable, meaning it can be reused for future projects, reducing waste and offering longer-term flexibility for the NHS.
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.”
