Hereford County Hospital has welcomed its first patients following the opening of its new On-Demand® Ultraclean Operating Theatre in October 2026, providing vital additional capacity to supports a range of procedures, including planned gynaecology/obstetric procedures and general surgery.
Designed and delivered by Darwin Group in partnership with Wye Valley NHS Trust, the new theatre began procedures on 5 October 2026 and caesarean procedures on 20 October 2026.
The facility provides a dedicated clinical environment for planned gynaecology/obstetric procedures and general surgery, strengthening the hospital’s existing maternity and general provision and helping ensure patients can access essential surgical care when they need it.
Provided through a hire agreement, the theatre combines the quality, performance and clinical standards expected of a permanent healthcare building with the flexibility of a hireable solution.
Alan Dawson, chief strategy and planning officer at Wye Valley Trust, said:
“We’re delighted to welcome our first patients to this new operating theatre at Hereford County Hospital.
“This investment reflects our commitment to providing the highest standards of care for the communities we serve. By increasing our theatre capacity, we will be able to treat more patients locally, reduce waiting times and improve access to important surgical procedures.
“The new theatre provides a modern, purpose-built environment that has been designed with patient safety, quality and experience at its heart. It will be particularly beneficial for patients requiring elective caesarean sections and planned gynaecology procedures, helping to ensure they receive timely care in facilities tailored to their needs”.
James Pearson, Managing Director at Darwin Group said:
“This project is a fantastic example of what can be achieved through collaboration, with everyone working towards the shared goal of improving healthcare facilities for patients and staff.
“Seeing the theatre become operational is a proud moment for everyone involved. Knowing that the facility has already supported the arrival of its first baby makes this milestone even more special.
“We’re delighted to have worked alongside Wye Valley NHS Trust to deliver a facility that will provide much-needed additional capacity and make a positive difference to maternity services in Herefordshire over the coming years.”
Over 90% of the On-Demand Ultraclean Operating Theatre was constructed offsite at the Darwin Group manufacturing facility before being transported to the hospital and final installation taking place.
By manufacturing much of the facility in a controlled factory environment, Darwin Group was able to streamline the construction process, accelerate delivery and minimise disruption to the hospital’s day-to-day operations.
The project demonstrates how modern methods of construction (MMC) can help the NHS respond to growing demand for healthcare services and support the ambitions of the Government’s 10-Year Health Plan. By enabling healthcare providers to expand clinical capacity quickly and cost-effectively, flexible infrastructure solutions can help reduce pressure on existing facilities and improve access to timely, high-quality patient care.
