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Temporary theatres handed over at Doncaster Royal Infirmary

Darwin Group has handed over a new temporary theatre and ward facility to Doncaster Royal Infirmary to help maintain services during major upgrade works.

The facility, believed to be the first of its kind in the NHS, has been introduced while refurbishment takes place at the Women and Children’s Hospital. The works are due to be completed in December.

The temporary unit includes two operating theatres and a ward, allowing planned procedures to continue and helping to reduce the risk of delays or cancellations for local patients.

Designed and delivered by Darwin Group, the facility has been built to the same standards as a permanent clinical building. It includes what is believed to be the first concrete floor in a hireable theatre facility, alongside a fully equipped operating environment.

Around 75% of the building was constructed off site before being delivered and installed at the hospital, helping to speed up the programme and minimise disruption.

The project forms part of the Trust’s longer-term plans to modernise and improve the Doncaster Royal Infirmary site, following several years of capital investment across its hospitals.

Hospital leaders said the temporary facility would help maintain safe, high-quality care for local people throughout the refurbishment, ensuring services remain accessible and on schedule.

The building has also been designed with staff in mind, with natural light, more spacious working areas and improved layouts intended to create a more comfortable and practical working environment.

The unit is fully relocatable, meaning it can be reused for future projects, reducing waste and providing 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, said: '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.'

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