By New surgical theatre and wards coming to Doncaster Royal Infirmary
A new surgical theatre block and a ward are currently being built at Doncaster Royal Infirmary (DRI) alongside repair works which are taking place on their Women’s and Children’s Hospital.
The Women’s and Children’s Hospital, built in 1962-1967, is an extension of DRI and was Britain’s first District General Hospital.
4,000 babies are born there every year.
However, in April of this year, a large water leak damaged the electrics in the east wing which forced some of their paediatric and maternity services to relocate.
Currents works aim to repair the building, but it may take some time.
The new wards are being built alongside enabling works, which will house surgical theatres, a plant room and two-storey paediatric inpatient services, as part of a recent £12.4m investment.
The handover date should be on Wednesday 8 December 2021.
Dr Kirsty Edmondson Jones, Director of Estates and Facilities, said: “We are thrilled that work is now underway to create this high-quality ward and theatre block at Doncaster Royal Infirmary.
“Since the water leak occurred earlier this year, we have had to make space within the hospital for some of our displaced services, such as paediatrics, which, given the activity driven by COVID-19, has made things challenging.
“With this new block, we will be able to transition services back within the footprint of the Women’s and Children’s Hospital, co-locating expertise once again, ensuring we have the relevant specialities and their staff all in one place.
“Whilst these new wards are in use, works will intensify on the east side of the Women’s and Children’s Hospital, both to repair the damage caused by the leak, as well as bring them up to modern specifications.
“Unfortunately, as our estate was largely constructed in the 1930s and 1960s, it means, each year, we spend a large sum on our extensive maintenance backlog as well as diverting much of our time and attention to patching up and fixing issues, rather than redeveloping our sites.
“Hopefully, with these new additions, we will be able to move forward and progress this particular area of DRI, enhancing the experience for our patients, as well as improving the working environment for colleagues.”
(Photos: Doncaster and Bassetlaw Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust)
