Modular construction company Darwin Group will deliver a new Covid-19 facility at University Hospital of Wales (UHW) in Cardiff
Darwin Group will deliver the new Lakeside Wing at University Hospital of Wales (UHW) in Cardiff as part of a £33m project led by the Cardiff and Vale University Health Board (CAVUHB).
Following confirmation of funding support by the Welsh Government, the company will deliver a temporary surge facility to ensure sufficient capacity for patients in the event of a second spike in Covid-19 cases.
The temporary U-shaped modular building will be located at the area outside of Lakeside at UHW.
The Covid-19 facility will accommodate up to 400 beds – which is in addition to 200 beds that have already been developed across CAVUHB’s sites.
‘Delivering quality builds’
Charles Pierce, managing director at Darwin Group, said: “We are fully aware of the impact and importance of this facility, and how crucial it could be for the potential Covid-19 patients it may aid.
“Our team is experienced in working on a variety of projects and considerate of every client’s unique situation and needs.
“We’re a proud British company, always ready to help a local community, and we’re delighted to be appointed by the Health Board to deliver the Lakeside Wing for both the people of Cardiff and wider South Wales.
“We live in uncertain times and we understand the need to act quickly at a time when it is needed most.
“Our team is experienced in delivering quality builds under tight time constraints and will that the delivery and installation of this project is completed smoothly and with minimal disruption.”
Geoff Walsh, director of capital, estates and facilities at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, added: “We’re pleased to be working with Darwin Group on providing this temporary surge facility as part of the Health Board’s rapid and considered response to a second potential spike in the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Although construction is moving at pace and we’re working to a tight schedule, every decision is made with our patients’ and staff members’ safety in mind.
“We anticipate no services, patient clinics or appointments will be affected by construction. If there are any temporary disruptions, we will communicate these in advance.”
Work is already underway on the Lakeside Wing at UHW, with Darwin Group on-track to deliver the Northern wing of the building as early as 25 November 2020.
Following the completion of the Southern wing of the short-term surge facility, Darwin Group expects to hand over the keys to UHW for the entire modular building by early February 2021.
