Work has started on a new three-storey modular ward and a theatre block at Nottingham City Hospital as it seeks to address its waiting list backlog.
"Significant bed shortages" led to the approval of the new modular ward, which will consist of 20 beds and cost around £7.8m.
The move was approved in October last year after it was stated by officials during a Hospitals Trust board meeting that "we may not have buildings that are fit for the delivery of healthcare or a suitable environment for staff" is action wasn't taken.
Modular wards are constructed in a factory before being transported to their planned locations, ensuring they can be erected quickly and efficiently once on site.
The ward will be joined by a two-storey theatre block at the City Hospital campus, which hospital (NUH) bosses say will address the the waiting list backlog and better prepare for future pressures.
In a tweet on Saturday, January 30, Nottingham University Hospitals (NUH) said that it was "exciting times" for the trust, which also runs Queen's Medical Centre, and for Darwin Group, who are carrying out the work.
It read: "Exciting times as Darwin Group start work at City Hospital to deliver two projects - a new double-storey theatre block and a new three-storey General Ward building.
"They will help us meet demand and provide a better experience for our patients and staff."
Andrew Chatten, director of estates and facilities at NUH, added: "We are delighted to be working with Darwin Group on the modular ward and theatres at our City Hospital site.
"Because we can assemble the building in situ, this is a really efficient way for us to quickly increase or capacity at the hospital with minimal disruption.
"The new buildings will not only help us address our waiting list backlog, but also allow us to meet future demand on our services. They will also provide a better experience for our patients and for our staff."
The Trust previously stated work on the new ward was expected to be completed by April 2022.
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