Shropshire-based modular construction firm, Darwin Group, has secured the contract to build a new £33m Covid-19 patient facility at the University Hospital of Wales (UHW).
The new 400 bed Lakeside Wing facility is replacing the Dragon Hospital at the Principality Stadium which is now undergoing decommissioning. The new Covid-19 facility is being delivered on behalf of the Cardiff and Vale University Health Board.
The cost of laying a new pitch at the Principality Stadium, needed as a result of the field hospital, will be met by the health board.
A spokesperson for health board, said: “We undertook a thorough competitive procurement process for the build of the UHW Lakeside Wing.
"The health board utilised the National Modular Healthcare Building Framework, via a mini competition, and assessed and scored the bids against key criteria on the ability to meet the requirements, in particular; governance, pace and value for money. Darwin Group was successfully appointed through a fair and open procurement process.”
It confirmed that 10 suppliers accessed the tender documentation, for which two bids were returned — neither of which were Welsh-based firms.
Work is already under way on the temporary U-shaped modular building, with Darwin Group on-track to deliver the northern wing of the building as part of the development’s first phase by as early as November 20th.
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.
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 were 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.”
