New-look modular mental health bedroom earns praise at industry conference
![Louis Sullivan, Darwin Group's Principal Architect, giving a presentation with a large digital screen in the background](https://www.darwingroup.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Louis-presenting-jpg.avif)
Industry experts and service users have welcomed changes to Bedroom Evolved; a pioneering modular mental health bedroom built by healthcare construction firm Darwin Group. The firm recently showcased its new-look project at the Design in Mental Health Conference for a second year running and said feedback from visitors was very positive.
New surgical centre at Southmead Hospital takes shape
![Architectural render showing how the surgical centre will look from the outside, once completed.](https://www.darwingroup.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/SEC-Visual-Street-View1-SMALLER-scaled.avif)
The external structure of the new Elective Centre at Southmead Hospital has now been completed. More than 200 modules have been lifted into place by a crane over six weeks to create the building structure. The centre is a joint project between North Bristol NHS Trust and University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW), supported by Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire (BNSSG) Integrated Care Board.
Theatres Building Taking Shape at James Paget University Hospitals
![Picture of the outside of the James Paget theatre](https://www.darwingroup.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/OEH-external-240724-jpg.avif)
A new theatres building which will help reduce surgical waiting lists for patients is taking shape at the James Paget University Hospital.
14 years and counting – meet Head of Construction , Rich Owen
![A headshot of Rich Owen](https://www.darwingroup.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Rich-Owen-1-1.jpg)
From managing onsite construction to costing major projects, Rich Owen, head of construction for Darwin Group, holds a number of responsibilities.
‘Spaces are powerful’ – Creating spaces for greater staff and patient experiences
![Thumbnail image of Raffaela Goodby with blue detailing](https://www.darwingroup.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/GuestBlog-RaffaelaGoodby-B.png)
Although there is no one-size-fits-all approach to improving the wellbeing of your workforce, the evidence base on the most effective initiatives and approaches is constantly evolving. This can provide a useful basis for reviewing the approach and making decisions as we know how important it is to retain our valued NHS workforce.
‘Working environments and break out spaces are key,’ says Raffaela Goodby, Chief People Officer at Birmingham Women’s and Children’s Hospital.
Major work begins as Darwin Group construct new state of the art NHS building
![Architectural rendering o fhte new ward block building, looking across a lake in the foreground](https://www.darwingroup.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Ward-Block-visual-1-jpg.avif)
As part of the New Hospitals Programme, major work has begun at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital in the delivery of a multi-million-pound hospital building that will increase patient ward capacity across the region.
Ground breaking ceremony marks exciting milestone for Hinckley’s Community Diagnostic Centre
![Group of people in high-vis vests and PPE, stood on the construction site for Hinckley community diagnostic centre](https://www.darwingroup.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Hinkley-Ground-Breaking-July-24.jpg)
Pioneering construction firm Darwin Group joined key delivery partners to celebrate the ground breaking ceremony as construction commenced on the new community diagnostic centre in Hinckley.
Spotlight: Interview with Stephanie Hassanali, General Practice Nurse
![Header image with icon of stethoscope and Stephanie's headshot, bearing the title "Spotlight: Interview with a GP Nurse"](https://www.darwingroup.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/spotlight-banner.png)
As a general practice nurse in a Primary Care Network (PCN) Stephanie Hassanali has a rare insight into the challenges facing GPs.
She has been a nurse for 12 years and in general practice for the last eight of those, working across 11 practices as part of two PCNs in London.
Construction underway on new Diagnostic Centre at Yeovil District Hospital
![A group of people in high-visibility vests and PPE, standing on a construction site with some large plant equipment in the background](https://www.darwingroup.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/PY0250.jpg)
Pioneering construction firm Darwin Group and Prime invited key delivery partners to celebrate the groundbreaking ceremony as construction commenced on the new diagnostic centre at Yeovil District Hospital.
14 years and counting – meet Senior Site Manager, Nik Davelis
![A small digger and a roller on a building site, with site cabins in the background](https://www.darwingroup.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Site-plant-a.png)
From liaising with clients and ensuring projects are completed on time and on budget, to running a safe site, no two days are the same for Darwin Group’s experienced senior site managers.
A dramatic yet thoughtful evolution for mental health treatment
![Sketch and computer render of a design for a modern mental health treatment bedroom, it also shows the 'outdoor room' concept of the design.](https://www.darwingroup.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/TheBedroomEvolved2024_Sketch_SMALLER-scaled.webp)
Darwin Group Principal Architect Louis Sullivan and his team have poured a lot into a very important project. The team first unveiled ‘Bedroom Evolved’ at last year’s Design in Mental Health Conference and it will be returning for this year’s event.
Could a new way of funding healthcare estates be the shot in the arm the NHS has been looking for
![A theatre nurse in full PPE, scrubbing up ready for surgery. Behind them is a large, medical grade sink and a yellow wall.](https://www.darwingroup.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/NHS120-3000x2000.webp)
With NHS repair backlogs reaching record levels, and the future of the new hospitals programme facing an uncertain future, leading modular construction firms Darwin Group and Portakabin bosses are calling for a rethink around how healthcare estates are planned and funded.
Darwin Group and Portakabin have combined their strengths to deliver excellence in modern healthcare environments.
Healthcare Focus: Misconceptions of modular construction
![A bird's eye view of a construction site during module install. In the foreground, a large crane is lifting a module into position.](https://www.darwingroup.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Construction-Birds-Eye-1-jpg.webp)
We put the spotlight on Production Director Adrian Mitchell to talk about the misconceptions of modular construction and why more and more healthcare estates are choosing it over traditional building methods.
Stick-built or traditional construction has long been the standard within the industry. However, modular buildings have gained popularity in recent years as a flexible, sustainable and cost-effective option for various applications. But according to Adrian Mitchell, there are still some common misconceptions that can cause confusion or hesitation when considering modular as an option.
Pioneering mental health bedroom returns for second year running
![Hand drawn artwork and a computer render showing the design of a new design for a modern mental health ward bedroom, with large window, comfortable seating and calming features.](https://www.darwingroup.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/DIMH2024-Merged-Artwork-SMALLER-jpg.webp)
A pioneering modular mental health bedroom built by Darwin Group is returning to the Design in Mental Health Conference for a second year running. Bedroom Evolved drew in the crowds at last year’s conference when it was launched. Created by leading offsite healthcare construction firm Darwin Group, in collaboration with Safehinge Primera and Tough Furniture, it set a new bar for acceptable standards in mental health bedroom design. This year, the team behind the bedroom has made several improvements based on visitor feedback, including changes to the furniture, lighting, flooring and colour palette.
Construction of new Learning and Development Centre at Calderdale Royal Hospital underway following ground breaking ceremony
![Group of people in high-vis and safety helmets at a ground breaking ceremony at Calderdale](https://www.darwingroup.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Darwin-Group-Photo-calderdale-3000x1896.webp)
Darwin Group and Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust (CHFT) have celebrated the start of construction of a new, state-of-the-art Learning and Development Centre at Calderdale Royal Hospital. An official ground breaking ceremony took place on Friday 11th March, and was attended by representatives from both CHFT and its construction partners, Darwin Group.
Darwin Group on the lookout for four new interns for programme that saw multiple previous recruits progress to management roles
![A group picture of the four newest interns at darwing group.](https://www.darwingroup.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Interns-Group-Jan-2024-L-R-Niamh-Douglas-Nykeshia-Reed-Izalea-Khairy-Sam-Lee-002-3000x2508.webp)
Leading specialist healthcare construction firm Darwin Group is on the lookout for new people for its successful intern programme that has seen four previous recruits become managers. The Telford-based firm is recruiting throughout March for four interns to join its growing business this coming September.
Darwin Group partners with leading Independent Care Network
![A man looks up at a newly installed steel framed module. He is wearing a hard hat and high-vis vest.](https://www.darwingroup.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Construction-Oversight-2.jpg)
Leading healthcare construction firm, Darwin Group, is proud to announce its partnership with the Independent Healthcare Providers Network (IHPN), the only membership network for independent healthcare providers across the UK.
We’re sponsoring the Building Better Healthcare Awards 2024
![Building Better Healthcare Awards logo, incorporating the Darwin Group logo](https://www.darwingroup.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Artboard-3-1-3000x2073.png)
Darwin Group is proud to announce that we are the headline sponsor for the 2024 Building Better Healthcare Awards.
First look behind the scenes of the new health hub in King’s Lynn
![A large group of people in high-vis and hard hats, having just toured the under-construction facility at King's Lynn. The Passive Purple spray coating is still visible on the ceiling and the plaster walls are newly finished.](https://www.darwingroup.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Kings-Lynn-Group-Image-30-01-24-2-3000x1591.jpg)
Leading healthcare construction firm Darwin Group led an exclusive progress tour around a new £11.5m health hub in King’s Lynn that is currently under construction. Over 25 guests braved the January weather to have a ‘first look’ tour of the King’s Lynn Health Hub site on Nar Ouse Way, King’s Lynn.
Darwin Group spreads some festive cheer to young patients at St Luke’s Hospital in Bradford
![Darwin Group employees stand with volunteers from St Luke's Hospital.](https://www.darwingroup.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Darwin.jpg)
Darwin Group has helped spread some festive cheer by donating almost £500 worth of toys to young patients at St Luke’s Hospital, in Bradford.
Find out how we could ‘work as one’ with your Trust at this year’s HFMA conference
![Two clinicians in blue scrubs, walking down a brightly lit, new hospital ward, with bed bays to their left, surrounded by blue curtains, and a nurse's station to the right.](https://www.darwingroup.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Nurses.png)
We’re proud to be headline sponsors of the upcoming HFMA annual conference. Come and find us on stand D6 to see how we can work as one with you.
New centre officially opened after seeing 20 percent increase in procedures
![The Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire, cutting the ribbon at the opening ceremony for Hampshire Heart Centre. In the background is a large mixed group of people.](https://www.darwingroup.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Image-1-Ribbon-Cutting-with-Lord-Lieutenant-of-Hampshire-Nigel-Atkinson-Esq-and-chairman-of-Hampshire-Hospitals-NHS-Foundation-Trust-Steve-Erskine-3000x2000.jpg)
A first-of-its-kind modular Heart Centre with two cardiac catheterisation laboratories, built by Darwin Group in Basingstoke has led to a 20 percent increase in angiogram procedures in its first year, with more than 2,700 patients being seen. The Hampshire Hospitals Heart Centre was officially opened this week at a ceremony led by chairman of Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Steve Erskine, and The Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire, Nigel Atkinson Esq.
Discover our fast, compliant, permanent building solutions at Healthcare Estates
![A newly finished, empty and well lit ward room. The rearmost wall is blue while the others are white, there is a large window to the right and the floor is a grey mottled vinyl.](https://www.darwingroup.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Airedale-Copywright-Simon-Vine-Photography-62-3000x2000.jpg)
Visit us at the IHEEM Healthcare Estates conference from Tuesday 10 to Wednesday 11 October, to find out more about how Darwin Group can provide a rapid and complete construction solution for your healthcare estate needs.
Darwin Group relaunches intern programme that saw four previous recruits progress to management roles
![Photograph of a young woman sat down, looking at the camera and smiling. To the right is a large potted plant, there is a large window behind her.](https://www.darwingroup.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/IMG_0102-3000x2000.jpg)
Leading specialist healthcare construction firm Darwin Group has relaunched a successful intern programme that saw four previous recruits become managers.
The Telford-based firm is on the lookout for four interns to join its growing business.
The relaunch coincides with National Intern Week (25-29 September), which highlights the opportunities internships can offer
Fifteen jobs up for grabs as Darwin Group continues Telford expansion
![The Darwin Group CEO, Richard Pierce, stood in front of a large display screen, giving a presentation.](https://www.darwingroup.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/IMG_0045-3000x2000.jpg)
Fifteen jobs are up for grabs at Telford’s Darwin Group as the healthcare construction specialist continues to expand.
The roles, which include junior and senior positions across the architectural, design, sales, commercial and construction departments, will support the firm’s growth as it partners with the NHS to create outstanding healthcare facilities.
Why NHS winter pressures could be the worst ever this year – and how we can help
![Two ambulances driving past a hospital ward at night time.](https://www.darwingroup.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/010-K33A6296-3000x2000.jpg)
As the seasons change and we begin the march into autumn, experts are warning the NHS could be heading into its worst ever winter. With new strains of Covid already widely reported, some people are calling for mask wearing to be reintroduced in certain settings. A potential increase in infections coupled with the Government decision to reduce this winter’s Covid and flu immunisation programme has left experts concerned about capacity. But it’s not too late to think about tackling the problems on the horizon.
Darwin Group’s Team will run the 2023 Tough Mudder in aid of Severn Hospice
![The Darwin Group team, ready to start the Tough Mudder challenge. There is a large banner behind them, gazebos to either side, the sky is overcast and they are stood in a grassy field.](https://www.darwingroup.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/TM1.jpg)
Once again, Darwin Group’s team of dedicated Tough Mudders are preparing to get stuck in (and possibly just stuck) all in aid of Severn Hospice.
Major work begins as Darwin Group build new NHS surgical day case unit at St Luke’s Hospital
![A group of Darwin Group employees and NHS staff at the ground breaking ceremony for the new day case unit at St Luke's in Bradford.](https://www.darwingroup.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/e.jpg)
Major work has started at St Luke’s Hospital, in Bradford, in the delivery of a £19 million NHS surgical day case unit that will increase patient capacity.
Leicester Royal Infirmary – Discharge Lounge
![Two nurses in a new discharge lounge, with beds and medical equipment behind them.](https://www.darwingroup.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Leicester-nurses.jpg)
When University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust needed help to relieve its winter bed pressures and reduce ambulance wait times, it turned to Darwin Group to help.
Acute Medical Unit – Wye Valley Trust
![A picture of the Acute Medical Unit from outside. It is night time and the lights are on. There are cars in front of the building. In the foreground is a helicopter landing pad.](https://www.darwingroup.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/AMU-print-3000x2000.jpg)
Wye Valley NHS Trust instructed Darwin Group to create a fast-track 24-bed ward, complete with five four-bed bays, four single-bed rooms, nurse bases, utility rooms, clinical disposal rooms, a pharmacy and associated ancillary spaces.
Ambulance Receiving Centre – Wolverhampton
![The inside of the Ambulance Receiving Centre. The room is predominantly white. Bed bays line both sides, but only the seven bays on the left hand side are clearly visible. Each bay has a blue mattress on a hospital bed, a blue curtain to act as a divider and a frosted window for light.](https://www.darwingroup.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/ARC3.png)
Wolverhampton’s New Cross Hospital had its winter pressures eased thanks to a new Ambulance Receiving Centre (ARC) that
was constructed by Darwin Group in just
18 days onsite.
SDEC for Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust
![An architectural render of the SDEC building, showing the main front elevation with a long covered ramp leading to the main entrance.](https://www.darwingroup.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/MicrosoftTeams-image-2-3000x1687.jpg)
When Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust recognised an urgent need to develop an effective Same Day Emergency Care (SDEC) provision to reduce pressure on inpatient beds, it turned to Darwin Group for help.
Airedale NHS Foundation Trust – ICU and general ward
![External three-quarter view of the two-storey hospital building at Airedale. The external classing is white with blue and grey stripes and there are windows at regular intervals on both floors. To the left is the building entrance, with a long, gentle ramp running up to the doors. In the foreground and leading off to the right is a tarmac walkway. The sky is blue and dotted with white clouds.](https://www.darwingroup.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Airedale-Copywright-Simon-Vine-Photography-97-3000x2000.jpg)
The Trust approached Darwin Group with an urgent need to construct new ICU accommodation and general ward facilities due to the presence of RAAC within the existing hospital estate. The Trust had the crucial requirement of managing capital expenditure within a critical timeline, which necessitated a fast-track programme and a budget that should not be exceeded.
United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust – Operating Theatres
![The exterior of the operating theatre building at Grantham. The entire building is clad with a mix of blue, grey and white cladding panels, while the lower floor features regularly spaced window and glass doors, all of which are frosted. To the right there is a large tree, and the sky is blue with white clouds.](https://www.darwingroup.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/HERO.jpg)
When United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust (ULHT) identified the need for increased theatre capacity at Grantham and District Hospital to help reduce waiting times, it turned to Darwin Group for help.
Mid Cheshire NHS Foundation Trust 60 bed ward
![A three-quarters overhead view of the new ward building at Leighton Hospital, showing a range of plant machinery on the roof. This includes four photovoltaic solar panel arrays and a number of HVAC and air-conditioning units. Surrounding the new ward building are the older brick buildings of the hospital estate. The new ward building is finished in blue, grey and white cladding.](https://www.darwingroup.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/DJI_0105-3000x2250.jpg)
Darwin Group was able to utilise the company’s innovative modular build systems to provide a new 60 bed two-storey ward building featuring a mixture of single and multi-bed bays, complemented with ancillary accommodation – utility spaces, storage and staff areas – and a specialist physiotherapy space.
New NHS day case surgical unit at St Luke’s Hospital, Bradford
![Architectural render of the external design of the new day case unit. The building is finished with ribbed, dark grey cladding and there are large windows on both floors. The main entrance features a large glass area and a wide canopy. A number of people can be seen inside and outside the building.](https://www.darwingroup.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Front-elevation.jpg)
Leading healthcare construction firm Darwin Group is set to deliver a new multi-million pound surgical day case unit at St Luke’s Hospital after Bradford Council granted full planning permission.
Mental health bedroom of the future set a new bar for acceptable standards
![External view of the module in situ at the exhibition. The exterior features a combination of brick slip and grey panel cladding, finished in a diamond pattern.](https://www.darwingroup.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Bedroom-exterior.png)
A pioneering modular mental health bedroom that sets a new bar for acceptable standards has been created by leading offsite healthcare construction firm Darwin Group.
Darwin Group celebrates Telford move after expansion creates 30 new jobs
![The Darwin Group HQ team, gathered for a group photo after the opening ceremony for our new office in Telford.](https://www.darwingroup.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/IMG_0128-e1692703919916-3000x1405.jpg)
Healthcare construction specialist Darwin Group has relocated to Telford after a period of rapid expansion that has seen it create 30 new jobs so far this year.
New office, new brand – new way of thinking
![](https://www.darwingroup.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/welcome-brand-pres_v18-3000x1688.png)
We have a new office, a new brand and a new way of thinking. This is Healthcare Construction, redefined.
Cardiac Catheterisation Laboratories in Basingstoke
![A wide angle view of a cardiac catheterisation laboratory/ At the rear there is an orange door. Storage units and medical equipment are around three sides of the room. In the centre there is a bed for patients along with a range of diagnostic equipment.](https://www.darwingroup.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Commission-HERO.jpg)
The Trust commissioned Darwin Group to build two new cardiac catheterisation labs to replace an outdated lab and a temporary facility at Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital – the first modular build of its kind in the country.
Portakabin and Darwin Group expand healthcare capability
![External three-quarter view of the two-storey hospital building at Airedale. The external classing is white with blue and grey stripes and there are windows at regular intervals on both floors. To the left is the building entrance, with a long, gentle ramp running up to the doors. In the foreground and leading off to the right is a tarmac walkway. The sky is blue and dotted with white clouds.](https://www.darwingroup.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/dc-external-1920-1024x547.webp)
Modular building market leader Portakabin has today announced the acquisition of healthcare modular buildings specialist Darwin Group in a move that will offer significant benefits to healthcare providers across the UK.
Combining the modular knowledge, scale and financial strength of York-headquartered Portakabin with the specialist healthcare expertise of Darwin Group will now offer healthcare providers both temporary and permanent building solutions to cover all future clinical and non-clinical requirements.
New ward and ICU wins project of the year award
![The project team collecting their award at the HEFMA Awards 2022](https://www.darwingroup.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/new_ward.jpeg)
On Thursday 12th May, Health, Estates and Facilities Management Association (HEFMA), hosted its annual award ceremony in Milton Keynes. AGH Solutions (Airedale NHS Foundation Trust) was awarded ‘Project of the Year’ at the awards for their £15m modular build project that Darwin Group Ltd is delivering.
The project includes a new 15-bed intensive care unit (ICU) and 30-bed ward onsite at Airedale Hospital. AGH Solutions worked hard with Darwin Group Ltd to deliver the project designed to tackle the RAAC risk, the remedial works necessary to keep the building safe, and the development of a 3500m2 ICU and 30-bed ward, which is the first known all-electric inpatient unit in the NHS.
Older Adult Mental Healthcare Modular Accommodation
![A hospital corridor, the closest walls are light green with a large print of some sunflowers. The distant part of the corridor is white with a number of doors leading off.](https://www.darwingroup.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Older-Adult-Mental-Healthcare-Modular-Accommodation-4.jpg)
Darwin Group, has handed over a 1,198m2 modular mental health ward for Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust on the St. Peter’s Hospital campus in Chertsey, Surrey. Guided by HTM and HBN requirements, the building was developed with the Trust to provide inpatients with a more modern and therapeutic environment.
Procure23 | Crown Commercial Service’s Construction Works and Associated Services 2/Procure23 Framework
![Three people in high visibility jackets and hard hats, having a conversation. One of them is holding a small laptop computer.](https://www.darwingroup.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Procure23-post-NEW-1-3000x1688.jpeg)
Darwin Group Ltd has become the only Modular, Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) design and build main contractor to be named on the ProCure23 (P23) lots of Crown Commercial Service’s (CCS) Framework. ProCure23 lots is the fourth generation of the ProCure route to market for the provision of design and construction services for the delivery of NHS capital projects with an estimated cumulative value of £9bn over its four-year lifespan.