The new Critical Care building, scheduled for completion in Winter 2026, will provide a state-of-the-art facility designed to meet the needs of our most vulnerable patients, both for now and for future generations.
The department will feature advanced technologies, including modern ventilators and continuous monitoring systems, and will be staffed by highly skilled critical care specialists. It will provide expert treatment for patients who have experienced major trauma, severe illnesses such as sepsis or pneumonia, or who require close observation following complex surgery.
Over recent months, extensive groundwork has prepared the site, including upgrading existing infrastructure, installing new underground supports, and clearing the surrounding area following essential demolition works. With the steel frame now erected after being delivered by crane earlier this month, contractors will shortly begin installing external walls and roofing.
Once complete, the new DCC will provide 22 beds in patient bays, alongside a welcoming reception area, family room, waiting space, on-site pharmacy, and a suite of clinical and medical support rooms. The upper floor will house office space, meeting rooms and work areas for consultant and wider clinical teams. Access for the department will be close to the South Block entrance, offering a more convenient route for visitors.
While construction is underway, local pupils have helped to transform the area by creating bright and cheerful artwork to decorate the long stretch of hoarding surrounding the site. Students from Plover School and Town Field Primary School were invited to take part in an artwork competition aimed at bringing colour and positivity to the space.
Following a vote by hospital colleagues, two winning designs were selected: Lena (aged 10) from Plover School and Natalia (aged 7) from Town Field Primary School. Their artwork is now displayed outside the South Block entrance, with all submissions to the competition featured alongside the two finalist pieces.
To celebrate their efforts, pupils from both schools visited the site for a special unveiling of their artwork. During the visit, they received certificates and met members of the Trust’s Capital Planning Team and partners at VINCI Building who thanked the children for their creative pictures. The visit offered the children a unique opportunity to see their work in place and see the building taking shape, to deliver the future of critical care in Doncaster.
Dr Kirsty Edmondson Jones, Director of Infrastructure at DBTH, said: “We’re delighted to see the progress of the new Department of Critical Care, each milestone brings us closer to a modern, purpose-built environment. This development will ensure our patients receive care in a space designed for the future, supporting the best possible outcomes.”
David Grasham, Senior Construction Manager and Social Value Lead at VINCI Building, said: “These drawings are a fantastic way of helping to make the site more cheerful and feature positive images and messages that everyone can all take inspiration from.”
Next month, the crane will depart the site, and construction will continue into the new year with internal partitioning and further structural works. The project remains on track for completion in Winter 2026.
The project is being delivered by Integrated Health Projects, the joint venture between VINCI Building and Sir Robert McAlpine.
For more information on the Department of Critical Care project and other developments across DBTH, please visit the Trust’s website: www.dbth.nhs.uk/improving-our-hospitals
