‘Mini hospital’ built in nine weeks

The facility provides vital alternative capacity during emergency refurbishment and helping reduce patient waiting times.

A critical incident was declared at the Princess of Wales Hospital in October 2024, when eight theatres and 10 wards were closed and the Intensive Care Unit was relocated. With orthopaedic surgery and endoscopy capacity particularly under threat, the Health Board needed alternative facilities to maintain essential services.

Vanguard responded by delivering a temporary endoscopy facility in six weeks, followed by a surgical facility three weeks later. These mobile units replaced capacity for diagnostic and surgical procedures while refurbishment work was ongoing.

The mobile endoscopy suite comprises two HGV-delivered facilities, joined seamlessly to provide two treatment rooms, a ward, and scope sterilisation under one roof. The surgical facility features four mobile theatres alongside two modular wards and support rooms, including reception, consultation areas, staff welfare rooms, and changing facilities. This flexible environment supports a wide range of procedures, freeing up existing theatres for major surgeries.

Following completion of refurbishment at the Princess of Wales Hospital, the Vanguard facilities at Royal Glamorgan Hospital are being used to reduce waiting lists across South Wales.

Gethin Hughes, CTM Chief Operating Officer, said: “We wanted to mobilise as much additional capacity as we could. Speed was important, but also flexibility, so we could support the widest range of procedures.”

Sarah Edwards, Directorate Manager at CTM, added: “Nine weeks from start to finish, opening what I can only call a micro version of a hospital… it's absolutely phenomenal. The Vanguard facility mirrors our existing theatres and wards, providing an efficient and effective pathway for admissions and discharges. It was the obvious solution.”