Patient bedrooms, birthing suites and staff stations are among new prototype rooms that have been developed to replicate the new $835 million John Hunter Health and Innovation Precinct, providing a first look at key spaces planned for the state-of-the-art hospital.
Minister for Health Ryan Park said the lived experiences of patients, carers, and clinicians have played a vital role in informing the design of the prototype rooms, which are being used by clinicians and staff to test and perform training in the new and improved clinical environment.
“These prototype rooms are giving staff the opportunity to see, touch, test and simulate scenarios within the planned clinical spaces, offering more opportunities to provide feedback and ensure the design is fit-for-purpose,” said Minister Park.
“More than 500 interviews and workshops with staff, community, architects, patients, and carers have guided the functional design of the prototype rooms which will be close replicas of those in the new seven-storey acute services building.”
“The John Hunter Health and Innovation Precinct will transform healthcare for Hunter communities by bringing the latest technology and up-to-date research to the hospital experience,” said Member for Wallsend Sonia Hornery.
Hunter New England Local Health District’s Executive Director Infrastructure, Planning and Sustainability, Dr Ramsey Awad, said while functionality, efficiency and hygiene were all important factors in the hospital design, so too was understanding how the physical environment could have a positive impact on wellbeing and recovery of our patients.
“We wanted to create a clinical space that evokes healing, sanctuary and human connection, that positively responds to the emotional needs of those interacting with our services,” Dr Awad said.
“We know there’s a link between healing and physical environment. Since introducing emotional design briefs to our planning processes, we’ve seen better outcomes for both patients and staff.
“People told us that they wanted our new acute services building to have access to nature, induce feelings of safety and security and ensure privacy.
“Inpatient rooms will feature large windows, shelves for flowers and personalised items and a multifunctional carer zone that includes a sleep area and bench seating – recognising the vital influence of carers in sustaining the emotional safety and physical wellbeing of their loved one during a hospital admission.
“The look and feel of these spaces will also minimise the visual impact of clinical equipment, ensuring a more home-like environment for patients as well as their families and carers,” Dr Awad said.
Ongoing engagement with the local Aboriginal community has also influenced design elements at the John Hunter Health and Innovation Precinct to ensure people feel culturally safe, comfortable, and respected.
Mr Park said the new acute services building is the centrepiece of the precinct and will deliver a 60 per cent increase in adult intensive care unit capacity.
“There will also be expanded critical care services for both adults and children with more theatres and a new emergency department,” Mr Park said.
“Construction for the redevelopment is progressing and is due for completion in 2026.”
The John Hunter Health and Innovation Precinct will include: