Patient well-being is at the heart of the $720 million redevelopment of the Prince of Wales Hospital in Randwick that was announced by NSW Health Minister the Hon Brad Hazzard.
Leading the design team is Mr Julian Ashton, Principal of BVN who explained how the latest research into hospital facilities has been applied in the design of this large acute services building. “This research is focussed on the impact building design has on patient experience and consequent patient recovery times,” said Mr Ashton.
“Central to this research is the access to daylight and views and the Randwick campus design maximises access to daylight by siting two narrow buildings around a landscaped courtyard, that contains the main entry to the hospital. And included in the courtyard is a lightwell that goes down to the emergency rooms bringing daylight underground,” said Mr Ashton.
Mr Ashton pointed out that BVN are deeply committed to improving hospital design not only to make sure the building contributes to patient recovery, but also to ensure the best possible working conditions for the hundreds of medical and administrative staff.
“Doctors, nurses and the multitude of support staff are often working under highly stressful conditions and everything that can be done to improve their physical surroundings can help reduce that stress,” said Mr Ashton.
Another highly critical element of hospital design is way-finding and reducing the amount of walking staff, patients and visitors must do inside what is a very large building.
Mr Ashton pointed out that BVN is just completing the new Northern Beaches Hospital and has a portfolio of significant hospitals and therefore experienced hospital designers who are constantly studying the latest research from around the world on how to improve patient and doctor experience through the built form.
Source: BVN