Innovation on show at Queensland facility

In a follow-up to an article on the hospital that first appeared in the autumn 2010 issue of The Australian Hospital Engineer, and was then re-published – with the help of the magazine, The Institute of Hospital Engineering Australia, and the IFHE – in the November 2011 edition of HEJ, principals at architectural firm, Hassell, Kieren Morgan and Megan Reading, explain how the new Gold Coast University Hospital (GCUH) in Southport, Queensland, ‘demonstrates how good design can improve delivery of care, as well as staff retention and attraction’.

In September 2013 the A$ 1.7 billion Gold Coast University Hospital (GCUH) was completed on budget and opened its doors to patients. It now stands as one of Queensland’s largest clinical teaching and research facilities. Designed by international design studio, Hassell, this 750-bed referral hospital is the most significant project of the Queensland Government’s Health Capital Works Programme.

One year after the opening of GCUH, a formal evaluation by Gold Coast Hospital and Health Service (GCHHS) has revealed some fascinating insights into the impact of an integrated design approach across urban design, architecture, and interior design, that is coupled with a deep understanding of healthcare provision and building management.