Canberra Hospital Expansion Project’s consumer groups have played a vital role in shaping the future of healthcare facilities not only for the Critical Services Building but in all health facilities across Australia.
Consumer involvement in the project was achieved through three distinct groups: the Project Control Group, the Consumer Reference Group, and the Consumer Focus workshops, which ensure the voices of various community members are heard.
By actively involving consumers in the planning and design process, the project demonstrates its commitment to transparency, accountability, and the delivery of high-quality services within a patient-centred framework.
This close collaboration led to the inclusion of many features which will make hospital visits as comfortable as possible (full list below).
Of these features, 10 have been recognised by the Australasian Healthcare Facility Guideline (AusHFG) and will be included as standard components for all future health facility builds in Australasia.
- Dimmable lighting in patient rooms
- Dedicated consumer power points in patient rooms
- Additional grab rails in ensuites
- Tri-zone inclusion: Patient, carer and staff spaces in patient rooms
- Accessible counters
- Automatic doors on public accessible toilets
- Patient family lounge
- Sensory room
- Reception desk in the Emergency Department waiting room
- Family respite lounge
Full List of Consumer Input
Patient Rooms
- Carer Zone and Beds
- Dimmable lighting in patient rooms
- Dedicated consumer power points in patient rooms
- Tri-zone inclusion: Patient, carer and staff spaces in patient rooms
Family Spaces
- Family Respite Lounge
- Patient and carer lounge
- Paediatric Intensive Care
Accessibility
- Changing Places
- Ensuite design
- Automatic doors on public accessible toilets
- Accessible counters
- Wayfinding and Signage
- Beverage bay design
Emergency Department
- Patient flows (AMU, Behavioural Assessment Unit, etc.)
- Play zones
- Sensory Room
- Reception desk in the Emergency Department waiting room
Facilities
- Models of Care and Infrastructure Principles
- Outdoor spaces
- Interiors
- Lockers and personal storage
- Furniture selection
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Lounge
- Centrally located
- Welcome point
- Co-location of service with community lounge
- Outdoor space with yarning circle
