Bunbury Hospital Critical Care Redevelopment
HEALTH
The project involved the upgrade and expansion of the existing emergency department to bring it in alignment with contemporary models of care and the West Australian government’s 4 hour rule, which was introduced to ensure that no patient is left waiting more than 4 hours to receive emergency care.
A refurbishment and substantial new build over 2 storeys was required to meet these objectives as well as increase the Bunbury Hospital’s emergency medicine capacity in line with the South West Region’s growing population. Importantly, the works were required to be planned and staged to enable the emergency department to remain fully operational throughout the construction period.
Buildability was front of mind throughout the design process with the footprint of each component designed and planned to enable staged construction. A central landscaped courtyard was a simple solution that connected new and existing infrastructure while increasing amenity via improved outlook and light penetration to the short stay unit and emergency department waiting area. Public art was integrated throughout the redevelopment including the canopy structure over the ambulance bays which featured printed translucent sheeting, timber and steel, adding character to the campus.
Overall the project involved 3,200m2 of alterations and additions that were delivered in 3 stages, which were all achieved on time and on budget whilst maintaining ongoing patient services and safety. Construction unfolded as planned and no major incidents were encountered. Our design solution makes provision for further future expansion in line with continued growth in the region. Importantly, the percentage of patients that receive emergency care within the recommended timeframes have remained above the state average at Bunbury Hospital since the project was completed.1
“Creative and pragmatic problem solving and a highly collaborative
approach characterise Carabiner’s successful delivery of the Bunbury
Hospital Critical Care Redevelopment.”
Effective stakeholder engagement was central to the success of the project. We engaged in rigorous consultation with the various user groups to understand clinical workflows as well as clinician and patient safety requirements.
The design process was highly collaborative and involved emergency department clinicians, hospital management, engineering, maintenance and cleaning staff. We also developed a strong working relationship with the contractor and collaborated to design an approach to staging the works that would enable patient services to continue uninterrupted.
““The documentation was to a high quality and the interface between disciplines was well coordinated. Tender documentation was well presented and clear and concise. Difficult project with multiple site access issues, which the consultant had given consideration for in the design.””
