THE IDEA

We were appointed to undertake a complete redevelopment of a dated and dysfunctional hospital campus on behalf of St John of God Health Care in Bendigo. This transformation would provide a high quality experience for patients within the Bendigo region whilst elevating the St John of God Health Care brand as the premium health care offering amidst the expansion of neighbouring public facilities.

THE SOLUTION

The prevailing collection of buildings were peeled back to bare bones, providing us with a near ‘black canvas’ to create a bespoke solution for our client. The reimagined design took cues from premium hotels by placing greater focus on patient and guest comfort.

We started with the patient journey, bringing clarity to the entry, reception and admissions process. Furnishings were selected to evoke a feeling of warmth and home and enhanced connectivity to the outdoors brought in natural light via extensive glazing and highlight windows. An internal courtyard was also incorporated for active recovery, physiotherapy and for relaxation.

During the demolition process important historical elements of the original building were discovered, including a gold-leaf tabernacle and alter. These items were retained, restored and incorporated into the new design, bringing a sense of continuity to the hospital.

To establish and elevate the St John of God brand as the most premium offering within the region, the hospital was conceptualised as a signature building that would have a strong street presence. It features a striking geometric design and contrasting materiality palette.

THE IMPACT

Extensive user group consultation and stakeholder engagement throughout the conceptualisation, design and development process ensured that the new hospital was met with a high level of staff buy-in and retention.

The project included a new three storey building with 52 bedrooms, redevelopment of the entrance area and a separate ambulance drop area. It incorporates the redevelopment of the existing surgical department with a new theatre, additional recovery bays, and theatre support accommodation. In addition, the project includes the refurbishment of 69 existing patient bedrooms, the Surgical Admissions Units, and the internal atrium.

We were also able to achieve more than the initial functional brief within the same budget delivering an additional theatre and the rebuild of the central sterilisation department.