With immediate effect, significant changes have been made to the rules guiding the design and construction of new health infrastructure.

The Victorian Government will build all new government buildings as all-electric, including new schools and hospitals. This will reduce emissions and reliance on gas, while realising the benefits of all-electric technology.

The policy on all-electric requirements for government buildings are being introduced so that projects that are at an advanced design stage, or already under construction are not delayed. These are critical projects being designed and delivered now to provide important services to Victorians and as such, they will continue to be built.

Some of these projects will take multiple years to complete and so there will be government building projects that continue to be built with gas, even as we move to phase out its use completely.

The Victorian Health Building Authority (VHBA) is well-prepared for the transformational shift to all-electric public hospitals. Its 'Guidelines for sustainability in healthcare capital projects' already require all-electric infrastructure for facilities under 10,000 square meters and for other facilities to include a plan to transition away from natural gas.

In addition, for the last few years the VHBA has progressed all-electric designs for all feasibility studies for new projects, regardless of their size. This puts the health system in a favourable position to apply this policy to the significant healthcare infrastructure pipeline.

The Victorian Government will be working through the implementation details over the coming months. The government builds a broad range facilities and infrastructure including hospitals and there’s a lot of detail to work through.

We will continue to innovate and work with industry to ensure that we have a robust approach to phase out fossil gas from all new buildings. Most gas use in public hospitals is for space heating, hot water and sterilisation – which can be replaced with highly efficient electric equipment.

From 2025 all public hospitals electricity use will be sourced from renewable sources, thereby maximising the carbon benefits of building all-electric hospitals.

The VHBA is reviewing which projects may be impacted by this policy.

While the VHBA will always seek to deliver all-electric facilities, some projects may be at a stage where it is too late to implement an all-electric solution without impacts to budget and/or delivery program. Where an all-electric solution is not possible, the project will be future proofed to allow a transition away from natural gas at a later stage.

It is likely that refurbishment and fit-out projects will fall outside the scope of this policy, given that they do not involve the construction of new buildings. To support the policy intent the opportunity to convert refurbished areas to all-electric needs to be considered while being cognisant of the project’s scope, budget, and program.

The VHBA is already applying this policy to a significant part of the healthcare infrastructure pipeline.

All-electric projects already underway include:

• Arden and Royal Melbourne Hospital
• New Warragul Hospital
• Maryborough Hospital
• Barwon Women’s and Children’s
• New Melton Hospital
• Ballarat Hospital redevelopment main works
• Thomas Embling Hospital redevelopment
• Angliss Hospital redevelopment
• new aged care homes at Camperdown, Rutherglen, Orbost, and Mansfield
• the community hospitals program
• early parenting centres
• Prevention and Recovery Centres (PARCs)
• new ambulance branches.

Submissions to the 2023-24 Regional Health Infrastructure Fund (RHIF) and Metropolitan Health Infrastructure Fund (MHIF) for construction works will need to address the new policy of all new government buildings being all-electric.

Any submissions for a new standalone building, or an expansion is to be designed and costed as an all-electric facility.

To support the policy intent, we encourage the following projects to consider, where applicable, all-electric options, while being cognisant of the overall project’s scope, budget, and program:

• refurbishment, modifications and remodelling
• meeting compliance with 'AS4187 Reprocessing of Reusable Medical Devices in Health Service Organisations' and upgrades to central sterile services departments (CSSD)
• upgrades to existing kitchens and laundries
• replacement of ageing gas infrastructure.

These submissions should address necessary upgrades and/or modifications to the broader site-wide electrical infrastructure. This includes switchboards, electrical distribution, supply augmentation, and emergency power, inclusive of spatial and structural review for any new plant and equipment.

The VHBA will review guidelines for all future grant programs to align with the new all-electric policy.

Queries relating to the 2023-24 Regional Health Infrastructure Fund can be directed to RHIF-Applications.vhba@vida.vic.gov.au.

Queries relating to the Metropolitan Health Infrastructure Fund (MHIF) can be directed to MHIF.vhba@vida.vic.gov.au.

The policy does not affect existing arrangements for emergency power.

New and existing hospitals will continue to be able to use diesel generators for emergency power.

As part of the Victorian Government’s Gas Substitution Roadmap, the VHBA is investigating the opportunities and barriers of transitioning existing health facilities away from natural gas over time.

The VHBA’s $40 million energy efficiency and solar program is supporting energy audits at 50 local, small rural, multi-purpose, early parenting centres and state-wide health services.

These audits are identifying opportunities to transition away from natural gas.

If you have any questions on the application of this policy on a project at your health service, please reach out to your nominated VHBA contact.

Queries relating to grants from the Regional Health Infrastructure Fund can be directed to RHIF-Project.vhba@vida.vic.gov.au.

Queries relating to the Metropolitan Health Infrastructure Fund (MHIF) can be directed to MHIF.vhba@vida.vic.gov.au

All other queries can be directed to VHBA’s Environmental Sustainability team at sustainability@health.vic.gov.au.

YPARC centres provide around the clock treatment, care and support to young people aged 16-25 who are experiencing mental health challenges and/or psychological distress.

The centres are voluntary, referral-based services. Young people can continue to attend work or school, while receiving the appropriate treatment, care and support they need in a safe, home-like environment

To access YPARC services, a young person needs to have a referral from a local mental health and wellbeing service. This includes Headspace, a general practitioner or other specialist medical practitioner, such as a private psychiatrist, or be referred from an Infant, Child and Youth Area Mental Health and Wellbeing Service.

YPARC centres are live-in facilities that operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They provide care and support to young people experiencing mental health challenges such as anxiety and depression.

YPARC services are focused on young people who need short-term care in a quiet and supportive environment - giving them time to rest and focus on themselves, their recovery and wellbeing.

Young people participate in group activities, alongside tailored individual one-to-one support based on their needs and goals

Dependant on their needs, a young person can stay at a YPARC centre for up to 28 days. The average stay is 19 days.

A number of people work at YPARC centres. They can include youth workers, youth peer workers, psychologists, occupational therapists, psychiatrists and other clinicians

No. YPARC centres do not provide withdrawal or rehabilitation services.

Young people using YPARC services are experiencing mental health challenges like depression and anxiety. They benefit from support outside of a hospital or acute inpatient setting.

YPARC centres are discrete facilities that blend into the neighbourhood. Most YPARC centres have 10 bedrooms – so they’re like a big house. They maintain a quiet and tranquil environment to support young people on their recovery journey.

YPARC centres operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week and reflect a residential home, with most of the activity of people arriving and leaving the centre reflecting similar timings to other residential houses.

The final report from the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System (Recommendation 21) recommended there is a YPARC centre in each Victorian region.

• Barwon South West – to be serviced by the new Geelong YPARC centre.
• Gippsland – to be serviced by the new Traralgon YPARC centre.
• Grampians – to be serviced by the new Ballarat YPARC centre.
• Hume – to be serviced by the new Shepparton YPARC centre.
• Loddon Mallee – there is an existing YPARC centre in Bendigo. The centre is being refurbished.
• North East Metro – to be serviced by the new Heidelberg YPARC centre.
• South East Metro – there are existing YPARC centres in Dandenong and Frankston. Both centres are being refurbished.

• Ballarat
  31-39 Durham Street, Newington
  Operated by: Grampians Health
   
• Geelong
  40 Little Fyans Street, South Geelong
  Operated by: Barwon Health
   
• Heidelberg
  Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital, 300 Waterdale Road, Ivanhoe
  Operated by: Austin Health
   
• Shepparton
  5-7 Numurkah Rd and 107-109 Balaclava Road, Shepparton
  Operated by: Goulburn Valley Health
   
• Traralgon
  49-63 Hyde Park Road, Traralgon
  Operated by: Latrobe Regional Hospital

The site selection process undertaken for the new YPARC centres was based on a wide range of factors.

The Victorian Health Building Authority (VHBA) assessed the sites against an extensive Site Evaluation Criteria. This is a technical process that requires specialist input from a site evaluation committee.

The site evaluation committee considers factors such as how the location of the proposed facility links in with the broader community and health system, site features, planning requirements, site access, proximity to related services, connections and links to public transport as well as availability for acquisition.

Given the nature of land availability, community consultation on site selection is not always possible.

YPARC centres are discrete facilities that blend into the neighbourhood. Blink and you’ll miss them!

The new centres will be designed to create a welcoming, safe and home-like environment. Each new centre will have 10 bedrooms, each complete with an ensuite bathroom. They will also include a communal kitchen, dining and living areas, breakout spaces and outdoor garden areas.

The space will provide ample room for leisure, recreational activities and visits from family and supporters.

Yes. Mental health challenges affect young people differently. This means that they can have different needs or preferences on their recovery journey.

That’s why young people with lived and living experience of mental health challenges are being engaged with to help shape the designs for the new YPARC centres.

In some areas of Victoria, young people travel significant distances to access appropriate mental health services and support.

Building YPARC centres in key regional areas gives young people better access to services closer to their family, support networks and local community – which plays a pivotal role in a young person’s recovery journey and enables them to continue their schooling or work.

Once complete, the five new YPARC centres will have the capacity to provide prevention and recovery care services to more than 900 young people each year. This will more than double current capacity.

Expanding Victoria’s YPARC centre network will help ease pressure on hospital beds by providing an alternative to hospital admission with early intervention.

Building the five new YPARC centres – and refurbishing three existing centres across Victoria will create and sustain around 200 jobs during construction.

The project team held two drop-in information sessions at Cobblebank Stadium in October 2022. These sessions were to build support for the project, raise awareness and answer questions from community.

The sessions provided an opportunity to clarify project timelines and scope. They also allowed community members to contribute input into the look and feel of key indoor and outdoor spaces.

Approximately 60 community members attended the two sessions.

In 2020, a ‘Future Healthcare in Melton’ online survey asked residents of Melton and surrounding areas for input into:

• the healthcare services they use
• what’s important to them
• what they value.

Over 1,500 community members responded. Their responses helped inform the business case for the new Melton Hospital.

In 2022, a further survey asked what it means to build a hospital for the outer west and sought input on accessibility, wayfinding and the preferred look and feel of the hospital’s design.

Approximately 350 community members responded to the survey.

The CCC met six times, including:

• an induction session in September 2022
• four working sessions to generate and prioritise ideas for the new hospital.

Working session 1: Tour of new Footscray Hospital

In October 2022 the CCC toured the site of the New Footscray Hospital.

The group discussed the public private partnership (PPP) model and learned how the feedback from the CCC and community helped shape the design.

Working session 2: Vision, aspirations and community assets

In February 2023, the CCC met at Western BACE, Cobblebank.

The committee worked in three groups, completing the following sentences to workshop ideas:

• ‘Building the new hospital will mean…’
• ‘The unique things about the outer west are…’
• 'When building the new Melton Hospital, our greatest hopes are…’

This exercise generated over 150 ideas. The groups then prioritised the ideas they found most important.

Working session 3: Creating a safe and welcoming environment

In March 2023, the CCC met to discuss wayfinding and access, cultural safety and connections to the Cobblebank Precinct. Members shared their ideas and priorities about:

• arriving/departing the hospital: considering connections, accessibility and safety when arriving and departing a hospital
• navigating your way around the hospital: what would make it easier to find your way around the new hospital?
• creating a safe and welcoming environment: what makes visiting a hospital challenging? What does cultural safety look like? What are some of the features/services you’d like to see to help you feel welcome, safe and supported?

Over 140 ideas were generated at this session.

Working session 4: Look and feel of indoor and outdoor spaces

In April 2023, the CCC met to share their ideas and priorities about the new hospital’s design for key areas. The workshop included a presentation from the project architects on design objectives and principles.

Committee members were invited to share thoughts on:

• hospital look and feel
• shared spaces such as main foyer and waiting rooms
• outdoor features, such as landscaping and greenery
• public artwork.

Over 105 ideas were generated at this session.

In May 2023, consultation workshops were held with hard-to-reach community members, including First Nations, young families, seniors and carers, and individuals with lived experience of mental health.

In a safe and inclusive environment, we asked participants to share their experiences and ideas around the theme: creating a Melton Hospital that is accessible, inclusive and welcoming.

Over 160 ideas were generated at these sessions.

A CCC has been established for the new Melton Hospital, providing a forum for the local community to participate in the project’s planning and development through open dialogue and collaboration.

The committee is the voice for Melbourne’s outer west communities in relation to the new hospital. and provides considered advice on a range of issues.

The New Melton Hospital CCC is chaired by Steve McGhie MP, Member for Melton. Members were selected across gender, age, interests and background to ensure a diverse representation, local knowledge and perspective.

The CCC met regularly between September 2022 and May 2023 to provide input into this report and will continue to be consulted on an as needs basis as the project progresses.

The New Melton Hospital CCC members are:

• Member for Melton, Steve McGhie (Chair)
• Russell Harrison, CEO, Western Health
• Roslyn Wai, CEO, Melton City Council
• Tina Skliros, Director of PPP Projects, VHBA
• Jordan Casey, Manager of Aboriginal Health, Policy & Planning, Western Health
• Corinne Erle Area Manager, Clinical Operations, Ambulance Victoria
• Alan Perry, community member
• Amit Cheema, community member
• Andrew McDermott, community member
• Brianna Mitchell, community member
• Carmen Martin Issifu, community member
• Daniel D’Souza, community member
• Erwin De Mesa, community member
• Hajar Chlihi, community member
• James Hargreaves, community member
• Jenny Brown, community member
• Kersty Brown, community member
• Vickii Warburton, community member.

A joint VHBA, Western Health and Melton City Council Communication and Engagement Working Group has been established.

This is part of the project’s governance structure and responsible for coordination, development and management of the project’s communications and engagement activities.

The working group helped identify stakeholders and community representatives to be engaged.

This included through existing networks and forums. The working group’s communication channels were also used to promote engagement opportunities.

June 2020

• Engage Victoria online survey

November 2020

• Community survey feedback report published

June 2022

• Communications and Engagement Working Group established
• Community Consultative Committee (CCC) expression of interest released

August 2022

• ‘How we’re building Melton Hospital’ community education campaign

September 2022

• Engage Victoria online survey
• CCC meeting 1

October 2022

• Community information sessions at Cobblebank Stadium
• CCC meeting 2
• ‘What would the community like to see in the new Melton Hospital?’ interviews with community members and social media campaign.

January 2023

• Project e-newsletter to announce release of Expressions of Interest

February - April 2023

• CCC meeting workshops 3- 5

May 2023

• CCC meeting 6
• Targeted stakeholder workshops

June 2023

• Announcement of shortlisted bidders
• Release of RFP announcement: Project e-newsletter and social media campaign.

July 2023 – mid 2024 (planned)

• Community consultation report published
• Next phase of communications: raising awareness of the project scope and timelines while procurement process is underway, engagement with project site neighbours ahead of the start of construction in 2024

Accessibility

• accessible for all abilities and by all modes of transport
• an entrance that is free of cars and other obstacles
• pedestrian only pathways with clear links to public transport and the broader precinct
• dedicated parking/ drop off zones for disability, emergency and maternity
• Travellers Aid to assist with public transport arrivals and departures.

Safety

• external lighting
• protected walkways
• need to feel safe at all hours.

Precinct connectivity

• well connected to other services in the precinct through pathways, public transport options
• signage consistent with precinct signage
• hospital should be a gateway to the precinct – connecting the precinct together.

Technology use

• multilingual digital navigation tools
• electronic directories and interactive kiosks for information and maps at entrance.

Wayfinding and signage

• intuitive and simple signage
• multilingual and symbolic to reflect the diverse community
• colour-coding or themes in wayfinding and placemaking
• key points of reference in hospital through placemaking (such as gardens or artwork)
• easy sight lines to your next destination
• consider future expansion
• information desks are highly visible at transition points – e.g. the lifts
• utilise volunteers and interpreters for help and wayfinding.

Layout

• consider placement of complementary services near each other
• place most utilised services closest to the main entry
• amenity areas with clearly defined toilets, cafes, prayer and shared spaces.

• use of earthy colours for calm feel and connection to local landscape
• use of symbols to reflect safe spaces
• multilingual signage and information
• importance of friendly-face ‘meet and greet’ on arrival
• nature and the outdoors, including places to connect with land and country
• First Nations artwork and local artifacts
• spaces for cultural and spiritual activities.

• natural, calming colours to connect to local landscape
• modern, bright and open
• uncluttered and spacious
• greenery and soft landscaping
• natural light
• connection to the outdoors with access to gardens and green spaces
• views to landscaped areas outside
• use of modern technology
• variety of comfortable seating and waiting spaces
• separation of waiting spaces for privacy
• dedicated spaces for children and families
• interactive activities for children.

• First Nations artwork and displays of local artifacts to acknowledge the culture and heritage of the area
• mix of mediums for interest including interactive, digital, light and sound displays
• incorporation of natural elements such as calming colours, soft materials and water for a soothing environment
• engagement with local community, local artists, art groups, and schools to involve them in the creation and selection of artwork
• utilisation of the hospital exterior for artwork
• use artwork to enhance wayfinding and create landmarks for meeting points.

• use a variety of durable landscaping materials for visual interest
• use of cultural and native plants in gardens
• child-friendly spaces such as playgrounds and open grassy areas for running
• provide shady, all-weather or undercover spaces for outdoor use
• accessible for all individuals
• incorporate spaces for cultural activities such as yarning circles
• use landscaping to enhance wayfinding and create landmarks for meeting points
• utilise views and gardens on upper levels
• incorporate greenery into the building façades
• leisure/ sport facilities such as half basketball court or tennis court to increase activity and decrease agitation
• address local conditions and suitability for climate and seasons.

• dedicated spaces for First Nations staff
• ceremonial spaces and a multipurpose room for cultural activities
• importance of private and culturally safe conversations
• consideration of nature, outdoor areas, and connections to land and country
• privacy requirements, especially in maternal, mental health and children’s health
• spaces accommodating family members and communities comfortably and safely
• hospitals as spaces to visit for non-medical reasons and community events
• place for community education, awareness, and training.

Use of language

• naming selected spaces with First Nations names and engaging with Traditional Owners for cultural appropriateness and meaning.

Art

• including First Nations art in consultation with Traditional Owners, in the foyer/entrance to acknowledge cultural space and support navigation
• sensory experiences with traditional materials
• display of traditional medicines
• involvement of First Nations people and businesses in procurement.

• safe integration with hospital and transport, including good lighting
• safe journey to car parks
• using Aboriginal symbols for wayfinding
• facilities for those in custody and prisoners
• partnerships with local communities.

• importance of staff members who can relate to patients with mental health issues
• diversity training
• staff/volunteers trained to identify distress signs.

• private and discreet areas for mental health patients seeking treatment
• separate quiet areas and respectful signage are important considerations
• avoiding clinical feeling spaces by using natural light and calming elements like sensory gardens and water features
• using colours and art to create a positive atmosphere and connection with the community
• creating a warm and friendly environment.

• accessibility for different modes of transport
• consideration of free parking, better roads, and wide footpaths for a more accessible hospital.

• large signs, clear instructions, and multilingual support
• accessible transport options and connections
• seamless and easy parking facilities, including separate public and staff parking
• surroundings that flow indoors and outdoors, with access to pathways and nearby amenities.

• grab rails for support
• separate smoking areas
• parent rooms for families
• quiet areas and sound-proof rooms
• prayer and contemplation spaces for all religions.

• open and spacious waiting areas with high ceilings and natural lighting
• avoiding clinical-feeling spaces in communal areas
• incorporating gardens and natural elements for a relaxing environment
• wide corridors and double-door entrances for ease of movement
• artwork that captures Melton’s history, landscape, flora, fauna, and indigenous elements.

• infrastructure for disabled people, including wheelchair access
• touch information screens and kiosks for easy access to information
• colour coordination of signage, seating, and other elements
• providing easy-to-digest and culturally accessible information
• after-hours access with security and well-trained staff
• open spaces for clear visibility.

• consider providing a childcare facility for staff
• entertaining options for children, such as outdoor playgrounds or indoor play areas
• art stations for children.
• prayer rooms for all religions to promote inclusivity.

• parking facilities and designated drop-off/pick-up areas
• clear signage and colour-coded flooring for easy navigation
• open,spacious, and well-lit waiting areas with high ceilings and greenery.

Text: The community is having their say on the new Melton Hospital.

IMAGES: an aerial view of an artist impression of the new hospital

Text: we’ve heard over 1000 views and priorities

IMAGES: a group of community members discussing ideas around a table; Steve McGhie, Member for Melton, Community Consultation Committee Chair, standing next to a board, discussing ideas

Text: Through CCC, community surveys and workshops with key community groups

IMAGES: a montage of groups of community members discussing ideas around tables

Voiceover: Being part of the community, we all know what we want and what we need in Melton. We want a safe space where everybody feels welcomed

IMAGES: Brianna Mitchell, Community representative, is interviewed

Voiceover: There's people that have been here for quite a long time and they felt like they were forgotten. For them to be able to see that it's finally happening is really important

IMAGES: Carmen Martin Issifu, Community representative, is interviewed; aerial footage of Melton

Voiceover: The people that thought that it was never, ever going to happen will start to see things rise out of the ground and it'll be unbelievable for the Melton township

IMAGES: aerial footage of Melton; Steve McGhie, Member for Melton, Community Consultation Committee Chair, is interviewed; camera cuts to Steve sharing ideas with committee members around a table

Voiceover: The degree of passion from the community has been really exciting, and every time I've come to one of these sessions, I come away energised

IMAGES: Diana Shmulburd, Project Director, Victorian Health Building Authority, is interviewed; camera cuts to Steve sharing ideas with the committee around a table; committee members discuss ideas standing in front of a projector screen

Voiceover: I'm a proud Gomeroi man, I want to sort of tap into the Aboriginal side of things in the Melton Hospital. When you first walk into hospital, the anxiety levels are up. Culturally wise to have a nice room to actually come and sit in and kick back and chill

IMAGES: Andrew McDermott, community representative, is interviewed; camera cuts to Andrew discussing ideas with other committee members around a table

Voiceover: We've discussed prayer rooms and having sacred spaces for reflection or for prayer, having a safe space to be able to do our prayers and for other people to use the space as well

IMAGES: Community representatives sitting together and discussing ideas; Carmen Martin Issifu, community representative, is interviewed; a montage of community representatives discussing ideas

Voiceover: We want it to be eco-friendly. We talked about a lot of green spaces. Native plants and all that sort of stuff around the hospital. Having signage in different languages. A way for you to wait, but not feel like you're in a queue

IMAGES: Brianna Mitchell, community representative, is interviewed; footage showing post-it notes with community ideas

Voiceover: We've had three tables full of people and most of the ideas were similar. Everyone's sort of on the same page. I do feel like we're making a big contribution. Having input from people that have lived experience in the area. The community has been both briefed and has contributed to various conversations about landscaping, design, what they want to see in their hospitals and how they want to interact with it. Western Health has been actively involved in that process, and it's been fascinating to hear their views. I had a little bit of input whether that input's good or bad, I don't know so we'll have to wait and see. I feel like I am leaving a legacy, and I hope that one day I'll be able to say to my children or grandchildren, you know, I was part of this and this is for all the generations to come.

IMAGES: montage of the community representatives discussing ideas, in between interview clips and aerial footage of Melton

Text: Read the full report at vhba.vic.gov.au

IMAGE: A screen displays an ‘in partnership with Western Health’ logo. A sliding transition screen then displays the Victorian Health Building Authority and Victoria State Government logos and the web address vhba.vic.gov.au

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