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Designing emergency departments to support autistic children

Submitted by Tara Johnson on
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Autism-friendly design

Beginning with a universal design approach

Universal design is an approach that makes buildings, products or environments accessible to as many people as possible – regardless of age, disability, background or any other factors. In health infrastructure, universal design means creating spaces that are functional for everyone and that address physical, sensory and cognitive needs.

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‘The hum of fluorescent lights may not be audible to most, but can be jarring for autistic people. We have to change the thinking of emergency departments. We can increase natural light and use softer colours in our designs to create calmer spaces.’

Michael Walker, Principal Advisor for Universal Design, Victorian Health Building Authority

Our design guidelines explain how to accommodate people with autism within healthcare facilities. Solutions include installing clear wayfinding, and avoiding highly complex or stimulating patterns on surfaces. There are also design methods to reduce sensory triggers of lights, sounds, colours, and smells

Accommodating sensory issues

Lighting

Lighting

Focus on natural light as much as possible and avoid use of fluorescent lighting. Use flexible or side lighting to create a relaxing ambience

Sounds

Sounds

Be aware of the sources of noise such as fluorescent lights, air-conditioning, and hard floors

Colours

Colours

Choose calming, muted tones like aqua blues, pale yellows and greens, dusty pinks and earthy tans and beiges

Smells

Smells

Patient areas should have adequate ventilation to ensure removal of strong smells from medical solutions, cleaning products or foods

Surfaces

Surfaces

Avoid highly complex or stimulating patterns. Opt for natural surfaces – wood and wool over steel and plastic

Getting around

Getting around

Signage should be clear, simple and intuitive. The use of curves can soften the look of hallways. Quiet rooms and spaces should be provided

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How are these design features working in practice?

We spoke to Professor David Krieser, Director of Paediatric Emergency Medicine at Western Health, about the issues autistic children may face, and how he has seen design make a difference.

He says autistic children often find comfort in routines and surroundings that are familiar. They may not like highly stimulating environments. Emergency departments (ED) are generally not familiar to them, are rapidly changing and certainly not routine for anyone.

‘Trying to provide quieter spaces with capacity for images that are familiar to the child is useful. Auditory and visual separation from the action of the ED is important as this may mean autistic children can respond to the people they are most familiar with - for example parents, carers or case workers - without the confronting distraction of others. The use of doors rather than curtains may improve the auditory separation.'

‘In designing an emergency department, consideration of a dedicated low stimulation room with less medical equipment and more conventional furnishings could calm autistic children.’ 

Professor David Krieser, Director of Paediatric Emergency Medicine at Western Health

‘Sensory equipment such as weighted blankets, toys and tactile sand can also be acquired. Of course, medical care and staff safety must be assured, but selected patients and the staff caring for them will be safer in such a space than in a conventional ED cubicle.’

Professor David Krieser says videos and soothing sounds can also be helpful.

‘Ceiling projectors linked to an iPad can provide visual and auditory distraction tailored to the child. Artworks can be used to trigger interaction. For example, wallpaper in the Sunshine Children’s emergency department has a variety of pictures contained within it. I have used this to ask children with autism questions, “Can you find the flower?” “Do you like flowers?” “How about the snails?” “Where are they?”’

One in every 100

One in every 100

Victorians is autistic

$102.4 million

$102.4 million

investment in children's emergency departments

Five

Five

dedicated children's emergency departments

83%

83%

of autistic Australians are aged under 25

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Understanding autism

The Victorian autism plan states that about one in every 100 Victorians report being autistic. However, many autistic people live without a diagnosis, and the true rate of occurrence may be higher. Autistic people have differences in their characteristics, needs and their experience of disability.

In 2017, the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare reported that autism is most commonly identified in children and young people. As such, people with autism were more likely to be younger, with 83 per cent aged under 25.

The ABS 2018 Survey of Disability, Ageing and Carers found:

  • there were 205,200 Australians with autism, a 25.1 per cent increase from the 164,000 with the condition in 2015
  • males were 3.5 times more likely than females to have the condition, with prevalence rates of 1.3 per cent and 0.4 percent respectively.

Our commitment to universal design

Our Universal Design Policy states that we are committed to:

  • providing equitable access to health sector infrastructure for Victorian people of all abilities
  • exceeding minimum standards to ensure universal design provisions be included and applied to planning schemes and delivery of health infrastructure
  • developing the capabilities of our workforce through best practice guidance and leadership
  • promoting a culture of inclusion by integrating universal design principles into compliance commitments and requirements
  • delivering innovative solutions to anticipate the needs of all end-users through design and implementation of development initiatives.

Investment in children's emergency departments

The Victorian Government is investing $102.4 million to deliver specially designed children’s emergency areas at:

  • Northern Hospital in Epping
  • Frankston Hospital
  • Casey Hospital in Berwick
  • Maroondah Hospital
  • University Hospital Geelong.

The new emergency departments will meet increasing demand for paediatric emergency care. This will translate to better, more personalised treatment for kids, their families and carers at a time they need it most.

Learn about our investment in making emergency departments safer, calmer places for kids.

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Autistic children may process information taken in through the senses differently. This can make visiting an emergency department overwhelming.

Children on the autism spectrum can have strong reactions to what they see, hear, smell, touch or taste. They may have challenges interacting with others, and a preference for known routines.

Emergency departments can be overwhelming, often busy and conveying a sense of urgency that can be unsettling for anyone, but more so autistic children. With good design, we can minimise potential uncertainty, stress and anxiety.

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Designing for young people experiencing mental ill health

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Young people and mental ill health

Depression, anxiety and behavioural disorders are among the leading causes of illness and disability in young people. But with early intervention – and health care facilities designed to meet their needs – we can help support young people to get the help they need.

Judith Hemsworth is the Principal Design Advisor – Mental Health at the Department of Health. She explains that the needs and preferences of young people experiencing mental ill health can differ greatly according to their age, gender identity, social and cultural background, history of trauma and a host of other factors. The settings in which mental health and wellbeing services for young people are provided must allow for this variability.

75% of severe mental illness

75% of severe mental illness

emerges before the age of 25

4 in every 100

4 in every 100

young people experience depression or anxiety at some time

461 deaths

461 deaths

to suicide in young people in 2019

Early intervention

Early intervention

can provide vital support

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Mental ill health defined

Psychological distress in young people relates to their overall level of psychological strain or pain. It manifests in psychological states such as depression and anxiety. Levels of psychological distress are higher in young women.

Mental illnesses are diagnosable health conditions. They are health problems that affect how a young person feels, thinks, behaves and interacts with other people. They vary in severity and duration but most mental disorders can be treated, especially if treated early.

Poor mental health can lead to thinking about suicide, making suicide plans, and later to suicide attempts. These can lead to admission to hospital for specialised mental health care. Deaths due to suicide are higher in young men than in young women.

Young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people can face extra obstacles to good mental health. The effects of inter-generational trauma, racism and prejudice, and socioeconomic disadvantage are all relevant in understanding their experiences.

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‘Architects and designers use a number of techniques to accommodate differences. In bed-based services for example, everyone is provided with their own bedroom and dedicated ensuite that they can lock. This is their personal space that they control and which helps them to feel and be safe.’

Judith Hemsworth, Principal Advisor Design – Mental Health, Department of Health

Designing for young people

The mental health service system is intentionally moving away from the use of seclusion and restraint, recognising their harmful aspects. To support this shift, settings for the provision of treatment and support for young people are designed to support them when they struggle with strong emotions.

Types of facilities

The types of mental health facilities we design and build include:

  • Youth prevention and recovery care (YPARC) facilities which provide short-term residential treatment programs for young people who are unwell or recovering from mental ill health or psychological distress
  • Acute mental health inpatient facilities, designed for young people experiencing serious mental illness
  • Alcohol and other drug residential rehabilitation facilities for specialised rehabilitation treatment, care and support.

Design approaches

Judith Hemsworth explains that the contemporary design approach begins with the creation of a ‘beneficial physical environment’. This incorporates positive features such as:

  • a legible and coherent layout
  • adequate space that reduces social density and avoids occupants feeling crowded
  • access to and free movement between indoor and outdoor spaces
  • elements that delight all of the senses including pleasant views, acoustic treatment of spaces to reduce the level of unwanted noise, pleasant smells emanating from the kitchen and scented plants and careful design to avoid unpleasant smells (e.g. location of bin stores), spaces to sit and feel the sun or a cool breeze on the skin
  • the ability for the young person to control and personalise aspects of their environment.

Bedrooms are grouped in small clusters, with a quiet lounge attached to each. This enables a young person to socialise with a small group of others with similar support needs to themselves.

‘All clusters share a central kitchen, dining and living space where all of the young people in the facility can come together for meals, discussions or relaxing. A number of spaces for therapeutic and recreational activities are also shared by all.’

Judith Hemsworth, Principal Design Advisor – Mental Health, Department of Health
A clustered floorplan diagram showing bedroom and ensuite in the inner layer, a pod/cluster of beds in the middle layer and the youth PARC facility on the outer layer

Clustered floorplans

The layout for a youth prevention and recovery care (YPARC) facility provides single bedrooms with dedicated ensuites typically clustered into several smaller ‘pods’ with their own sub-lounge space to create a more residential scale and feel.

This arrangement of spaces supports young people by providing them with options regarding the level of social interaction they feel able to engage in at any time.

Designers and architects have to make sure that the interior of the building can easily flex to meet the physical, social and emotional needs of young people that may change, even daily. For example, a bedroom and its ensuite may be able to belong to either of two-clusters of bedrooms clusters by the opening and closing of a door on a corridor. This means that services don’t have to turn someone away because they don’t have enough beds in a bedroom cluster appropriate to support the needs of that young person at that time.

‘The beneficial background is further enhanced by the provision of newer spaces such as sensory rooms and high needs rooms. These spaces are designed and fitted out with features and equipment that the young person may use when they are struggling with strong emotions. What one person finds calming and reassuring may differ greatly from what another person prefers, so these spaces are provided with a selection of options. For example, audio-visual displays that can be modified to suit individual taste, large bean bags and weighted blankets for cocooning in, music systems, aromatherapy, rocking chairs and more.’

Judith Hemsworth, Principal Design Advisor – Mental Health, Department of Health

Co-design: Ensuring young voices are heard

When designing a mental health facility, it’s important to consider the needs of the people we are designing for. Who better to inform the design than those with lived experience of mental ill health?

That’s where co-design comes into play.

What is co-design?

Co-design is about involving people with lived experience in the design process. It means including their input in a meaningful way as equal partners so that the results of the design meet their needs. Co-design grew out of the Scandinavian participatory design movement in the 1970s and has two underlying ideas. The first is that everyone should have the right to participate in the decisions that impact on their life. The second is that everyone has valuable knowledge to contribute to a design process.

‘The voice of those with lived experience is needed to challenge existing paradigms so the new facilities reflect new social relationships and new ways of providing services rather than replicating old patterns.’

Judith Hemsworth, Principal Design Advisor – Mental Health, Department of Health

Think about designing a youth mental health facility. We want it to feel safe and welcoming to the young people who will use it. Imagine we’ve painted the interiors with bright colours and put bean bags everywhere because ‘that’s what young people like.’ Rather than relying on stereotypes, wouldn’t it be better to consult young people themselves, and in particular young people who have lived experience of mental ill health? By using co-design, we incorporate multiple perspectives into the design process. We can centre the lived experience of young people to not only identify the issues they face but to inform the design solutions as well.

When we talk about co-design we’re designing with young people, rather than for them.

As Judith Hemsworth explains, facilities that were designed 30 or 40 years ago are seen by young people as institutional, unsafe and unattractive rather than places that will empower and support them in their treatment and recovery. ‘It is critical that young voices are heard as equal partners in shaping the physical settings that house the services they have also co-designed. This will help ensure that these settings appear attractive and non-stigmatising to young people, encouraging and inviting them to engage with the services on offer and supporting them in that.’

Involving young people

Co-design of mental health facilities involves more than just having a one-off workshop. It’s an approach that benefits from involving multiple young people, at multiple touchpoints throughout the design process, using a mix of face-to-face and online methods, like focus groups, workshops, online surveys and webchats.

The co-design process works best when it’s as inclusive as possible, involving young people who have a diverse mix of experiences and backgrounds. This could include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people, young people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, LGBTIQA+, young people with experience of juvenile justice and young people who are disengaged from school or work.

A man with curled mustachios in a blue suit and blue shirt

‘We need to have a better sense of co-creation. And if we get a better sense of co-creation, all the people that use these spaces have got a hand on the steering wheel of design.’

Michael Walker, Principal Advisor, Universal Design, VHBA
Artist render of black and light wood kitchen with two women at the end of a kitchen island

Artist’s impression of the shared kitchen and dining areas at the North West Metropolitan YPARC

Biophilic design: Bringing the outside in

Bringing nature into our building designs has been shown to have a positive effect on wellbeing. But it’s more than bringing some pot plants into a room. Biophilic design recognises that patterns, materials, sounds, smells and light can all contribute to feeling good. We can elevate the moods of the young people who use our mental health facilities by blurring the division between inside and outside, bringing nature in by using plants as well as natural patterns and materials.

A holistic view of the healing process

We know that exposure to natural light can help with mood and promote happiness. Views of nature have also been shown to reduce stress. Even small amounts of time spent in nature can improve our mental and physical wellbeing. Spending time in a garden can elevate our mood and reduce stress.

It is important for young people to have the therapeutic benefits that access to external spaces provides. As such, we incorporate various design elements that enable people to have access to external areas on each level of a building wherever possible.

‘Above ground floor level we might wrap rooms around a central courtyard that is open to the sky or provide a semi-enclosed balcony or “winter garden”. Other approaches include planting trees close to the building at ground floor level so that the canopies can be viewed from upper levels of the building.

Even when working at ground floor level, there are situations where it may not be possible to have larger plants and trees in an outdoor space. We then try to provide a “borrowed landscape” with trees and heavy planting on the other side of a tall fence or screen where these are needed.’

Judith Hemsworth, Principal Design Advisor – Mental Health, Department of Health
A curved walkway inside the Orygen and OYH Poplar Road precinct redevelopment

A curving, organically-shaped walkway within the Orygen and OYH Poplar Road precinct redevelopment in Parkville

Our mental health projects for young people

As part of the Victorian Government’s response to the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System, we’re designing and delivering contemporary, safe and high-quality mental health facilities across Victoria.

The award-winning Orygen and OYH Poplar Road precinct redevelopment is a clinical and research centre for young people with serious mental illness. The design involved input from more than 140 young people to ensure young voices were heard. They contributed ideas on furniture, the design of consulting rooms, living and resting spaces, and even on the design of the bathrooms. The result was a space that feels inclusive and safe.

The building was designed to reflect the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape. Natural, laminated timbers and curved, irregular shapes were used throughout. The consulting rooms have access to outside decks so young people have space to debrief, settle and reflect. Young people can access clinical services in a comfortable and safe environment, designed to meet their needs.

Learn more about the Orygen and OYH Poplar Road precinct redevelopment on our dedicated project page.

In 2020, we completed a $6.2 million upgrade of the intensive care area at Orygen Youth Health in Footscray.

Orygen Youth Health provides specialist mental health services for young people aged 15-25.

The upgrade included four new inpatient beds and enhanced living, private and treatment spaces. The intensive care area will help Orygen Youth Health provide safe and appropriate clinical treatment options for acute mental illness and ensure young people can access treatment and care close to home and support networks.

Learn more about the Orygen Youth Health intensive care area upgrade via our dedicated project page.

The Victorian Government has invested $141 million to deliver five new and refurbish the three existing youth prevention and recovery care (YPARC) facilities across the state.

YPARC facilities provide residential short and medium-term treatment and support for young people aged between 16-25, who are living with, or diagnosed with, mental ill health.

The new facilities are being co-designed to create a welcoming, safe and therapeutic environment with private bedrooms complete with ensuite bathrooms. Communal kitchens, dining and living areas, activity areas and outdoor garden areas will provide space for leisure, recreational activities, therapeutic and skill development activities and family visits.

Young people with lived experience of mental ill health, their families, carers and mental health professionals are all engaged in the co-design of these new facilities.

This project is part of the urgent response to recommendations from the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System.

Learn more about the Youth prevention and recovery care centre expansion program via our dedicated program page.

The Victorian Government is investing $11.9 million in the new North West Metropolitan Youth Prevention and Recovery Care (YPARC) centre.

The 20-bed facility will provide short and medium-term treatment and support in a residential setting for young people aged 16-25 experiencing mental ill health in Melbourne’s West.

The centre will offer a safe and supportive environment for young people who may find it difficult to cope at home. The service will help young people suffering mental illness who could benefit from treatment and support in a short to medium-term residential stay.

This facility was designed to create a welcoming and therapeutic environment while keeping young people safe.

Young people with lived experience of mental ill health, their families, carers and mental health professionals are all engaged in the co-design of this facility.

Learn more about the North West Metropolitan YPARC centre via our dedicated project page.

The Victorian Government is investing $7.3 million to deliver the Statewide Child and Family Centre in Melbourne’s north.

The Victorian-first centre will improve access to mental health services for children up to 11 years of age in a safe and supportive residential setting.

The centre will provide therapy for children and families who have experienced negative or traumatic events and continue to have challenges with relationships and connections.

Staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the new 12-bed facility will allow children and their families to stay onsite while they receive flexible, family-centred therapy and support from child and family mental health specialists.

Learn more about the Statewide Child and Family Centre via our dedicated project page.

Homes Victoria and the Department of Health are working in partnership to design 500 new medium-term supported housing places for young people. Supported housing means housing that is accompanied by integrated and tailored mental health and wellbeing supports.

The places are designed for young people aged between 18 and 25 who are living with mental illness and experiencing unstable housing or homelessness. Young people will be able to receive support in these housing places for up to two years.

Co-design is a critical part of ensuring that the supported housing reforms improve the outcomes for people living with mental illness. This includes involving people with lived experience of mental illness and unstable housing or homelessness as well as families, carers and supporters. A dedicated co-design process with young people aged between 18 and 25 will be run in mid-2022. The co-design will help inform the design of the supported housing places, including wellbeing supports.

Learn more about supported housing on the Victorian Government website.

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Over 75% of mental health issues begin before the age of 25.

With suicide continuing to cause the largest loss of life in young people in Australia, mental health support is more important than ever. The Victorian Government has a long-term vision to provide greater access and choice of services for young people living with mental illness. For the young people who are being treated during their experience of mental ill health, we can make their time easier using good design.

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Designing sustainable health infrastructure

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‘It is critical that the health sector plays a central role in driving action on climate change, seeking solutions and supporting the community to adapt to its impacts.’

Rob Fiske, Chief Executive Officer, Victorian Health Building Authority

Designing for sustainability

When we visit a hospital, the main thing on our mind is getting better – or seeing our loved ones get better. We’re probably not thinking about all the energy and water and single use plastics being consumed, or the amount of waste being generated.

But when we design our hospitals and healthcare buildings to be more environmentally sustainable, the benefits aren’t just to the environment. Sustainable design may lower environmental impacts and operating costs, but it also goes further by creating healthier, healing environments for patients, visitors and staff.

Tiernan Humphrys is the Environmental Sustainability Manager at the Victorian Health Building Authority (VHBA). As Tiernan explains, how we design and build our hospitals affects the healing environment.

Profile image of Tiernan Humphrys

‘Hospitals are about making people well. To achieve this the spaces and environs of a hospital need to maximise natural finishes and materials, like timber, natural light, views and greenery, and low chemical finishes to provide a healing environment.

The use of outdoor spaces to aid in the recovery and rehabilitation of patients is something I would personally like to see more of in our facilities.’

Tiernan Humphrys, Environmental Sustainability Manager, Victorian Health Building Authority

What a sustainable hospital looks like

A sustainable hospital involves more than just some solar panels on the roof. There are a number of design initiatives we can embrace to lower emissions and reduce waste.

As Tiernan explains, a sustainable hospital can take many different shapes and forms and goes well beyond just low energy and water consumption. 'The whole footprint of a hospital needs to be understood and managed, from the supplies required to deliver good health outcomes for patients, staff and visitors, right through to the disposal and removal of materials used. The supply chain of a hospital is long and complex and we need to focus more on investigating the sustainability impacts of manufacturing, transporting, consuming and disposing of these products.'

A sustainable hospital might include:

Use of recycled and natural materials

Use of recycled and natural materials

reducing waste and energy by not extracting raw materials or manufacturing new products

Energy efficient window design

Energy efficient window design

improving comfort by allowing light in, and keeping heat, cold and glare out

Solar panels

Solar panels

capturing energy from the sun and using it to run the facility which lowers emissions in the atmosphere

Gardens and green spaces

Gardens and green spaces

elevating mood, reducing stress and speeding recovery

Rainwater harvesting

Rainwater harvesting

to use in the hospital garden and green spaces

Native vegetation

Native vegetation

connecting with nature to support a healing environment and improve local biodiversity

Charging stations

Charging stations

powering the electric vehicle revolution and reducing emissions

Public transport information and connections

Public transport information and connections

encouraging public transport use for patients, staff and visitors

Sustainable transport facilities

Sustainable transport facilities

encouraging active transport such as bike use for visitors and staff

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Designing a brighter future with solar power

A great way to make hospitals more energy-efficient is to harness energy from the sun. Solar panels can help lower energy bills and cut greenhouse gas emissions, making the running of public hospitals greener.

The Victorian Health Building Authority has committed to a target of delivering five per cent of the public health system’s electricity from solar energy. We’re achieving this by installing large collections of solar panels on top of hospital roofs, known as solar arrays.

Profile image of Julian Freeland

‘Using satellite imagery and energy performance monitoring, solar install opportunities have been identified for health facilities with potential to install solar and reduce demand from the electricity grid and lower emissions.’

Julian Freeland, Senior Project Officer, Environmental Sustainability, Victorian Health Building Authority
Solar panels on the roof of Latrobe Regional Hospital

Solar panels on the roof of Latrobe Regional Hospital

Solar panels on 60 per cent of the roof

For all new hospitals being built in Victoria, 60 per cent of the roof space is being designed for solar panels. This involves several design considerations including roof spaces that face the right direction for maximum exposure to the sun. We’re designing areas of continuous space for the solar panels to be located. And we’re designing roof spaces that aren’t shaded by trees or other buildings and have limited building equipment spread across the roof area.

Tracking solar data

Our solar arrays are designed to generate energy and report performance data on how much electricity is being generated. In 2018-19, solar arrays on Victoria’s public hospitals generated 1.4 gigawatt-hours of electricity. In 2020-21 this increased to 9.8 gigawatt-hours – reducing carbon emissions by some 11,000 tonnes.

The Regional Health Solar Program

As well as designing new hospitals to include solar arrays, we’re also retrofitting existing hospitals roofs with solar. The $13.5 million Regional Health Solar program is a Victorian Government initiative to install solar panels on rural and regional hospital rooftops.

The program has installed solar arrays with an aggregate generating capacity of 7.5 megawatt-peak on 59 health facilities across the state. Solar arrays on a further 20 health facilities, with a capacity of 1.3 megawatt-peak, were installed and completed in 2021.

Once the program is complete, the solar panels installed are set to generate two per cent of our state-wide hospital electricity consumption. Hospital electricity costs will also be reduced, with a total estimated saving of $2.7 million in energy expenditure every year.

Buildings that help the planet

In 2017, the Victorian Government set a target for Victoria to be net carbon zero by 2050. By including energy efficiency features in our hospital and healthcare buildings, we can help meet this goal.

Transitioning to all-electric

All-electric hospitals are buildings that don’t use any gas for their heating or sterilisation equipment, meaning they are powered entirely by electricity. Where possible to do so, moving to all-electric buildings would support the 2050 net zero carbon target, although it will take some steps to get there.

‘By building all-electric hospitals we will be reducing our emissions significantly from 2025 when we will be buying 100 per cent renewable electricity. This is no small task, given some of the larger hospitals in Victoria have an operation energy footprint bigger than a small town.’

Tiernan Humphrys, Environmental Sustainability Manager, Victorian Health Building Authority

The adoption of all-electric healthcare facilities presents the opportunity to reduce the emissions profile of public hospitals when the Victorian Government procures renewable electricity for Government operations beginning in 2025. However, designing and engineering all-electric facilities will present challenges for the industry as we move forward.

Building for energy efficiency

By using energy-efficient design, our healthcare buildings can be comfortable, healthy and use less resources.

Some of the energy-efficiency features include:

Building orientation – facing north

Building orientation – facing north

using the sun to generate electricity and heating in the winter months will lower the emissions of a health facility

Passive design elements

Passive design elements

to improve indoor environment quality

Double and triple glazed windows

Double and triple glazed windows

to help regulate building temperatures

Electrical appliances with five star or higher energy ratings

Electrical appliances with five star or higher energy ratings

as high efficiency appliances use less energy and emit lower emissions

Sky lights

Sky lights

maximising the use of natural light inside

Openable windows

Openable windows

introducing the opportunity for natural ventilation

Heat pumps

Heat pumps

are a low emissions hot water solution

Using trees and landscaping

Using trees and landscaping

to shade northern and western sides in summer and reduce the heat produced by concrete surfaces (known as the heat island effect)

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‘The design and construction of facilities now includes building improved facades that keep the elements out, draught, heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer. Partnered with newer facade technologies and construction techniques are the use of pressure testing to demonstrate the treated internal air stays in the building and treated outside air remains outside.’

Julian Freeland, Senior Project Officer, Environmental Sustainability, Victorian Health Building Authority

Ecology, landscaping and biophilic design

Choosing the right place to build

It’s not only how we build hospitals and healthcare buildings that can have an environmental impact. Where we choose to build our facilities is important too.

We can lessen our impact by making sure we:

  • don’t build on land with recognised heritage or conservation value
  • avoid land that is better used for agriculture
  • avoid land which might be susceptible to erosion, bushfires or landslides.

Tiernan adds that during construction and afterwards, ‘we can lessen our environmental impact by keeping as much native vegetation as possible. This in turn protects habitats for local wildlife.’

Using landscaping to increase biodiversity

In support of choosing good building design, we can reduce the impact of our buildings by taking steps to increase biodiversity around the facility or campus.

Biodiversity around a building or across a health campus will include increased use and variety of plants and structures to support differing and complimentary ecosystems.

Thoughtful landscaping that uses locally indigenous plants and trees can provide habitats and food sources for our local wildlife, including insects. If the building site is close to a conservation area, we can go even further by creating habitat corridor links for our animal friends

‘Combining local indigenous flora and natural materials all enhance the connection to the natural environment.’

Julian Freeland, Senior Project Officer, Environmental Sustainability, Victorian Health Building Authority

Sensory gardens

Even small amounts of time spent in nature can improve our mental and physical wellbeing. Spending time in a garden can elevate our mood and reduce stress.

A great way to capitalise on this is to include sensory gardens in our building and landscaping designs. Sensory gardens are carefully designed to provide calmness and connection of our senses. They go beyond the scope of an average garden experience to heighten our awareness of our interaction with nature and ourselves.

Aerial view of the roof of the Bendigo Hospital. There is trees and foliage on the roof.

Green spaces at Bendigo Hospital

Biophilic design

Biophilic design is about bringing nature into our buildings and designs to promote wellbeing for health and the environment.

But it’s more than just arranging some plants in a room. Biophilic design recognises that patterns, materials, sounds, smells and light can all contribute to feeling good. We can elevate the moods of the people who use our hospitals and healthcare buildings by blurring the division between inside and outside, bringing nature in by using natural patterns and materials.

‘The exploration to embrace biophilic design into healthcare facilities is an exciting opportunity to further connect healthcare facilities users, patients and staff to the natural healing world beyond the walls of the facility.’

Julian Freeland, Senior Project Officer, Environmental Sustainability, Victorian Health Building Authority
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Climate change poses a significant threat to our health.

With hospitals being some of the most energy intensive buildings in Australia, there has never been a better time to look at how we can design more sustainably.

While we can’t get around the fact hospitals will always use a lot of resources and generate large volumes of waste, there are design solutions available to help us create a more environmentally sustainable health system.

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Celebrating Melbourne Design Week 2022 - Designing for good

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March 17-27 is Melbourne Design Week!

In 2022, Melbourne Design Week explores the theme ‘Design the world you want’ through two pillars: civic good and making good.

  • Civic good: Design and creativity can transform aspects of society by benefiting everyone rather than individuals.
  • Making good: The value of a design is not only judged through its functional or aesthetic impact, but also on its environmental and social impact on the planet.

To celebrate Melbourne Design Week 2022, we’re exploring how the Victorian Health Building Authority aligns with these pillars in designing health facilities to meet the needs of Victorians.

The Victorian Health Building Authority is responsible for the planning, delivery and oversight of Victoria’s health infrastructure - including public hospitals, community health services, residential aged care, mental health facilities and ambulance branches across the state.

We work with the health sector and industry partners to provide specialist expertise in health facility design and planning, architecture, engineering, construction, project management, property and asset management.

Together, we create vibrant and healthy places to support the wellbeing of all Victorians.

Learn how we're designing for good

Designing for cultural safety

Using good design principles, we can work together to create culturally safe health environments for Aboriginal people.

Designing for dementia

Good design can help us create a more homelike, meaningful and supportive environment for people with dementia.

Designing to support autistic children

Autistic children have different sensory needs, which can make visiting an emergency department overwhelming.

Designing sustainable health infrastructure

Sustainable buildings can help us lower impacts on the environment, reduce operating costs and provide a healthier environment for patients, visitors and staff.

Designing for young people with mental ill health

We explore how good design principles translate into the build of mental health facilities for young people.

About Melbourne Design Week

Melbourne Design Week celebrates design in an annual program of events across Melbourne.

The program champions design across a broad range of disciplines and is a platform for people to come together and share ideas on how design can be used as a force for good.

Melbourne Design Week is an initiative of the Victorian Government. The program is curated and organised by the National Gallery of Victoria.

Learn more about Melbourne Design Week.

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Designing for cultural safety

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Understanding cultural safety

What is cultural safety?

Cultural safety is about shared respect, shared meaning and shared knowledge.

On a strategic level, cultural safety is about institutional reform. It means removing barriers to the optimal health, wellbeing and safety of Aboriginal people. This includes addressing unconscious bias, racism and discrimination, and supporting Aboriginal self-determination. By working with Aboriginal people to embed cultural safety in our designs, we can support improved health and wellbeing outcomes.

Shared respect

Shared respect

shared meaning and shared knowledge

Experience

Experience

learning together with dignity and truly listening

Reform

Reform

removing barriers to health, wellbeing and safety

Self-determination

Self-determination

transferring power and resources

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Importance of identity

In designing health infrastructure, we use universal design principles.

Universal design is about inclusivity, and means designing something so that it’s accessible to as many people as possible. Whether that’s a building, product or service, an environment or a program, universal design thinks about the people who will be using something and puts their needs first.

Michael Walker is Principal Advisor, Universal Design at the Victorian Health Building Authority (VHBA).

He explains that supporting identity in universal design is about ‘support for the construction of a positive self-image... that could come in forms of how you create entry doors or breakout spaces, or smoking ceremony areas’.

A man with curled mustachios in a blue suit and blue shirt

‘Cultural compatibilities need to be considered because we must respect Aboriginal people’s connection to nature and provide spaces that calm the spirit.’

Michael Walker, Principal Advisor, Universal Design, Victorian Health Building Authority

He adds that it’s important to work with elders when thinking about cultural design, ‘because we've got so many different tribes. The Taungurung, where I come from, might have a completely different understanding of symbolism to the Yorta Yorta, for example’.

‘We need to design together and use only art and symbolism that is relevant to the local communities – so that they can connect with it. We are also currently working with Aboriginal people to develop guidelines for designing for cultural safety.’

‘It’s not about saying “you must do this or that”, it’s applying the Victorian Human Rights Charter and universal design principles.’

A landscaped fire pit area at the Ballarat and District Aboriginal Co-operative Medical and Regional Health Hub

A landscaped fire pit area at the Ballarat and District Aboriginal Co-operative Medical and Regional Health Hub

Cultural safety in practice

Ballarat and District Aboriginal Co-operative Medical and Regional Health Hub

In 2019, we completed construction of the Ballarat and District Aboriginal Co-operative (BADAC) Medical and Regional Health Hub in Ballarat.

The purpose-built $8.5 million facility was designed in partnership with BADAC to create a culturally welcoming environment and provide a range of services for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people in Victoria’s greater western region.

Karen Heap (Yorta Yorta) is Chief Executive Officer of BADAC, and was involved in the design for the Medical and Regional Health Hub.

Karen Heap

‘I was really trying to make sure that we incorporate Culture and the land into the building, and that we embrace appropriate Aboriginal colour schemes to reflect our cultural values, to ensure our community feel welcome and safe.’

Karen Heap, Chief Executive Officer, Ballarat and District Aboriginal Co-operative (BADAC)

The design includes the colours of the Aboriginal flag, images of a platypus and a fire pit area.

Jon Kanoa (Kerrupmara/Bunitj) is Chief Operating Officer at BADAC. Jon says the design creates a culturally safe environment, ‘making sure that whatever appointment they’re coming in for, that they're feeling comfortable in doing so’.

‘A respect for people, a respect for the environment and a respect for country. As architects we see that as very strong within our ethos as well, so the connection is really pretty seamless.’

Alan Morton, Director, Morton Dunn Architects

Learn more about the BADAC Medical and Regional Health Hub via our dedicated project page

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Designing for cultural safety is about ensuring Aboriginal people’s voices are heard.

When we listen to Aboriginal voices, we’re able to design spaces that celebrate Culture, use appropriate imagery, and demonstrate acknowledgement of the Country on which we are building.

This applies to all health infrastructure and is especially important when we’re building dedicated services for Aboriginal people.

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Albury Wodonga Health short stay unit

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The Victorian Government is investing $6 million for a new short stay unit at Albury Wodonga Health.

Albury Wodonga Health has built a new emergency department at its Albury campus. The old emergency department will be refurbished to become the new short stay unit. The new unit will increase Albury Wodonga Health’s short stay beds from four to 16.

Funded by the Regional Health Infrastructure Fund, the short stay unit will include utility and medication rooms, staff spaces for administration and education, and a break room.

Celebrating women building Victoria’s health infrastructure

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International Women’s Day is celebrated annually on 8 March. This year the International Women's Day team is encouraging everyone to Break the Bias while the UN Women focus is on Equality today for a sustainable tomorrow.

In recognition of the day, we spoke to some of the inspiring women leading the state's biggest health infrastructure projects and programs of work here at the Victorian Health Building Authority (VHBA) about overcoming barriers and the bright future for women in infrastructure.

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Deanne Leaver

Executive Director, Asset Development and Infrastructure Advisory Services

Deanne leads a multidisciplinary team of experts focused on environmental sustainability, property management, engineering services and asset management. She has worked in the public sector for more than 15 years and is on the board of a charity supporting mums and families in need.

What can you tell us about your career and current role?

'I’ve been fortunate to work on some really high profile and important projects that have seen lasting change. Some of the work I’m most proud of in my career is where there’s been a change in law or a new precedent set. For example providing land rights to traditional owners, mandating a new class of toilet for people with profound disabilities in the National Construction Code and establishing new asset management functions for the health sector. Our Asset Information Management System means we now know what assets we have and what condition they are in. Most recently, I’m incredibly proud of our support and response to the pandemic.

'VHBA has amazing people. Across all our teams we’ve delivered 1590 intensive and critical care beds and added 496 beds into the system during 2020-21. Our aerosol study highlights the importance of effective infection prevention and control strategies in health facilities to reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19. The study was a key input into Victoria being one of the first governments to recognise aerosol transmission, ventilation assessments and upgrade works. Our representation has also been highly sought on numerous local and national taskforces and committees.

'I’m proud to lead passionate teams developing health projects that deliver tangible benefits to the community.'

What professional challenges have you experienced as a woman?

'I’ve faced the stereotypical challenges that all women face. Especially working in infrastructure where I am often one of few women – if not the only woman – at the table. I’ve been ignored, put down, been told I don’t have the skills and can’t do the job or project. There have been occasions where, despite being one of the more senior people in the room, I’ve been asked to take minutes.

'But I’m very fortunate at VHBA to have the support of leaders who call out negative behaviour. We’ve all experienced that time where we have an idea or a solution and it’s ignored only to have a male colleague bring it up 10 minutes later and be accepted. I’ve been in meetings where our senior leaders call it out and put the recognition back where it belongs – male or female.

'Good leaders also reinforce the importance of health and wellbeing and for me my gym routine is the first thing I drop when things get busy. I don’t like the word balance as it implies that everything is equal and, as a mum, I’d go crazy trying to achieve this and fail on all fronts. I prefer harmony – there will be times where work takes precedent and times where the kids take precedent.'

What improvements have you seen for women in the industry?

'In the past decade I’ve seen more female representation in senior roles of Secretary and Deputy Secretary. I’m a big believer in “you can’t be what you can’t see”.

'Flexibility has also increased, even before the pandemic, with improved sharing of loads. More male team members are taking parental leave – longer than a week or two and doing the kids activity runs. There’s also a shift in language with our male colleagues being more comfortable in sharing pride in their families at work.'

What further work could help Break the Bias?

'Many people don’t think there is a problem with bias, so we need to show where it is, what and why need change.

'I find it’s often an unconscious bias. For example, a couple of years ago we had a cartoonist attend and draw the outcomes of a Communities of Practice event. This event had a number of senior female and male leaders speak and present.

'We noticed the men were being drawn bigger than women, regardless of physical size or the importance of their role. When we pointed this out the artist was mortified, he hadn’t realised he’d been doing that, and he immediately fixed it to be more equal.'

Deanne Leaver

'Nowadays girls can see the pathways so they can chart their own course. Mentors, champions and advocates - and creating healthy relationships – are so important so they can continue to grow and progress.'

Deanne Leaver, Executive Director, Asset Development and Infrastructure Advisory Services, VHBA

What advice would you give to younger self or women interested in joining the industry?

'The infrastructure industry is very high paced. I would tell my younger self to learn good habits early and learn to decompress. For those starting out I’ve found my mentors and champions invaluable. Being able to seek multiple views and to test things, make sense of the political dynamics and to draw advice. My other key piece of advice is simply to never give up.'

Samantha Morgan

Project Director, Pathway to 144 Mental Health Beds (Mental Health Beds Expansion Program)

Responding to key recommendations from the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System, Samantha is leading a complex multi-site project to deliver acute mental health beds across the state.

What can you tell us about your current role?

'The Royal Commission has enabled a once-in-a-generation investment in mental health. Our role is to deliver the buildings that have been informed by co-design – where consumers, families and staff have been involved in the design process.

'It’s amazing for the project team to see this project transform from designs on paper to the buildings coming out of the ground. And to see the realisation of design in safe and therapeutic environment, individual bedrooms, staff and consumer amenity including important features like open green spaces and being able to see the sky above in multiple courtyards.'

What challenges have you experienced as a woman in the industry?

'I’ve been working in major projects for five years and it is something I’m really passionate about. The challenges of large-scale delivery projects are the same for everyone in the business and provide lots of experience and opportunity to learn and develop.'

Samantha Morgan

‘In my time in government, working in infrastructure delivery, I have seen increasing representation of women in all aspects of the sector and expect this to continue as women move into more senior and leaderships roles.'

Samantha Morgan, Project Director, Pathway to 144 Mental Health Beds, VHBA

What improvements have you seen?

'I can see increasing numbers of women in the construction industry – in government, in our consultants' groups and importantly in our construction partners. I can see a real effort and commitment to grow representation. I think over time as more women move into senior and specialist roles, and lead visibly from the front, this will provide opportunity for all people to see more diversity and what this brings to major project delivery.

'We want all staff to be able to see themselves in the industry at all levels.'

What advice would you give to your younger self?

'Always be enthusiastic, put your hand up for everything and try things out of your comfort zone – they can give the best opportunities of your career.'

Dijana Dragovic

Director Projects, Health Capital Program

Dijana oversees several large projects and programs at VHBA and has previously managed construction projects with the Department of Justice as well as projects in war torn countries around the world.

What challenges have you experienced as a woman leading such diverse projects?

'In some countries that I have worked in, such as Iraq and Sudan, the cultures are quite conservative and being a senior woman in the field can pose challenges. In Australia, the infrastructure sector has been predominantly male. This was particularly evident when I started in this country nearly a decade ago when I would rarely see women among the builders and contractors I engaged with. This is now slowly changing.'

What improvements have you seen for women in recent years?

Dijana Dragovic

'There are more women working in the industry, not only for the government but also with contractors. This has come about through specialised apprenticeships encouraging women from diverse communities to join their team.'

Dijana Dragovic, Director Projects, Health Capital Program, VHBA

'Recently government introduced a Building Equality Policy which aims to increase female participation in the construction industry by introducing mandated targets for women in trade, non-trade and managerial roles on public construction projects.

'In the public sector there has also been a push for gender diversity across the board which helps, but I also think that capable women have found their voice and way to impose themselves over years, with their skill and knowledge. Women are also more interested in studying engineering which was not always the case.'

What further work could help Break the Bias and create a more sustainable future for women and girls?

'There is still more work to be done, especially to see women in executive leadership positions. Leaders set the culture of an organisation and a more diverse leadership group are more likely to encourage policies to see a diverse organisation.'

What advice would you give to younger self or women interested in joining the industry?

'Be persistent. Keep learning. When you are knowledgeable then you can speak with confidence and authority.'

Lisa Antonio

Director, Community Hospital Program

Lisa leads the delivery of community hospitals and has previously delivered projects with the Department of Justice.

What types of projects have you worked on throughout your career?

'I’ve previously worked on correctional, secure and transitional facilities for the justice sector and I’m now working on a $675 million investment to deliver 10 community hospitals in growth areas across Victoria.'

What challenges have you experienced as a woman in the industry?

'I’ve always worked in male-dominated environments - first correctional, then construction. When I first started working on construction sites, it was a novelty as there weren’t many women wearing a hard hat and steel capped boots. There was a lot of pre-judgement that women didn’t know much about the construction industry, and it wasn’t a place for them. Back then, I’m sure people thought I attended meetings to take the minutes. Attitudes have certainly changed now.'

Lisa Antonio

'It’s common to see women not only working in the industry but with leadership roles, driving outcomes. Those outdated pre-conceived ideas aren’t as common anymore.'

Lisa Antonio, Director, Community Hospital Program, VHBA

'As an industry, we’ve come a long way for opening pathways for women and having leadership roles in the construction industry. Although I still believe we have a long way to go but there has been growth and I’m excited about the future for young women considering a career in the infrastructure sector.'

Why should women consider working in infrastructure?

'Women generally handle multi-tasking well, and as every day is different in this industry, there is a constant need to delegate and prioritise. It’s challenging but it also brings great reward when you’re able to manage risks or solve problems to deliver something tangible and provide benefits to the community.'

How are you empowering women in the industry?

'I mentor women and give them a forum to talk through challenges. With my leadership style, I believe I empower women to be more confident and explore opportunities to improve and develop their skills. There are great opportunities out there for women, sometimes the biggest hurdle for women is their lack of belief in their capabilities. I like to support them and try to bring the best out of them, so they can put themselves forward for opportunities. A measure of my success as a leader is the people, including women, who can help develop into the future leaders of tomorrow.'

Sally Delany

Manager, Design Services

Sally provides advice across a wide range of VHBA projects, from master planning and feasibility into delivery.

Why did you choose a career in infrastructure?

'My interest in architecture was sparked by my love for art, design and mathematics. I’ve been in government for five years but prior to that, I worked as an architect in the private sector for 25 years – in Melbourne, Bangkok and Paris. I also ran my own business for five years when my children were young.'

What are the benefits of having women in leadership roles?

'Construction has traditionally been a male-dominated industry and having women in leadership can offer role modelling for other women, showing it’s about choosing the best person for the job rather than it being based on gender.'

'Having women in leadership positions provides a more balanced voice and a different perspective across our work.'

Sally Delany, Manager, Design Services, VHBA

What has been your proudest achievement in your career to date?

'Working on health infrastructure projects is very rewarding as there are always complex problems to solve. The work we do impacts many people’s lives, including the communities they are built in, and it’s very satisfying to be part of this. I strive to realise innovations within these projects, moving away from business as usual, and it’s great to see this imbedded in projects.'

Why are female voices important in designing health infrastructure?

'Women make up 50 per cent of the population. They are often underrepresented in the design of those spaces, and women, of all ages bring a different and relevant perspective.'

What career opportunities would you like to see for women?

'I would like to see the same career opportunities for men and women. It was again reported on recently that men are still earning more than women in Australia for the same roles. This is not a great incentive for women to tackle some careers where they do not feel supported.'

State of play

At the Victorian Health Building Authority, we have $9.21 billion of projects in planning and delivery and $16.6 billion in managed assets. Our pipeline of over 127 projects will support thousands of jobs at the peak of construction – supporting Victoria’s economic recovery for years to come. We have 294 staff, with more than half identifying as female and 41 per cent in team leadership roles.

Under Victoria’s Building Equality Policy, suppliers must meet the following minimum onsite gender equality targets:

  • trade covered labour: women are required to perform at least 3% of the contract works’ total estimated labour hours for each trade position
  • non-trade Construction Award covered labour: women are required to perform at least 7% of the contract works’ total estimated labour hours for each non-trade Construction Award covered labour position
  • management/supervisory and specialist labour (staff): women are required to perform at least 35% of the contract works’ total estimated labour hours for each staff position

This policy was introduced January 2022, with a transitional period until January 2024.

State of change

The latest CommSec State of the States report showed construction work in Victoria is 21.9 per cent above its decade average. More women are active in the Victorian labour market now than in the past, but they make up only 2 per cent of the workers in Australian construction.

Victoria's Women in Construction Strategy aims to attract, recruit and retain women in the industry. The Victorian Government has several other initiatives in progress:

Work with us

The Victorian Health Building Authority is responsible for the planning, delivery and oversight of Victoria’s health infrastructure.

Our critical work includes:

  • managing the planning and delivery of new health infrastructure projects, including public hospitals, community health services, residential aged care, mental health facilities and ambulance branches
  • community and stakeholder engagement
  • developing best practice guidelines for managing health infrastructure
  • upgrading and managing state-wide medical and engineering equipment.

If you are passionate about public health and interested in contributing to the planning, design and delivery of world-class health infrastructure, then we want to hear from you. Learn more about our organisation via our careers page and follow VHBA on LinkedIn for job ads and updates.

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Women in Construction Week 2022

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The building and construction industry is one of the most important and fast-growing industries in Australia.

It employs more than 1 million people across the country and offers more than 70 employment and career pathways ranging from architects and engineers to tilers and human resources.

6-12 March 2022 is Women in Construction Week.

It is a time to highlight and celebrate the work of women within the industry. Likewise, it is a time that brings to the fore the opportunities that are available to women in construction. Because greater representation of women in construction will benefit everyone in the industry – and the community.

Changing perceptions and celebrating opportunity

It’s essential to cement the role of women in a modern construction industry and celebrate those who are inspiring the next generation to get involved – from getting on the tools to taking seats in the board room.

For this Women in Construction Week, we spoke to Katie O’Brien. Katie is Deputy Project Director on the $1.5 billion New Footscray Hospital Project at the Victorian Health Building Authority (VHBA) and is one of a number of women delivering the state’s largest ever health infrastructure investment.

Katie O'Brien

Katie O'Brien, Deputy Project Director on the New Footscray Hospital Project

Can you tell me about the New Footscray Hospital Project and your role in making the $1.5 billion project a reality?

‘At $1.5 billion, the New Footscray Hospital Project is the largest health infrastructure investment in Victoria’s history. From the time of business case development to contract close, the project team at the Victorian Health Building Authority (VHBA) comprised approximately 75 per cent women.

‘I joined VHBA in March 2018 as Transaction Lead for the project. In this role I was part of a multidisciplinary team that worked from business case through to contract close. This included overseeing the detailed procurement process for the project as a public private partnership under the Partnerships Victoria policy.

‘Now that shovels are in the ground, I’ve transitioned to the role of Deputy Project Director. My role involves working with the Project Director to oversee the delivery of the overall project with a particular focus on the legal and commercial aspects of the project as well as supporting the members of our design and technical team and working with delivery partners to ensure the project runs on time and on budget.’

How long have you worked in the construction industry and what compelled you to join?

‘I’ve worked in infrastructure for around eight years. In that time, I’ve worked across a number of projects in the education, transport and health sectors. 

‘I was compelled to join the industry to see something big come to life – from end to end - contributing to a legacy that will serve the community for years to come.’ 

What do you love most about your job?

‘The variety of the work and the people I work with. We’re one team with one dream and that’s to deliver a hospital that’s going to be there for many years to come, saving lives and providing essential healthcare for the community.

‘There are ten tower cranes on the new Footscray Hospital site at the moment. When I drive across the city on my daily commute, I can see the cluster of cranes in the skyline. It’s so encouraging and a great reminder of our shared purpose - and the important work we’re doing for families in the west.’ 

What does your average week look like? 

‘No day is ever the same. And that’s what makes it exciting.

‘We can be out on the new Footscray Hospital construction site in our hard hats and high-vis one day, and the next in an office talking about commercial matters, or working side by side with the doctors, nurses, and support staff who are contributing to the design of their new hospital.’

Why should more women consider a career in construction?  

‘There are so many opportunities for women to thrive and grow in the industry. Whether that be in planning, procurement, legal services, programming, architecture and design, quantity surveying, machinery operators or on the tools. The list is endless. 

‘The skills you pick up in the industry are so transferable – no matter your role – so the opportunities for upskilling and promotion are plentiful. 

‘I have a degree in business and economics and started my career in HR, and here I am today contributing to one of Victoria’s biggest infrastructure projects.’ 

What advice would you give young girls/ women considering a career in the industry? 

‘Say yes. You don’t know what’s possible until you give it a go. There’s so much demand for women in the construction industry. If you have a positive attitude and are willing to learn, I can guarantee there’s an opportunity for you to succeed.’ 

How important are female voices in the industry? 

‘Diversity of voices and perspectives is so important because it leads to better outcomes for the community.

‘In the workplace, having strong female voices inspires and instils confidence in the next generation of women to put their hand up to take on projects or roles that might be out of their comfort zone.’

Can you tell me about some of the women you’ve worked with throughout your career - how have they inspired you?

‘I’m very fortunate to have worked with a number of inspiring women throughout my career and who are now leading some of the biggest infrastructure projects in the state. They are paving the way for the next generation of women in the construction industry and showing anything is possible. 

‘It’s also really inspiring seeing women at the top of their game set boundaries for work, life and family balance. It’s changing the culture of the industry for the better and rubbing off onto our male colleagues too!’ 

Career highlight? 

‘In March 2021, construction got underway on the new Footscray Hospital. It was the culmination of three years of planning, consultation, and community engagement led by a mostly female team. It was a big moment for us and one that I will look back on proudly for years to come.’ 

About the New Footscray Hospital

The Victorian Government has provided up to $1.5 billion to deliver a new Footscray Hospital – the largest ever health infrastructure investment in the state.

Located on the corner of Geelong and Ballarat Roads, the new Footscray Hospital will support the increasing demand from Melbourne’s booming western suburbs, ensuring families can get the care they need close to home.

Building a bigger and better Footscray Hospital will cut wait times and reduce pressure on nearby hospitals. With an increase of nearly 200 beds, the new hospital will treat approximately 15,000 additional patients and enable around 20,000 additional people to be seen by the emergency department each year.

Since construction got underway in March last year, about 330,000 cubic metres of dirt and rock have been removed from the site as part of work to build the underground carpark and ground floor.

An impressive 36,000 tonnes of concrete have been poured on the site. Once complete, approximately 150,000 tonnes of concrete will have been used – that’s about 25 Olympic swimming pools’ worth.

Major construction on the new hospital is expected to be complete in 2025.

To find out more about the New Footscray Hospital visit our dedicated project page.

Government initiatives

Building gender equality

The Victorian Government is committed to achieving gender equality in the workplace. In December 2016 it launched the state’s first gender equality strategy (GES), Safe and Strong: A Victorian Gender Equality Strategy.

To take further steps to implement the GES, the Victorian Government announced in June 2018 that it was developing Victoria’s Women in Construction Strategy, in partnership with the Building Industry Consultative Council (BICC).

The strategy outlines the steps that need to be taken to attract, recruit and retain female workers in the construction industry so that one day there will be equal numbers of men and women working in construction. 

Building Equality Policy

In December 2021 the Victorian Government announced an Australia-first Building Equality Policy (BEP). 

Disrupting gender stereotypes, the BEP applies to new government projects and mandates female representation in at least three per cent of each trade role, seven per cent of each non-trade position and 35 per cent of management, supervisor and specialist labour roles.

Coming into effect from 1 January 2022, the BEP also mandates that four per cent of labour hours for apprentices and trainees will be required to be performed by women. 

About the Victorian Health Building Authority

At the Victorian Health Building Authority, we have $9.21 billion of projects in planning and delivery and $16.6 billion in managed assets. Our pipeline of over 127 projects will support thousands of jobs at the peak of construction – supporting Victoria’s economic recovery for years to come.

We have 294 staff, with more than half identifying as female and 41 per cent in team leadership roles.

If you are passionate about public health and interested in contributing to the planning, design and delivery of world-class health infrastructure, then we want to hear from you. Learn more about our organisation via our careers page and follow VHBA on LinkedIn for job ads and updates.

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The Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System – one year on

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Most of us will experience poor mental health or mental illness at some point in our lives — directly or indirectly.

  • Each year, around one in five Victorians will experience mental illness.
  • There are about 60,000 Victorians who care for someone living with mental illness.

A year ago, the final report and recommendations from the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System were tabled in Parliament.

The Commission set out to redesign Victoria’s mental health and wellbeing system to benefit the whole Victorian community. It made 65 recommendations for changes in the final report, in addition to the nine recommendations in the interim report.

Infrastructure response

The Victorian Health Building Authority is delivering a number of dedicated infrastructure projects that respond to key recommendations from the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System.

Many of these projects are being delivered with an engagement process that draws on the insights and experiences of patients, consumers, carers, clinicians and researchers with lived experience of the mental health system.

In the year since the final report was tabled, we’ve made significant progress on a number of key projects highlighted in the report, including:

New mental health beds

New mental health beds

120 acute public mental health beds across four sites in construction

Doubling capacity of YPARCs

Doubling capacity of YPARCs

Planning underway for 50 additional youth beds across the state – doubling current youth prevention and recovery care service capacity

Constructing dedicated women’s facility

Constructing dedicated women’s facility

Construction progressing on a 12 bed prevention and recovery care centre supporting women experiencing mental ill health

Building first child and family centre

Building first child and family centre

Construction underway on Victoria’s first Statewide Child and Family Centre

Completing new YPARC

Completing new YPARC

Construction completed on a 20-bed youth prevention and recovery care facility in Parkville

New forensic mental health beds

New forensic mental health beds

Adding 82 new mental health beds at the Thomas Embling Hospital

More beds for Warrnambool

More beds for Warrnambool

Designs underway for new mental health beds at Warrnambool Base Hospital

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Mental Health Beds Expansion Program

We’re urgently delivering 144 new acute public mental health beds in response to the crucial need identified in the Royal Commission.

This $492 million investment will provide 120 hospital-based beds and 24 home-based beds across four health services to address increased demand on our system.

The beds will be spread across Barwon Health’s McKellar Centre (16 beds), Western Health’s Sunshine Hospital (52 beds), the Royal Melbourne Hospital (22 beds) and Northern Health’s Epping campus (30 beds).

Once complete, the new hospital-based beds will provide more than 43,000 days of care, enabling 2,500 more Victorians to access vital mental health services every year.

Read more about the project here.

Mental Health Beds Expansion Program - codesigning facilities

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Thomas Embling Hospital expansion

The $349.6 million upgrade of the Thomas Embling Hospital will transform Victoria’s forensic mental health system and the way forensic mental health services are delivered across the mental health system.

In early 2022 the design team was appointed, Guymer Bailey Architects and Aecom (Engineering), and work has begun developing the detailed designs for the expansion, along with the process to appoint a builder.

Read more about the project here.

Thomas Embling Hospital Expansion - artist impression

Artist impression of Thomas Embling Hospital expansion

Youth Prevention and Recovery Care (YPARC) centre expansion program

$141 million in funding will double Victoria’s Youth Prevention and Recovery Care (YPARC) service capacity. The expansion will provide greater access to mental health treatment and support for people aged 16-25.

In late 2021 we announced the five new 10-bed YPARC centres will be built in:

  • Greater Ballarat
  • Greater Geelong
  • Greater Shepparton
  • Heidelberg
  • Traralgon

Existing YARC facilities in Bendigo, Frankston and Dandenong will also be refurbished as part of the $141 million investment. 

Once complete, the five new facilities will have the capacity to provide prevention and recovery care services for more than 900 young people each year.

The investment is in addition to a new $11.9 million 20-bed YPARC centre in Parkville. The new facility is expected to open its doors in the coming weeks.

Statewide Child and Family Centre

Designs have been released and construction is underway on Victoria’s first Statewide Child and Family Centre.

The $7.3 million facility will deliver vital residential mental health and wellbeing treatment to children under 11 in an environment that allows them to stay with and be supported by their families. 

Read more about the project here.

Artist impression of Statewide Child and Family Centre

Artist impression of Statewide Child and Family Centre

Read more about additional mental health infrastructure projects:

Construction is well underway on a new Women’s Prevention and Recovery Care (PARC) centre in St Albans, the first of its kind in Victoria. 

The design team has been appointed to expand mental health beds at Warrnambool Base Hospital, delivering five more acute mental health beds and redesign to hospital’s acute mental health inpatient unit.

What’s next?

Over the next 12 months we look forward to:

McKellar Centre

McKellar Centre

Completing construction on a 16-bed acute mental health facility in Geelong

Northern Hospital

Northern Hospital

Completing construction on a 30-bed acute mental health facility in Epping

Sunshine Hospital

Sunshine Hospital

Completing construction on a 52-bed acute mental health facility in St Albans

The Royal Melbourne Hospital

The Royal Melbourne Hospital

Construction continuing on a 22-bed acute mental health facility

Prevention and Recovery Care

Prevention and Recovery Care

Completing construction on a 12 bed PARC centre supporting women experiencing mental ill health

Statewide Child and Family Centre

Statewide Child and Family Centre

Completing construction on Victoria’s first facility of its kind

Thomas Embling Hospital

Thomas Embling Hospital

Releasing designs and getting construction underway on the expansion

Youth Prevention and Recovery Care

Youth Prevention and Recovery Care

Releasing designs and getting construction underway on five new facilities across the state

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Want to find out more?

With so many different types of mental health care facilities in planning and delivery, it can be difficult to understand the level of treatment, care and support that each provides.

In this article we unpack some of the different mental health facilities we’re delivering and explaining how they’ll support Victorians experiencing mental ill health or psychological distress on their recovery journey.

You can read more about our mental health projects here on our website.

Getting mental health support

Mental health helplines can provide support if you are experiencing mental ill health:

  • Beyondblue – call 1300 224 636 for telephone support, information and resources for people dealing with depression or anxiety.
  • Lifeline - call 13 11 14 for this free, 24-hour Australia-wide crisis support and suicide prevention service.
  • Kids Help Line – call 1800 55 1800 for free counselling and advice for young people between the ages of five and 25.

A comprehensive list of counselling, online and phone supports for mental illness is available on the Better Health Channel website.

The Department of Health also provides information on mental health resources for those struggling due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. They are available on the Mental health resources page on the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Victoria website.

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Mental Health Royal Commission: one year on
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Related Projects
Mental Health Beds Expansion Program
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Last updated: 01 July 2025