VHBA In Brief: Community news December 2021

Universal design means designing something so that it’s accessible to as many people as possible – regardless of age, disability, gender or cultural background. In health infrastructure, universal design means building hospitals, mental health facilities and aged care homes that everyone can use.

In recognition of Human Rights Day, we spoke to Michael Walker, Principal Advisor on Universal Design at VHBA, about designing buildings that put people first.

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Virtual engagement room opens for the new Footscray Hospital

We’re excited to launch a virtual engagement room for the new Footscray Hospital! Community members are invited to ‘meet the builder’ and learn more about the design and construction of the $1.5 billion new hospital – the largest ever health infrastructure investment in the state.

Visitors to the virtual room can explore interviews with the builders and experience a 3D tour of the final designs, from their comfort of their home.

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.
 

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Wonthaggi Hospital structural works complete

It’s been a busy year on the Bass Coast, with structural works now complete on the $115 million expansion of Wonthaggi Hospital. The project is on track to be completed in the first half of 2023.
 

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Designs released and construction underway for Bendigo Hospital Rehabilitation Centre

We’ve released designs and completed early works on the Bendigo Hospital Day Rehabilitation Centre project, bringing the $59.5 million project one step closer. On track to be completed in mid-2023, the project will construct a new hydrotherapy pool and consolidate rehabilitation services into one convenient location.
 

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Our mental health facilities explained

Each year, one in five Victorians will experience mental ill health or psychological distress. Sometimes these challenges to mental health are eased with time and some level of support. At other times, people need more specialised treatment and support.

We took a look at some of the different mental health facilities we’re delivering, and how they’ll support Victorians experiencing mental ill health or psychological distress on their recovery journey.
 

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Locations announced for new youth prevention and recovery care centres

Locations for five new Youth Prevention and Recovery Care (YPARC) centres across Victoria have been announced. The $141 million project will build five new 10-bed facilities located in Greater Geelong, Greater Ballarat, Greater Shepparton, Heidelberg and Traralgon. 

YPARC centres 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.
 

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Designing for dementia

How can we design for people with dementia? Dementia-friendly design involves creating environments that are welcoming and meaningful. It uses a flexible approach that maximises people’s freedom and involvement through supportive, familiar and safe surroundings.

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Main structural works complete on Wantirna’s new residential aged care facility

We reached a significant construction milestone on the $81.58 million Wantirna residential aged care facility, with the main structural works now complete. The four-storey residential aged care facility will be home to 120 residents, each enjoying the dignity and independence of their own private bedroom, complete with ensuites.

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