Patient focused design

Recently the Project Team hosted a series of focus and information sessions for patients, users and contributors to the hospital across the areas of maternity, mental health, palliative care and cancer services. The maternity session included mums (and their babies) who had recently given birth at Cowra Hospital. The mums were very pleased with the patient journey enabling privacy when presenting at the hospital in labour, the layout of the maternity services, the colour palate across the facility and the birthing courtyard.  Discussion focused on the overall feel of the birthing suites with the inclusion of artwork and plants with pleasant scents in the birthing courtyard.

The adult and youth mental health sessions provided input into the mental health design including the safe assessment space in ED. Feedback included the ability to see outside, particularly the sky, with a window into ED as it can be comforting to see staff. The contributors also provided great suggestions around the types of furniture. 

The project team recently attended the Cancer Action Group AGM (pictured) to outline the provision of palliative spaces and cancer services. The project will deliver multiple and flexible spaces including a palliative care suite with a bedroom, lounge room and balcony. Additionally, there are two single inpatient rooms with balconies and space to support a carer staying overnight as well as four single inpatient rooms with dedicated carer zones. The group were very supportive of the proposed ‘bush’ colour scheme for oncology which provides the a strong link to the outdoor view from the chemotherapy chairs. 

The Project Team is very appreciative of these contributions to the Cowra Hospital Redevelopment design and the Cowra community is encouraged to contact the project team on hi-cowra@health.nsw.gov.au or 9978 5432 for further information on the project or to provide input.

The main works contractor is expected to be appointed in the near future following a competitive tender process, with construction to begin soon after.
The NSW Government is committed to the redevelopment of the $110.2 million Cowra Hospital Redevelopment, which remains on track to deliver our new hospital.