Sutherland Hospital Operating Theatre, Australia

Health Infrastructure is enhancing world class public healthcare facilities in the Sutherland Shire community to meet demand driven by both an increasing and ageing population. 

Upgrading a hospital to meet future demand 

With both the increasing and ageing Sutherland Shire population, and the associated increase in chronic and complex diseases, Health Infrastructure commenced the Sutherland Hospital Operating Theatre Complex, replacing and expanding the operating theatre capacity at the hospital to meet the projected demand for surgical and procedural services.  

The upgrade delivers a contemporary perioperative services environment, including eight state-of-the-art digital operating rooms, a new and expanded central sterilising service department and a magnetic resonance imaging machine. The upgrade accommodates recovery, day surgery, storage, staff amenities and other clinical and non-clinical support spaces, through a combination of new and refurbished spaces.

Enabling new models of care

We were appointed to provide project management services for the refurbishment of the operating theatre and surrounding spaces. Our broad experience with project execution and systematic application of industry best practises, combined with effective delivery of contractual obligations resulted in the successful delivery of the project. We achieved both client and stakeholder group satisfaction, as well as the objective to make world class public healthcare facilities locally available to the Sutherland Shire community. 

The increased capacity for perioperative services has brought about multiple benefits, with the upgrades enabling greater workforce productivity, increased ability to attract and retain healthcare professionals who are leaders in their field, as well as improved access to healthcare services. The environmental benefits of using modern, energy-efficient buildings to provide perioperative services have also contributed to increased productivity and efficiency of resources. Most significantly, the new facility will enable patients to receive appropriate care due to the increased capacity and quality of the infrastructure.  

Focusing on First Nations' culture and sustainability

Designed in consultation with local Aboriginal stakeholders, the external landscaped space provides a meeting place for patients, staff and hospital users. The area is spread with native plants and sculptures, creating a calming environment. The materials and pallet were also selected to reflect First Nations narrative of ‘colours for country’, as well as colour, texture and pattern to pay homage to Aboriginal culture. 

In terms of sustainability, the project successfully earned a four-star equivalency against the Green Star rating system - an agreed upon self-certification approach by Health Infrastructure and the Department of Planning to drive best practice within Australia. This meant the project met the necessary criteria listed in the Ecologically Sustainable Development evaluation tool covering areas such as management, indoor environment quality, energy, water, waste, transport, emissions, ecology and innovation.