To understand how digital healthcare can help meet growing need, and streamline care delivery, without adding beds, we take a look at three case study examples – from Metro South Health, eHealth NSW and St. John of God Health Care – who have already embarked on their transformation journey.

Looking specifically at Victoria, over the last four years there has been a record investment of $11.4 billion into Victoria’s healthcare and hospital services. This investment has brought about substantial transformation and a number of new facilities being green-lit. Most notable of these is Western Health’s $1.5 billion Footscray Hospital. 

What’s more, the recently announced Victorian Budget for 2019-2020 pledges a further $5.5 billion to Victoria’s healthcare scene over the next four years to ensure every Victorian can get the best care. Looking again to the ‘Top Trends’ report we explore the key drivers prompting this comprehensive investment. Challenges around aging infrastructure were cited as the key driver with 37.5% of Victorian healthcare providers burdened by out-dated infrastructure. This is followed respectively by a desire to deliver better customer experiences (25%) and to increase overall operational productivity (18.8%).

Ahead of the Health Facilities Design and Development Summit, running as part of the annual Victorian Healthcare Week event we take a look at the infrastructure investments being made by three Victorian healthcare providers and delve into the strategies they’re harnessing to meet future need, deliver better patient experiences and increase operational productivity.   

New Footscray Hospital and The Royal Adelaide Hospital: How New Care Models, Digital Innovation & Sustainability Are Influencing The Design & Operations of Hospitals

A key part of becoming a consumer-centred health system heading into 2023 means ensuring our health districts have the capacity and capability to meet the demands placed by the community.

Increasing population and a rise in rates of chronic illnesses demand of our hospitals and facilities to be ready for increased foot-traffic and bed demands that are inevitably coming the health system’s way. Moreover, environmental sustainability commitments are on the rise given the intent to align with global Net Zero commitments.

With Victoria’s recent record $2.9 billion investment towards health facilities redevelopments over 2022-23 alone, the commitment to modernise and expand our built environments for this changing healthcare landscape is clear.

Ahead of the Health Facilities Design and Development Summit running at the 10th Annual Victorian Healthcare Week 2022 (December 7-8, Melbourne Convention & Expo Centre), we sat down with two project leaders across VIC and SA - Robert Rothnie, Project Director, New Footscray and Melton Hospitals, Western Health and Di Mantell, Chief Executive, Celsus. This paper sees them offering an insight into how new care models, digital innovation and sustainable practices are paving the way for new ways to design, operate and run hospitals.

We hope you enjoy this interview spotlight.