- First images of the proposed Adelaide Women's and Children's Hospital have been released
- 500 treatment spaces – nearly 60 more than the current Women and Children's Hospital
- Two air bridges will link the new hospital to clinical services at the Royal Adelaide Hospital
The first artist’s impressions of the proposed Adelaide Women’s and Children’s Hospital have been released.
A design collaboration led by global architectural firm Woods Bagot with Bates Smart, Jacobs and UK firm BDP involved in the hospital’s first stage.
“City infrastructure is at the core of hospital design and it’s a great privilege to lead the project team on a vital asset for the people of South Australia and beyond,” says Woods Bagot director Thomas Masullo.
The new purpose-built facility will be co-located with the Royal Adelaide Hospital (RAH) within the Adelaide Biomed City.
The connection will be formed by two air bridges providing direct access to the RAH’s adult Intensive Care Unit and other clinical services, as well as the use of the helipad for medical retrieval of critically unwell patients, including children and babies.
“It creates a physical connection for the sharing of resources and provides a seamless transition of care for young people with long-term conditions moving from paediatric to adult services and reduces the risk of transferring maternity, paediatric and neonatal emergencies via the Royal Adelaide Hospital’s helipad,” said Woods Bagot associate principal Edwina Bennett.
The hospital has also been orientated to address Adelaide’s parklands.
“For children, women and their families visiting and spending time at the hospital this offers both a place to play as well as supporting recovery and recuperation,” said Matthew Holmes, global solutions director of health infrastructure at Jacobs.
“We have been particularly mindful to maximise the facility’s connection to Country to provide a comfortable and unique health care setting for all users,” said Mr Holme.
The team’s design response is an acknowledgement of the number of roles hospitals play in a single day – workplaces, sanctuaries, assembly points, accidental playgrounds, landmarks – all performed simultaneously.
South Australian Premier Steven Marshall said the project is the culmination of a year’s worth of dedicated community engagement, including more than 1,000 hours of consultation with 700 clinicians, hospital staff and consumers.
“The WCH has been delivering exceptional care to millions of South Australians for more than 140 years and now it will have the facilities to match,” said Premier Marshall.
“The new WCH will be more than just a building. I want to invite all South Australians to join us as we embark on this journey to build the WCH community a new home next to the RAH.”
