From layout planning to furniture selection, Gold Coast Health Project Officer Michelle McCuaig has helped shape the new H Block wing at Gold Coast University Hospital (GCUH) into a space that feels calm, functional and welcoming. With thousands of items selected to support both patients and staff, her work behind the scenes is about to take centre stage.
To kick things off, tell us about your career journey…
I moved into the infrastructure and construction space about nine years ago and was immediately drawn to the difference it can make. Even something as simple as a new layout, better lighting or fresh carpet can completely change how a space feels.
With H Block, that impact is on a much larger scale. It’s incredibly rewarding to help create a place where this cohort of patients – older adults and individuals with complex needs, including those living with dementia – feels welcome and supported and where staff genuinely enjoy coming to work each day.
I first joined Gold Coast Health in 2014, and it’s been amazing to grow into a role where I can contribute in this way.
What does your role entail?
On the H Block project, my role is to look after the Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment, or “FF&E”, as we call it. This includes everything that goes into the building after construction wraps up but before it opens its doors.
I work closely with clinicians and other stakeholders to choose the right items for each space, from chairs and tables to fridges, shelving and medical equipment. It’s a balance of making sure everything meets safety, compliance and functional requirements, while also choosing colours and styles that help create a space people want to be in.
What do you find most rewarding about your job?
For me, it’s knowing I’ve helped create an environment where clinicians can do their best work. A space that’s functional, welcoming and they’re genuinely proud to be part of.
Watching an empty shell of a room transform into a fully equipped, thoughtfully designed facility is incredibly satisfying.
With more than 2,000 items being delivered to H Block, there’s been no shortage of "FF&E” to consider. Do you have a favourite piece or a moment in that process that stood out to you?
It was actually being a part of the staff photo competition panel. I was so encouraged by number of beautiful entries – it was hard to choose a top 10. I can’t wait for staff to see their amazing photos up on the walls and for consumers to be uplifted by what they see when they walk through the space.
In total, 2,322 items will be delivered, including 35 printers, 40 computers, 88 tables, 70 beds, 238 chairs, 283 bins, 18 IV stands, 44 pumps and 65 baskets. It’s a big job but knowing the space will soon be filled with thoughtful, functional pieces makes it all worthwhile.
What’s something unexpected you’ve learned or discovered while working on this project?
I’ve really come to appreciate how thoughtfully this building has been designed for our older adult cohort, especially those who may be staying longer term.
What surprised me is how much we’ve been able to soften the clinical environment by using calming colours and meaningful artwork to create a more welcoming feel. It’s still a functional, clinical space but we’ve added touches that can spark conversation, bring comfort and help the space feel more like home.
When it’s complete, what will the new H Block at Gold Coast University Hospital mean for the community?
From an FF&E perspective, the vision was to create a safe, dignified and healing environment that supports both the physical and emotional needs of older adult patients.
The goal is to foster a sense of respect, calm and community – a place where patients feel at ease, families feel welcome and staff feel supported in delivering high-quality care. Every FF&E choice plays a role in shaping that experience, helping to create a space that feels less like a hospital and more like a place of comfort and recovery.
Lastly, what do you do to stay healthy?
For my physical health, I love starting my day with Pilates and I enjoy taking my new puppy for walks whenever I can. For my mental and social wellbeing, I sing a cappella with a group of wonderful ladies once a week. We’ve been singing together for the past eight years, and I honestly can’t imagine my life without them or the joy that comes from making beautiful music as a group.
