As Digital Project Manager, Dan Corrin supports the delivery of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure for the new Coomera Hospital and other Gold Coast Health projects, ensuring systems are in place to support staff and patient care from day one.
To kick things off, tell us about your career journey…
I’ve spent most of my career delivering ICT projects within Queensland Health. Early on, I realised I wanted my work to have a clear purpose and health felt like the right fit. Technology on its own is interesting, but when it directly supports patient care, it means something more.
That naturally led me into hospital builds. I enjoy that intersection where infrastructure, technology and clinical care all need to line up. It’s complex, but when it works, it makes a real difference to staff and patients.
Over time, I’ve worked across both operational environments and large capital projects, including H Block and the Gold Coast Secure Mental Health Rehabilitation Unit (SMHRU) at Gold Coast University Hospital (GCUH) and the Tugun Satellite Health Centre (Banyahrmabah).
What does your role entail?
In simple terms, I help make sure the technology inside new facilities works the way it’s meant to.
I’m currently supporting ICT infrastructure for the new Coomera Hospital, which is in replanning, and recently helped deliver the Child and Youth Mental Health Service (CYMHS) fit-out at Proxima within the Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct.
The role has involved reviewing designs, coordinating devices and systems and working with builders and internal teams to ensure the technology was installed and ready for operation.
A big part of the job is translating between worlds, making sure technical decisions make sense on site, align with policy and support how clinicians actually work day to day.
What’s your immediate focus or challenge at the moment?
At Coomera, we’re working through redesign changes, so a key focus is ensuring ICT requirements keep pace. As bed numbers and services evolve, the supporting technology needs to evolve with them.
That means going back to clinical teams, validating what they need and ensuring the infrastructure will support it, not just at opening, but into the future.
What do you find most rewarding about your job?
Seeing everything come together.
Hospital builds are long and complex and much of the work happens behind the scenes. But when you walk through a near-complete space and see systems live, devices installed and teams preparing to move in, it becomes real.
Knowing the work we’re doing now will support clinical teams and patients for years to come is what makes it worthwhile.
How will the new Coomera Hospital benefit the Gold Coast?
The northern Gold Coast is growing quickly and health care infrastructure needs to keep up.
Coomera Hospital will improve access for local residents, reduce pressure on existing facilities and cut down travel time for many patients. For the community, it represents confidence that services are growing alongside population needs.
What are your favourite design features of the Coomera Hospital?
From my perspective, one of the biggest positives is that technology has been embedded early in the design process, rather than added later. That makes a real difference.
Systems are better integrated into clinical workflows and the building itself. The increased bed capacity in the redesign is also significant. It better reflects the needs of the community and ensures the hospital can operate effectively from day one.
How do you think you’ll feel once the Coomera Hospital is finished and fully operational?
Probably a mix of pride and relief.
These projects run for years and demand a lot from everyone involved. There’s always momentum while you’re in it, so when it finally wraps up, I imagine it will feel a bit strange as well.
But driving past in a few years’ time and knowing I played a part in delivering something that supports the community long term will be incredibly special.
Lastly, how do you keep healthy?
Balance is important.
I try to stay active, whether that’s a round of golf, time at the gym or getting outdoors around the Gold Coast. Our fur family also keeps us busy and ensures we get out for walks and fresh air.
Mental health is just as important. Staying connected with family and friends, spending quality time with my partner exploring the beauty the Gold Coast has to offer and properly switching off at least once a year helps me reset and avoid burnout.
