“What does good health facility design look like in a rapidly changing world?”
This question set the scene when Gold Coast Health Executive Director of Infrastructure Planning, Delivery and Commissioning Richard Christensen, presented at the Health Facilities Design and Development Summit in Melbourne. ️
Richard shared insights from the design and development of Gold Coast Health’s Secure Mental Health Rehabilitation Unit, focusing on planning, engagement and the infrastructure decisions that shaped the facility.
Across the summit, delegates highlighted shared challenges and opportunities in contemporary health infrastructure, including:
- Managing construction costs while maintaining scope
- Exploring funding approaches that support growing community needs
- Designing flexible spaces that can adapt as models of care evolve
- Balancing safety, security and privacy in mental health environments
- Creating precincts that support multidisciplinary teamwork and innovation.
These conversations are influencing how health services and partners plan for the future – ensuring facilities remain adaptable, well-integrated and responsive to community needs.
Richard said lived experience will always play an important role in shaping better environments and he reinforced that getting this right requires genuine collaboration.
“Across a number of projects across several states, the voice of the mental health consumer adds significant value to the design and outcome of a new facility,” Richard said.
“Balancing safety, security and privacy in mental health environments is an ongoing challenge and requires a collaborative approach to achieve the best outcomes.”
These insights highlight the importance of early engagement, thoughtful planning and strong partnerships with consumers, clinicians, cultural advisors and design teams.
Thank you to the summit organisers for facilitating these constructive, future-focused discussions.
