Minimal disruption and flawless COVID-19 risk management
The Palliative Care unit at Kalamunda Hospital is the first of its kind in Western Australia’s public health system, providing much needed respite and support for its patients.
As well as complying with Australian Standards for Health Care facilities, the innovative design mimics a homelike environment with its own dedicated entrance, waiting room, feature artwork, and skylights that bring natural light into the interior.
The design of the development draws inspiration from the surrounding bushland, referencing the flora and fauna of the local area and First Nations peoples’ seasons.
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completed ahead of schedule
3 weeks 0 weeks
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time improvements through restaging
9 week 0 week
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Part of the local community for over
40 years 0 years
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Additional patients cared for
10 daily 0 daily
An extensive redevelopment and refresh of an existing hospital
The project scope included a refurbished wing to the day hospice with fit-for-purpose therapy rooms, waiting rooms, upgrades to inpatient units, two rooms with facilities for bariatric patients, and revitalised family rooms – all completed by Cooper & Oxley in close consultation with healthcare stakeholders.
During the development of the Palliative Care unit, the existing building structure also needed to be modified. A new canopy was installed at the north entrance of the hospital to provide shelter from the elements and accommodate new bariatric hoists.
As a result of the COVID-19 outbreak, procurement of trades and materials was impacted. However, Cooper & Oxley seamlessly managed extensive services upgrades, including: HVAC upgrades; modifications to medical gas throughout patient rooms; electrical upgrades to lighting and fire detection; hydraulic services for the revised layout; and improvements to the assistance call system.
Overall, Cooper & Oxley’s performance on the Kalamunda Palliative Care Project was to a very high standard. They were committed and dedicated to delivering a quality project for EMHS. In particular, the team were exceptional at working with hospital staff and accommodating their needs wherever possible. All staff maintained positive, constructive relationships throughout the project and should be commended for their open and honest communication.
Amelia Walters
Department of Finance, Project Manager
How we treat one another is key to the build experience
Operating within a live hospital with the state’s most at-risk patients required bulletproof COVID-19 Management and an Emergency Response Plan (ERP). Vaccinations, masks, and RAT/PCR testing, onsite registers and procedures ensured all subcontractors met COVID-19 requirements.
Our site-based team developed productive relationships with hospital staff throughout the project, communicating daily about the project and getting to know them as individuals.
When the world changes in massive ways, small acts mean even more. For example, we temporarily relocated the two resident goldfish into the site office until we could move them into their permanent homes at the hospital.
Our collaboration with stakeholders, hospital users, and local subcontractors helped ensure minimal disruption to the hospital’s services, staff, and patients.
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Throughout the project we provided planning support to the Department of Finance and Silver Thomas Hanley Architects.
Cooper & Oxley managed cost, labour and supply chain issues due to COVID-19 to remain within budget and programme timeframes
