Prototype room OPENS

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A prototype room of the new clinical services building under construction at Concord Hospital welcomed its first visitors this month, with a special virtual tour.

Members of the Concord Hospital's consumer network group were given a preview of the $341 million stage one redevelopment with a live virtual tour of a prototype room conducted by video call.

The prototype room is a complete replica set up of the fittings, fixtures and room design selected for the new clinical services building.

There are four areas in the prototype room, giving staff and consumers an opportunity to walk through and explore a one bedroom in-patient room (with bathroom), consult room, hand wash bay, psychogeriatric PPE bay and a day oncology chair bay.

Concord Hospital executives and heads of department enjoyed a walk-through tour of the prototype room earlier this year, with further tours of the space put on hold due COVID restrictions.

Concord Hospital general manager, Dr Genevieve Wallace, said the prototype room was a great opportunity for staff and consumers to orientate themselves with the new room design.

"We've seen the building design plans and looked at artist's impressions, but this is a chance for people to actually experience a patient room or consult room and get an understanding of how the new hospital building will look," she said.

"Our consumer network has continued to meet monthly via video call to ensure their safety during the pandemic. It was fantastic to be able to showcase the progress of the redevelopment and involve our consumers, without them coming on to the campus."

Consumers were able to ask questions and get an understanding of the layout and provide feedback to the redevelopment team during the virtual tour.

"The interactive tour was a great experience and much better than photographs or a simple video. The redevelopment team answered our questions as they walked the camera backwards and forwards between rooms. We questioned the electronic access point, fittings, furniture, colours, safety, comfort and flooring. We were delighted with the spaces and the opportunity to provide feedback,' said consumer representative, Dr Diane McPhail.

The prototype room is now open to Concord Hospital staff to view, with small group tours adhering the social distancing being conducted by appointment.