Hospital fly-through gives helpful view
Authorities have given an update on the new Perth Children's Hospital (PCH), which they say is on track to open at the end of this year.
The hospital has experienced heavy delays and setbacks in the last few years, and missed its initial opening late last year.
The WA Health Department has given a glimpse of the new $1.2 billion facility, with features such as an atrium, children's play areas, and gardens on display.
The Department says it has put together an animated fly-through of the hospital under construction in Nedlands.
Despite the video not actually being available on WA Health’s YouTube page, the Government says it will be used to familiarise staff with the inside of the hospital.
The computer-generated footage can be seen embedded at the top of this news article.
It was developed using a building information modelling system that can manage the complex information required for the design, construction and commissioning of PCH.
Dr Hames said that use of the modelling system in the construction of the PCH building and the training of staff was a leading-edge approach.
“We are leading the country with the use of this model, which not only guides construction but also allows for the mapping of patient and staff flows through the hospital,” he said.
The Minister said the use of the system was one of a number of programs under way to prepare for the move to the new hospital.
“The staff and high quality of care we all know from Princess Margaret Hospital will continue to be the backbone of the patient care provided at PCH,” he said.
“This model is helping them prepare for their new work environment and gives us the opportunity to visually share with the public the building, which is the result of years of extensive consultation with patients, families and staff.
The fly-throughs showcase many areas of the hospital, including the emergency department, patient ward areas, the operating theatres and clinical rooms.
“Commissioning a specialist paediatric facility is an incredibly complex task. A lot of preparation has to go in to installing ICT systems and bringing new technology, communications equipment, patient flows and staff interaction to life. PCH has been designed with plenty of light, colour, form and interactive spaces to help therapy and recovery. If you feel better, you heal better,” Dr Hames said.