With 16 days remaining for public feedback on stage 2 of the new Maitland Hospital, the proposed design before the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment is easily the most detailed yet.
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The plan points out that the current Maitland Hospital is operating at 97 per cent capacity with little scope to cater for the region's growth, and further encumbered by heritage issues for potential expansion.
The proposal shows the Stage 2 build includes:
- an Emergency Department; medical, surgical, paediatric and maternity services; critical care services for adults and babies, including a special care nursery; operating theatres, delivery suites and assessment rooms; palliative care and rehabilitation services; mental health services; satellite renal dialysis; a new chemotherapy service; oral health service; a range of ambulatory care and outpatient clinics. Construction of internal roadways and car parking for staff, patients and visitors; site landscaping including signage and tree removal.
The new hospital will be across seven levels, comprising two podium levels plus four levels above and one level below ground. The building has a total ground floor area of about 49,000 sq/m.
The building features two 'towers' in a north-south alignment, with a connecting wing over a common podium. The overall look will reflect a slender, elongated 'H'.
The building's main entrance is on the western facade, with pedestrian paths leading to car parks and other entries. A secondary entrance is located at the northern end, 60 metres from the main entry.
A double height canopy structure is proposed along the western and northern elevations to provide sun protection and cover to pedestrians and sufficient space for patient transfers via wheelchairs. It will also include casual seating areas.
The Emergency Department is located in the south-west on the ground floor.
A dedicated ambulance entry is located on the southern facade. It has been designed as a discrete entrance to ensure it is delineated from the main public entrance. Six ambulance drop off bays are located on the southern side, providing direct access to the Emergency Department.
A number of internal courtyards are proposed, designed to provide a link to a more natural setting and a green outlook. They are:
- Mortuary Courtyard - The Mortuary Courtyard is located on Level B1 and is accessible from the mortuary room.
- Rehabilitation Courtyard - Located on Level 3 and will be used primarily for patient care. It will also comprise loose furniture, exercise equipment and stair and handrails to be used for patient rehabilitation.
- Mental Health Courtyard - Located on Level 3, it aims to provide a relaxing, 'home like' environment providing areas to reflect and engage in physical activity.
- Multi-faith Courtyard - The eastern facade includes a landscaped area featuring a planter garden space for reflection.
Health Infrastructure said: "The Detailed Design proposal is part of the Stage 2 State Significant Infrastructure application for the project. It includes hospital services, main entries and walkways, car parking, signage and landscaping and what the hospital will look like, including the facade.
"The $470 million new Maitland Hospital will offer a wider range of services, with significantly more beds and treatment spaces."
Community feedback is welcome until August 8.
