University of Canberra Public Hospital

Reference Design Public Consultation ReportApril 2015 – Draft version b

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Contents1.0 Executive Summary...............................................................................................................................3

2.0 Introduction and Background.......................................................................................................... 4

2.1 Overview.................................................................................................................................................... 4

3.0 Community Consultation....................................................................................................................5

3.1 Overview.................................................................................................................................................... 5

3.2 Community Consultation Activities and Events.......................................................................5

3.2.1 Health Minister Announcement..................................................................................................5

3.2.2 Letter sent to key stakeholders...................................................................................................5

3.2.3 Health Infrastructure and Planning information phone line.........................................5

3.2.4 ACT Government consultation website...................................................................................5

3.2.5 ACT Health website...........................................................................................................................6

3.2.6 Submission forms.............................................................................................................................. 6

3.2.7 Community information sessions including face to face time.......................................6

3.2.8 Media coverage................................................................................................................................... 6

3.2.9 Other internal staff consultation.................................................................................................7

4.0 Community feedback............................................................................................................................7

4.1 Design of Facility.................................................................................................................................... 8

4.2 Traffic and Transport.........................................................................................................................10

4.3 Car Parking and Accessibility.........................................................................................................11

4.4 Other..........................................................................................................................................................12

5.0 Next Steps............................................................................................................................................... 12

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1.0 Executive Summary

The Reference Design for the University of Canberra Public Hospital (the UCPH) was released on Monday 16 March 2015 for public comment until Friday 17 April 2015. A range of communication and consultation activities were carried out during this period to inform the community about the Reference Design and to seek feedback.

Objectives The objectives of the communication and consultation activities were to:

Create interest in the development of the UCPH Raise awareness and inform the community of the UCPH Reference Design Engage with key stakeholders and affected local communities early in the design process, so

issues raised can help inform the final design for the UCPH project, and Allow face to face dialogue between community members and the project team.

Activities Community consultation activities included:

Community consultation facilitated by ACT Health at the University of Canberra campus and Canberra Hospital

Community consultation facilitated by the ACT Health Care Consumers Association (HCCA) in Pearce with peak bodies

Internal ACT Health staff consultation, and ACT Mental Health Community Coalition (MHCC) consultation.

Feedback Feedback on the UCPH Reference Design was received via:

Email (11 were received) which included the following:o Submission Form attached to emails (3 were received)o Reports attached to emails (2 were received)

Submission form (1 hard copy received) , and Face to face discussions with project team members at the community information sessions.

The most frequently raised suggestions, questions and concerns related to:

Traffic and transport Car parking & accessibility, and Design of the facility (including accessibility, orientation of facility, design for patients with

cognitive impairment, visual amenity and other general design subjects).

Next Steps This feedback will be used by the UCPH project team to inform the shortlisted contractors bidding for the final Design, Construction and Maintenance Contract for the facility. This consultation report will also be made available on the ACT Health website.

Updates will be made available to the community as the design and project progresses.

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2.0 Introduction and Background

2.1 Overview

The UCPH is a part of ACT Health’s Health Infrastructure Program (HIP), which is the single largest capital works program undertaken in the history of the Australian Capital Territory (ACT or the Territory). The HIP involves the overhaul and expansion of all aspects of the ACT Health system.

The Territory has committed to the development of a new sub-acute hospital on the University of Canberra’s Bruce campus. The UCPH will provide rehabilitation, aged care and mental health services for the populations of the ACT and neighbouring NSW, as well as educational facilities. The hospital will comprise 140 overnight inpatient beds made up of 20 Mental Health and 120 Rehabilitation beds. In addition to the overnight beds, the hospital will comprise 75 day places (30 bed equivalents) made up of 25 Mental Health, 25 Rehabilitation and 25 Aged Care places. The facility will have Outpatient Day Ambulatory Services and will also include a Hydrotherapy Pool. Acute services including emergency department services will not operate from the site.

The ACT Government signed a Deed of Collaboration and a Deed of Acquisition and Development with the University of Canberra on 24 December 2013 to build the new sub-acute hospital on the University’s land and to facilitate joint teaching and research activities.

The UCPH will be a teaching hospital that provides a forward-looking approach to patient care by multi-disciplinary teams, teaching, training and research focusing on patient and professional outcomes. The Territory will be responsible for the design and construction of the facility, including University related areas, the Access Road and a portion of the required car parks. The University of Canberra will be responsible for the design and construction of the remainder of the car parking.

The development of the Reference Design commenced following the engagement of the Principal Consultant (Architect) Lyons in June 2014. The Reference Design for the UCPH was completed in early 2015. The Reference Design is a response to the following key reference documents:

Service Delivery Plan - completed at the end of 2014. This key document defined the project scope and included a Functional Brief for each functional area within the UCPH

Acquisition and Development Deed - executed by the Territory and the University. The parties have entered into this deed to facilitate and regulate, amongst other things, the design and construction of the UCPH and associated infrastructure including the Access Road and car parking

The Reference Design was developed in consultation with a large number of stakeholders. The project design team consulted with in excess of 40 user groups which included staff, consumer groups and other external groups.

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3.0 Community Consultation

3.1 Overview

Community consultation on the Reference Design was held from 16 March 2015 to 17 April 2015. The objectives of the community consultation activities were to:

Create interest in the development of the UCPH Raise awareness and inform the community of the UCPH Reference Design Engage with key stakeholders and affected local communities early in the design process, so

issues raised can help inform the final design for the UCPH project, and Allow face to face dialogue between community members and the project team.

Prior to the community consultation ACT Health consulted extensively with key stakeholders and users including clinicians and consumer representatives to develop the Reference Design.

The following community consultation activities were carried out to raise awareness of the UCPH Reference Design and consultation activities.

3.2 Community Consultation Activities and Events

3.2.1 Health Minister Announcement

The Minister for Health, Simon Corbell, officially launched a public consultation on Monday 16 March 2015 at the UCPH Site at the University of Canberra and confirmed consultation would close on 17 April 2015.

3.2.2 Letter sent to key stakeholders

On 7 April 2015, Paul Carmody, Deputy Director-General Health Infrastructure & Planning sent a letter to a large number of stakeholders advising of the release of the Reference Design, the consultation period and public information sessions. The letter also advised where further information was available and where submissions on the design could be directed.

Community members were invited to provide their comments on the reference design via the HIP email address HIP@act.gov.au.

3.2.3 Health Infrastructure and Planning information phone line

A Health Infrastructure and Planning phone line, (02) 6174 8088, provided a direct communication channel with the HIP Communications Team to ask questions, arrange individual meetings and discuss individual questions.

3.2.4 ACT Government consultation website

Information on the Reference Design was also made available on the ACT Government consultation website, Time To Talk www.timetotalk.act.gov.au.

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Community members were invited to provide their comments on the Reference Design via the HIP email address HIP@act.gov.au.

3.2.5 ACT Health website

Information on the reference design was also made available on the ACT Health website www.health.act.gov.au.

Community members were invited to provide their comments on the Reference Design via the HIP email address: HIP@act.gov.au.

3.2.6 Submission forms

A submission form to invite members of the community to have their say was available at the public information sessions for the community to submit their comments and feedback on the Reference Design.

3.2.7 Community information sessions including face to face time

The community was invited to the following public information sessions:

Location Date AttendeesUniversity of Canberra 31 March 2015 20Canberra Hospital 8 April 2015 11

The purpose of these sessions were to hear ideas and concerns from the community about the Reference Design, respond to questions and provide further information on the next steps.

In addition to the above, key sessions were held with peak bodies at the following sessions:

Location Date AttendeesACT Mental Health Community Coalition

7 April 2015 18

ACT Health Care Consumers Association

16 April 2015 31

3.2.8 Media coverage

During the consultation period the UCPH reference design has received media coverage from the following outlets:

Newspapers - The Canberra Times Television - Southern Cross Ten, Prime 7, WIN, ABC Radio - 2CC, 666 ABC, Radio National, FM 104.7, Mix 106.3 Twitter - ACT Health Twitter Facebook - ACT Health Facebook

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3.2.9 Other internal staff consultation

In addition to the stakeholder engagement for the development of the Reference Design and the public information sessions, a number of internal staff consultation sessions were undertaken by project team members between March and April 2015.

The table below outlines the dates of these activities.

Location DateThe Canberra Hospital – for Rehabilitation, Aged & Community Care staff

10 April 2015 (am)

The Canberra Hospital – for Geriatrics and Rehabilitation Medicine staff

10 April 2015 (pm)

Belconnen Community Health Centre – for Rehabilitation, Aged & Community Care staff

13 April 2015

Phillip Health Centre – for Rehabilitation, Aged & Community Care staff

14 April 2015

Rehabilitation Inpatient Living Unit (RILU) – for Rehabilitation, Aged & Community Care staff

15 April 2015

Village Creek - for Rehabilitation, Aged & Community Care staff

16 April 2015

Mental Health, Justice Health and Alcohol & Drug Services – Directors information session

20 Apr 2015

Business & Infrastructure, staff information session 23 April 2015

4.0 Community feedback

The community provided feedback via a number of channels including at public and staff information sessions and via emails, letters, phone calls, reports and face to face discussions.

Whilst there was strong overall support for the Reference Design and for the UCPH, the community provided valuable feedback by raising concerns, issues, questions and suggestions.

Twelve submissions were received on the Reference Design, from interested organisations, community groups, consumer representatives and members of the community.

A summary of the issues raised in these submissions is documented under the following broad headings. The feedback is not presented in order of importance.

Traffic and transport Car parking and accessibility Design of the facility (including accessibility, orientation of facility and design for patients with

cognitive impairment), and Other.

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4.1 Design of Facility

Whilst there was strong support provided for the Reference Design, feedback was raised on a number of design related items such as the orientation of the facility, accessibility issues, design for patients with cognitive impairment and other design matters. The following suggestions, questions and concerns were raised.

Accessibility Support for clinical and rehabilitation services being on more than one level to reduce travel

distances. Support for easy access to and from public transport including a covered entrance from the bus-

stop. Suggest covered entrance from bus stop to hydrotherapy pool. Request for clear way-finding measures, with special consideration for way-finding for aged

people, people with cognitive impairment, people from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse backgrounds, and mobility sight or hearing impaired people and their carers.

Suggest a southern access point to the hydrotherapy pool. Suggest the need for enough external seating options particularly for rest stops.

Orientation Suggest relocating the two-storey rehabilitation inpatient wards to the north-west of site and

move the mental health inpatient unit. Suggest rehabilitation wards would benefit from the views from this location.

Suggest that the facility could be re-oriented so it has a northern aspect and can take greater advantage of the view to Mount Rogers and Lake Ginninderra.

Suggest relocating Hydrotherapy Pool to the north and becoming a more visible architectural feature from Ginninderra Drive which the community can identify with.

Suggest that the main entrance could be on Ginninderra Drive. Suggest that the University of Canberra related teaching and research area could be moved to

the south-east quadrant for better access by students from the main campus. Suggest this could benefit future expansion of rehabilitation inpatient wards.

Visual amenity Concern about the visual impact for residents located at the Kangara Waters Retirement Village Suggest more landscaping so more greenery would be visible from neighbouring properties, as

opposed to buildings.

Patients with cognitive impairment Suggest design to enable patients with wandering behaviours and absconders to do so safely.

Outdoor areas Support outside walking areas that incorporate both easy and challenging surfaces, as well as

stairs, to assist with rehabilitation. Suggest that courtyards should be accessible and useable spaces. Support garden beds being incorporated into the design for occupants of the mental health

inpatient units. Support elements of the existing sensory garden at the Brian Hennessy Rehabilitation Centre

moving to the UCPH.

Design to promote healing

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Support a facility which is a calm and pleasing environment that has opportunities for activities to promote healing including secure therapeutic green space.

Environment Question the environmental impact of the building. Support for the off-site strategy to regenerate impacted area of box gum woodland in another

location under the requirements of the Environmental Protection & Biodiversity Conservation Act (EPBC Act).

Suggest that all materials and finishes used in the facility, as well as the landscaping, must be suitable for people with allergies and reactions.

Other design Support the use of an experienced high level design advisory group that was used on the UCPH to

develop the design. Suggest the need for patient-controlled lighting and temperature. Suggest natural light levels and operable windows for both day and night. Suggest flexible seating and table arrangements to allow for large family groups, children, and for

people in wheelchairs to sit where and with whom they wish; comfortable waiting areas. Suggest the line of sight must be sufficient to all inpatient rooms within the Rehabilitation, Aged

& Community Care Inpatient unit, to help reduce falls. This needs to take into account the location of nursing stations, write up areas, and handover areas.

Concern no discharge lounge near to pick up zone. Support design of areas that facilitate the expanding access to physical health programs in the

Adult Mental Health Day services. Question the design life of the facility.

Future expansion Question whether the facility will meet future service needs without the requirement for further

construction, and that a 200-bed facility was originally proposed. Support future expansion space.

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Reference design The comments and concerns raised by the community during the community consultation period for the Reference Design will be provided to the project team for consideration and, where possible, used in refining the design and in identifying potential opportunities for improving the design.

4.2 Traffic and Transport

Feedback was raised on the safety of surrounding residents, traffic congestion, management of traffic impacts, and local access concerns. The following suggestions, questions and concerns were raised.

Traffic safety Concern about the safety of residents and users of Kangara Waters Retirement Village, the YMCA

Early Learning Centre and Canberra Lake Estate. Concern Aikman Drive will not be duplicated into four lanes prior to the UCPH being built.

Suggest the future duplication of Aikman Drive will improve safety. Suggest a slip road onto Ginninderra Drive and/or include a stop sign will improve safety for

vehicles exiting onto Ginninderra Drive.

Traffic volume, congestion and local road impacts Concern Aikman Drive will not be duplicated into four lanes prior to the UCPH being built

resulting in traffic congestion. Concern that Lawson development on the other side of Ginninderra Drive will add to the

congestion on Aikman Drive. Concern that with the Ginninderra Drive connection there will be three junctions within close

proximity. Question where large vehicles such as trucks would come into and leave facility. Concern large

vehicles such as trucks will disturb residents at Kangara Waters.

Public transport services and accessibility Request accessible public transport to and from the facility. Question whether the location of bus stop at south of facility is the best location. Question what are the future bus routes for University of Canberra campus and the UCPH.

Pedestrian and cyclist facilities Question the connection between the UCPH and the University of Canberra for students. Support bicycle access and parking for visitors and staff. Suggest an underpass under Aikman Drive would provide a good link to the local community such

as Lake Ginninderra. Request for a clear bicycle parking area so bicycles were not potentially causing trip hazards.

Traffic and TransportAll traffic and transport related matters will be subject to review and approval through the Development Application process with the Environmental Planning Directorate. Consultation between the project team, design team, the University of Canberra and Territory and Municipal Services has occurred in the development of the Reference Design and will continue in the further development of the design of the UCPH.

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4.3 Car Parking and AccessibilityFeedback was raised on car parking for the UCPH including the number of car parks, the location of car parking, the impact of car parking on neighbouring residents, the number of accessibility car parks, accessibility for users and paid parking. The following suggestions, questions and concerns were raised.

UCPH car parking arrangements between the Territory and University of Canberra Concern raised over lack of design information available on car parking. Concern majority of car parking is on the adjacent University of Canberra campus and not on the

UCPH site. Concern that there were not enough accessibility car parking places on the UCPH site and that

majority are on the adjacent proposed University of Canberra car park locations. Questions and concerns over the distance from the future car parks to the facility. Suggest more car parking, including accessibility car parks, could be located on the UCPH site Suggested that there could be a supervised drop-off zone at the entrance for carers who need to

go and park their cars.

Impact of car parking on neighbouring residents Concern that the UCPH will increase the problems at Kangara Waters Retirement Village of

people using their car parks.

Other car parking items Suggested the main patient drop off zone should provide full cover for both the passenger and

driver. Questions regarding possible introduction of paid parking.

Car Parking and Accessibility The Acquisition and Development Deed between the Territory and the University includes the requirement for the majority of car parking to be designed and built by the University of Canberra on two proposed locations directly adjacent to the UCPH site. The Territory and the University are working together to further develop the related car park requirements and future design.

Consultation between relevant Territory Government Directorates will continue. The Car Parking arrangements will be subject to Development Applications with the Environmental Planning Directorate.

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4.4 Other

Feedback was raised on a range of other issues such as noise and feedback on the community consultation. The following suggestions, questions and concerns were raised:

Noise Concern raised regarding noise before 8am and after 8pm.

Community consultation Suggestion made on better promotion of the positive aspects of the UCPH. Suggest information stands could have been set up at the Canberra Hospital foyer Concern that not all key stakeholders were consulted with.

5.0 Next Steps

The comments and concerns raised by the community during the consultation period for the Reference Design will be provided to the project team for consideration and, where possible, used in refining the design and in identifying potential opportunities for improving the design.

The feedback will be provided to the three shortlisted organisations bidding for the Design, Construct and Maintenance Contract for their consideration.

The feedback will be used by the HIP communication team to further develop the UCPH key messages.

Engagement with the community and key stakeholders will continue during the preparation of the development of the UCPH design and during the Development Application period with the Environmental Planning Directorate.

Thank you to those who made submissions on the design, attended information sessions or expressed interest in the Reference Design. Your input is very valuable in developing the design for this important project.

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