Good design is good for you

Hospitals are places that support us through some of our best and worst life experiences, and it is important to recognise how the effects of design can influence the human experience.

The Caboolture Satellite Hospital mental health space provides clients and staff with larger, more functional consultation rooms and workspaces that address the physical, sensory and cognitive needs of most consumers.

The space includes 12 consultation rooms, a large team meeting room and outdoor spaces adjacent to green parks which reflect the unique needs for safety, privacy, and the dignity of mental health caregiver and consumer.

This was an important move for both mental health teams, signalling a move to a more inclusive type of care, with a dedicated waiting room, easy access to free parking and rooms where the environment can be adjusted to reduce over stimulation.

According to Caboolture Adult Mental Health Team Leader Mark Fullerton, when consumers come into a mental health facility it is important that the experience is uplifting, positive and calming.

“The design of this new space can certainly help to influence a person’s mental state, which is an important part of delivering a caring and effective health service,” Mark said.

“Our welcoming reception area straight away provides a sense of privacy and peacefulness, which of course is supported by our wonderful reception team, who are a very important participants in our consumers’ journey.

“As soon as our consumers walk in, moments matter. This means that how the person is welcomed and seated can make a difference on how they are feeling and how the rest of their consultation proceeds, particularly if someone is in an anxious state.”

Anita Kopstad is the Team Leader for the Redcliffe Caboolture Older Persons Mental Health Service and agrees that the space works well.

“Throughout their lifetime, over two in five Australians, aged between 16 years to 85 years old will experience mental illness. It’s important to have functional spaces to provide specialist multidisciplinary mental health assessment, treatment and evidence-based interventions,” said Anita.

“Our older consumers have transitioned to the new facility quite well, we made sure that there was good communication before the move and we reassured everyone that they would continue to see the same great team.

“My favourite part of the building is the way it frames the garden setting, and though only a few months old, the peaceful landscape will be a very tranquil place when it is established.”

Metro North Executive Director of Sustainable Assets and Infrastructure David Walker said healthcare infrastructure is a key pillar of the healthcare system helping to deliver quality care and better health outcomes for patients.

“Healthcare infrastructure being delivered by Metro North, like the satellite hospitals, provide access to healthcare closer to home and are great examples of spaces designed with wellbeing in mind,” said David.

“These new buildings are constructed to a high standard and their design reflects  how the spaces are planned and to be used.

“As the demand for mental healthcare increases, our spaces need to meet the needs of our community and this is a great example.”