South Coast Orthopaedic Clinic
Architects Edmiston Jones
Doctors’ rooms in country towns have historically operated from converted residences or retrofitted spaces in older commercial buildings. In recent decades medical practitioners have had purpose designed premises often constructed with ancillary space for visiting specialists. More recently specialists have created their own facilities designed to cater for a specific health care discipline. The South Coast Orthopaedic Clinic follows this trend, housing an orthopedic practice with consulting rooms and on-site X-ray facilities providing a comprehensive service for patients.
Accessibility was a prime consideration in the design of the building as many patients obviously have physical injuries, are elderly or recovering following treatment. The design of the entry makes the most of the northerly aspect while giving protection from the west. The waiting area and reception have been designed for easy access and with the comfort of patients in mind. The central administration area, records storage and meeting room allows for the efficient movement of the practice staff. The development complies with the relevant Australian Standards; AS 1428.1 (Design for Access and Mobility – in new buildings) and AS 1735.15 (Lifts, Escalators and Moving Walks – Low rise passenger lifts – non-automatically controlled.)
A semi-basement car park provides secure covered access for both staff and patients via a platform lift connecting to the reception area. The selected lift is a Concord PAL (Passenger Accessibility Lift) supplied by Access Elevators Pty Ltd. This particular platform lift provided a safe and reliable means of vertical access as well as an affordable and attractive solution. Although the building is located amongst older houses on the traditional entry to the town centre, it has been designed with a bold, modern form responding to the evolving character of the street and reflecting the ‘state of the art’ technology integral to a modern medical practice.
