A new level of care for patients has being provided with the state-of-the-art fit-out and equipment facilities at the new Mater Cancer Care Centre at the Mater Hospital complex in South Brisbane.
Both private and public patients are being empowered to live with, through and beyond cancer, by receiving critical treatment from the facility.
Formula Interiors were awarded the 2040sqm facility fit-out on a design and construct basis, allowing it to operate an accelerated works program, saving considerable time and money for the hospital.
Overseeing the project, which had a value of $5.2 million, was Mater Capital Work’s Helen Kelly with Jonathan Hirst from Aurecon providing superintendent services.
Significant medical based experience was required to complete the fit-out due to the specialised nature of the unit’s work, as well as an innate understanding of how to conduct major works while working within a major working hospital precinct.
Formula Interiors national CEO Gary McDonell says, “We are proud to have worked on this project for the Mater, which includes everything they need to make this one of the most progressive and best equipped units of its kind in any hospital in Australia.”
The most up-to-date equipment and facilities are provided for consulting oncologists and haematologists, who provide both diagnostic and therapeutic services for patients who attend the facility.
Mater Private Hospitals executive director Don Murray says, “Formula Interiors have been able to strike the right balance between appropriately furnishing a clinical facility and providing the homely comforts which are conducive to a patient’s recovery.”
Located on Level two of the Mater Corporate Services building, the project called for the customised fit-out of 40 treatment pods. These include 13 for privately insured patients, 18 for uninsured patients, five shared flexible treatment pods, one isolation room, three apsheresis spaces for the clinical management of blood handling services, and 14 consult rooms that allow for the thorough and timely treatment of all patients scheduled for appointments on any given day.
While the latest technology available in the health care industry is incorporated within the clinical areas, the new standard of finish incorporated into the public spaces by Peddle Thorpe’s associate Caroline Yuen, resonates a more cozy boutique hotel than the traditional, utilitarian hospital environments of the past.
On the finished interior fit-out, Murray says, “We are thrilled with the end result of the Mater Cancer Care Centre. The interior of the building and carefully chosen décor have come together to create a welcoming and modern facility for our patients.”
Included in the finishes were natural timbers, subdued lighting in waiting lounges in both private and public space, and high quality textile and graphic finishes, which reflect a strong influence from nature and incorporate an Asian fusion theme.
Treatment pods are geared to the individual needs of a patient, who can enjoy options such as the convenience of being able to order food from an all day dining menu supplied by the in-centre commercial grade kitchen. They can also engage in a range of communication technology and entertainment activities, all while undergoing their treatment.
Flexibility is offered to patients, who can choose either to have a private treatment experience or a social one, with the innovative sliding graphic glass screens between each pair of treatment pods.
Glass panels with organic flora materials displayed within the sandwiched construction were imported from the USA especially for the Centre’s interior design.
Staff areas are similarly equipped to allow for comfort in breakout areas and efficient work stations for both clinical and administration personnel, who also have access to a resource library.
The onsite Mater Pharmacy dispenses patient medicines and has specialised retail products.
