HORSHAM VIC
WIMMERA BASE HOSPITAL REDEVELOPMENT MASTERPLAN
CWA prepared the Masterplan for the Wimmera Health Care Group (WHCG) in collaboration with the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the Victorian Health and Human Services Building Authority (VHHSBA). The purpose of the Masterplan was to evaluate a range of redevelopment options and identify a preferred strategy for the Wimmera Hospital Campus in Horsham.
Priority Areas
General priority areas were identified and grouped under the following categories:
- Patient and Staff Amenity
- Operational Management Issues
- Community Services
- Education
These priorities were explored through a series of stakeholder workshops. Following consultation, the Executive Team agreed on three key focus areas for the Masterplan:
Aged Care Amenity
- Addressing limited privacy in patient bedrooms
- Increasing the number of single rooms and ensuite facilities
Inpatient Unit Amenity
- Improving privacy and comfort in patient accommodation
- Expanding the provision of single rooms and ensuites
Emergency Department (ED) Capacity
- Enhancing ED functionality
- Exploring opportunities to co-locate a fast-track clinic and/or short-stay unit
Masterplan Development Approach
Based on the agreed priorities, the consultant team developed Masterplan options that considered:
Clinical Relationships and Departmental Adjacencies
Informed by a detailed Adjacency Matrix to ensure optimal functional layout
Patient Journeys
Evaluated from the patient’s perspective to identify and eliminate navigational barriers within the hospital
Facility Sizing and Benchmarking
Guided by the Australian Health Facility Guidelines (AusHFG) Incorporated into a high-level Schedule of Accommodation (SOA) to support spatial planning and inform the Masterplan
Preferred Masterplan Option – Wimmera Hospital Campus Redevelopment.
The Project Consultant Team developed several Masterplan options for the redevelopment of the Wimmera Health Care Group (WHCG) site. A preferred option was endorsed based on its ability to effectively address key challenges and deliver strategic benefits. The key reasons for its selection include:
Timely Resolution of Priority Issues
The preferred option successfully addresses the major problem areas within the shortest possible timeframe.
Emergency Department (ED) Capacity Expansion
Initial staged works resolve current ED capacity constraints and create opportunities for co-locating a fast-track clinic and/or short-stay unit.
Enhanced Inpatient Unit Amenity
The expansion of the existing inpatient unit increases the number of single and two-bed rooms with ensuite facilities and introduces a new Higher Dependency Unit / Intensive Care Unit.
Improved Aged Care Amenity
The inclusion of a new Aged Care Unit resolves existing resident amenity issues, enhancing privacy and comfort.
Minimised Disruption to Clinical Operations
The redevelopment is carefully staged to ensure minimal interruption to day-to-day hospital operations.
Funding Flexibility
The plan increases opportunities for alternative funding sources beyond capital investment, such as Regional Health Infrastructure Funding for ED expansion or inpatient conversion.
Unified Main Entry
A new single main entry improves wayfinding and accessibility for patients, staff, and visitors.
Community-Focused Design
The inclusion of a café and education facilities near the main entry reinforces the hospital’s role as a community hub.
Integrated Landscaping and Site Planning
The Masterplan features landscaped areas with long views and vistas, contributing to a welcoming and therapeutic environment.