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This inpatient ward represents a major step forward in patient-centred design. Hear from Footscray Hospital’s Director of Nursing & Midwifery Michelle Read and BLP Principal Mark Mitchell about what distinguishes this from other wards, from room layouts and natural light to improved staff workflow.
They explain how these design decisions enhance patient comfort and recovery, while also supporting efficient care.
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Comforting spaces
Accessible via the Bundha lifts, the Inpatient Tower at Footscray Hospital features two contemporary inpatient wards on each level, designed to support healing, comfort, and efficient care.
Comfort-focused patient rooms
Each ward offers a mix of single and twin rooms, thoughtfully designed to promote comfort, privacy, and wellbeing. Rooms are filled with natural light and enjoy views across surrounding parklands, suburbs, or the Melbourne CBD. Patients benefit from modern amenities including Smart TVs, shared or private en-suites, and a small pull-out bed to accommodate overnight stays for family or carers—helping loved ones stay close during recovery.
Welcoming spaces for families and visitors
Every ward includes a family lounge and an enclosed terrace accessible to patients and visitors. These calm, light-filled spaces provide seating, fresh air, and views, creating a peaceful environment for rest, recovery, and meaningful time with family and friends.
Connected care
Designed for efficient, connected care
Wards are equipped with a hospital-wide pneumatic tube system, enabling fast and reliable transport of pharmacy items, blood products, and pathology samples—supporting quicker turnaround times and clinical decision-making.
Automatic medication cabinets in medication rooms help nurses dispense medications safely and efficiently, while tracking stock levels to ensure timely replenishment.
Each patient room is fitted with advanced clinical technology, including a digital bed card, workflow terminal, and bedside and en-suite talkback systems. Clinical mobile phones keep staff connected, responsive, and supported throughout their shift.
Dedicated spaces
Dedicated spaces for therapy and treatment
Meeting and treatment rooms are located on each ward, enabling Occupational Therapists and Physiotherapists to deliver care conveniently and efficiently without patients needing to travel far from their rooms.
Supportive environments for staff
Collaboration and meeting spaces on each ward support teamwork, communication, and high-quality care delivery. Staff also have access to private staffrooms with kitchens, lockers, and outlooks, offering comfortable spaces to rest and recharge during breaks.
