Hands-on mock-ups help shape Coomera Hospital’s layout
04 Sep 2025
These rooms act as controlled entry and exit points for isolation spaces, helping manage patients with infectious conditions while preventing the spread of germs.
Last October, clinical and non-clinical staff tested full-scale mock-ups of the ante-rooms, and the lessons learned have now informed the final endorsed design.
Chris Moores, Acting Senior Director of Infrastructure Planning, Delivery and Commissioning, said involving future users was essential.
“The mock-up allowed us to physically test the ante-rooms for our new hospital,” he said.
“It’s important we’re confident the spaces drawn on paper will work in practice, and now we know the endorsed design does exactly that. This was a genuine collaborative effort across our Hospital and Health Service team.”
Staff from Infection Control, Operational Support Services, and Occupational Health and Safety all contributed, ensuring the designs would function effectively in day-to-day operations.
The mock-up included 15 clinical spaces with different ante-room layouts across areas such as maternity and emergency. Using moveable walls and equipment, the team trialled layouts to optimise handwash basin placement, and the movement of beds and equipment, ensuring maximum efficiency and safety.
Kellie Kenway, Infection Control Clinical Nurse Consultant, said early testing was vital for safety.
“These rooms are essential for managing airborne precautions,” she said.
“By visualising and testing them, we’ve shaped a design that will support both patients and staff before construction even begins.”
The mock-up confirmed only minor adjustments were needed, and these outcomes now guide the final layout.
Funded as part of the 2025–26 Queensland Budget, the new Coomera Hospital will feature at least 600 overnight beds, 200 more than originally planned, along with maternity care, day surgery, operating theatres, intensive care, and expanded parking. Stage one early works are already underway, while planning continues for the additional beds and connections to public transport.
Source: Queensland Health
