Royal Melbourne Hospital – MRI Relocation Project

Client

Royal Melbourne Hospital / VHBA

Location

Grattan Street, Parkville, VIC

Size

3,5000sqm

Cost

$50m

Status

Completed 2023

Sustainability

Photographer

Tatjana Plitt

Sector

Health + Science

The RMH and VHBA engaged Gray Puksand to design and develop a new expanded MRI department on the 9th floor of the hospital, providing 4 new MRI machines designed to allow the department to be zoned (physically and mechanically) separated in the event of a pandemic.

The primary driver for this project is the operational impact on the existing Royal Melbourne Hospital’s (RMH) MRI imaging as the result of the creation of new underground rail infrastructure (Metro Tunnel Project) under the Parkville precinct. Given the concerns regarding the electro-magnetic fields from the trains affecting the performance of the MRI imaging equipment, the decision to relocate the MRI department was made. With the train tunnels due to be operational by the end of May 2023 this project was executed on a fast-track programme to ensure hospital operations weren’t negatively impacted.

The scheme straddles newly created floor space with existing hospital areas.This necessitated a carefully considered, staged approach to construction and a range of decanting works including relocating an existing outpatient’s department to Level 6, staff amenities for nurses, and a new patient transfer lift designed to accommodate Intensive Care Unit beds.

A rigorous stakeholder engagement process was undertaken to understand the model of care and range of workflows, with careful health planning undertaken to ensure that the complex layers of security within the unit are delivered subtly and efficiently.

The design narrative focuses on adoption of biophilic principles, using curved forms, timber look finishes to create softness and warmth and reduce the clinical feel of spaces, whilst also meeting stringent infection control requirements.

The MRI scan rooms are each provided with ‘sky windows’; visually striking lit images to the ceilings that help invoke a sense of calm and interest for patients in what can be a long and stressful procedure. Acoustic performance was also a key requirement – both from a comfort and privacy perspective – which required working closely with the consultant team to achieve bespoke solutions to each space to ensure the highest standards are met. Through several areas acoustic pinboards were specified and printed with artworks referencing nature to perform both a functional and aesthetic purpose.

Royal Melbourne Hospital – MRI Relocation Project

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