Walkway to Wellness: Arrow Metal at Gosford Hospital
Published
It is a truth universally acknowledged that nobody ever ‘enjoys’ getting sick. However, it is equally true – but perhaps less often acknowledged – that the future of healthcare architecture in Australia is a bright and exciting one.
With every new hospital or health facility that is built, more technological advancements to safety, privacy, and convenience become available to the modern Australian patient.
One such facility is Gosford Hospital, whose redevelopment transformed it into an eleven-storied megastructure of next-generation healthcare, with expansions in the emergency, intensive care, and maternity departments, as well as new operating facilities. A central goal of its architects was to create an institution with an unprecedented level of privacy, peace and comfort throughout. Not only the feelings and priorities of the patients, but also those of the staff, were a crucial consideration in the arrangement of the space. After all, if the well-being and productivity of the caregivers is placed in jeopardy, even the most sophisticated medicines and equipment may not achieve the best outcomes for their recipients.
Arrow Metal holds a proud reputation in Australia for the specialist manufacturing and supply of quality bespoke metal and wire barriers. Its contribution to this project took the form of a perforated aluminium walkway, which provides a quick, simple and safe route for staff to access the hospital’s pathology unit and kitchen.
The creation of this walkway was a custom project, designed according to the specific requirements described above. Originally, the developers’ metal fabrication company Engineering Fabricators Newcastle (EFN) had approached Arrow Metal in order to purchase stock panels only; however, after discussion with the experts on staff, it was decided that a custom solution would provide a much greater return on investment.
In under two months, Arrow Metal delivered over 100 perforated aluminium panels to EFN, to exact specifications. Each panel comprised a 51% open area, and was completely treated with a powder coating specific to coastal structures, to ensure longevity from erosion. When set up and combined, these panels created a structure that made generous allowances for visibility and air flow.
Among the other additions to Gosford Hospital, Arrow Metal’s walkway takes its place as part of a new future of healthcare; one that will be delivered at a level of sophistication previously unknown to Australians outside our major cities. By providing a transit avenue free from exposure to patients, Gosford Hospital’s staff are empowered to excel at their caregiver roles.
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