Royal Hobart Hospital Access & Patient Flow Unit

The Tasmanian Government has resolved to retain and upgrade the Royal Hobart Hospital on its current site, maintaining the Heritage-listed Liverpool Street Forecourt and 1938 former Acute Wing as the primary public entrance to the hospital.

The design of the new Access and Patient Flow Unit extends the hospital footprint into the Forecourt, consolidating a number of dislocated administration functions into one unit which will be responsible for the admission and discharge of patients. The new work has been respectful of and sympathetic to the character of the existing building with its strong symmetry, streamlined styling and horizontal emphasis, the curved form of the addition taking its cues from the layout of the original forecourt driveway. The building is articulated as two symmetrical wings which highlight the existing central entry point as a contrasting vertical element. The existing canopy will be removed and relocated to increase the visibility of the Ola Cohn sandstone statues.

A new semi-circular steel and glass canopy extends over the kerb-side car spaces to allow patients to be dropped off or collected under shelter.

The leading edge of the main roof draws on the strong horizontal aesthetic of the balcony edge on the existing building, wrapping down at the sides to book-end the new additions.

Internally, the new work creates a warm and nurturing environment for both staff and patients whilst also providing a contemporary orientation space befitting of its status as the State’s leading public hospital.

Patient waiting areas and kiosk are placed within the continuous, transparent outer edge of the development to provide an external connection and promote a sense of well being.