Building at Scale

The Gold Coast University Hospital (GCUH) represents a transformative leap in healthcare delivery, designed to elevate patient outcomes, staff efficiency, and community well-being. 

As Australia’s largest public health infrastructure project at the time, the $1.76 billion facility was conceived to address growing regional demand for advanced medical services while fostering a healing environment. Its 70% single-patient bedrooms—a first for Australian public hospitals—were implemented to enhance patient privacy, reduce infection rates, and improve recovery outcomes. The hospital’s state-of-the-art clinical services, including a comprehensive cancer center, a 65-bed ICU, and a women’s and children’s precinct, were strategically co-located to streamline care pathways and promote a patient-centered approach.

The design prioritises a “hospital in a parkland” concept, integrating passive healing landscapes to reduce stress for patients, visitors, and staff. Modular inpatient units and centralised hubs for specialised care, such as the Women’s Hub and Children’s Hub, were introduced to enhance clinical safety and operational flexibility. The inclusion of an onsite helipad and emergency department ensured rapid response capabilities, critical for a growing urban population.

GCUH’s outcomes reflect its innovative planning: improved patient experiences, enhanced infection control, and a sustainable, future-ready facility. The project’s success lies in its ability to balance cutting-edge medical technology with a human-centered design, setting a benchmark for healthcare infrastructure in Australia and beyond.

John Gerrard, Director of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Queensland Health