In September 2020, the Gippsland community celebrated the opening of the $5.38 million Yarram Integrated Healthcare Centre.
Architects McBride Charles Ryan designed the new healthcare centre, with a focus on creating a state-of-the-art medical facility that was also an inspiring and welcoming place for the community.
The centre brings a range of community health services under one roof, including allied health, community support, general practitioner services, mental health and pathology services.
It also forms part of a greater medical precinct – consisting of a local hospital, aged care residence and allied health facilities.
About the design
The building was designed to be respectful of the existing architectural character of Yarram. The striking front verandah is a nod to the original federation architecture and is the main entrance to both the existing hospital and the new medical centre.
'We had a look at old pictures of the hospital, and one thing that stood out was the lovely federation verandah. And that picture became the DNA for what we were trying to do on this project.'
Rob McBride, Director, McBride Charles Ryan
Locally sourced materials were also used in construction, strengthening the connection of the building to the Yarram community. Silvertop ash timber from a local Yarram plantation was cut using a process of radial sawing that results in zero timber wastage.
Recycled bricks from the existing building were also reused for the east façade of the new centre, connecting the new building with the history of the site.
Flexibility for the future
The new centre was designed to enhance clinical collaboration, providing flexible and modern facilities for doctors and medical professionals to treat patients.
Interview rooms were designed to double as consult rooms for telehealth, improving access to specialist health services and reducing travel for patients.
'Services and infrastructure were designed around a capacity to future proof the centre, so that future plans to incorporate new technology or alternate uses were available without requiring significant alterations.'
Rob McBride, Director, McBride Charles Ryan
Funding regional health infrastructure
The project was delivered by Yarram and District Health Service in partnership with:
- McBride Charles Ryan (architects)
- TS Constructions.
The upgrade was funded through the $470 million Regional Health Infrastructure Fund. The fund is the largest of its kind in Victorian history, enabling regional and rural health services to continue to provide safe and efficient care to local communities.
Find out more about the Victorian Government’s Regional Health Infrastructure Fund.
