Frankston Hospital redevelopment - Newsletter #3 | November 2023

Now the group's name is high on a crane in Frankston's skyline, in celebration of every member's contribution.

The Pinkies are well known for their pink uniform and busy kiosk where they sell food, coffee and gifts.

They recently raised $100,00 for a Vimedix ultrasound simulator for the hospital's intensive care unit. The machine trains doctors in image interpretation, diagnostics and decision-making.

The Pinkies have also dedicated yearly funds for a nursing and midwifery role, which will build capability and research capacity of staff.

The Pinkies original uniform of a pink dress, stockings and cape has changed over the years. But their focus on supporting the hospital has been a constant for five and a half decades.

When the redeveloped hospital opens in 2026, the Pinkies will be there, ready to brighten up people's days.
 

Construction progress

Since the project began more than 1,000 people have worked on-site. Currently, there are around 200 workers on-site every day.

The redevelopment site has changed a lot since our last newsletter in July.

Over 3,250 square metres of waterproofing membrane have been installed for the basement level of the new clinical services tower.

Other progress highlights include:

• completing bulk earthworks
• finishing all clinical services tower inground basement services
• establishing jump form systems for all cores
• pouring eight basement slabs for the clinical services tower
• pouring five levels of suspended slabs in the multi-deck carpark with precast panels
• installing the fourth and final tower crane on-site.

We're now preparing to pour the concrete slab for the emergency department expansion. This means working around existing inground services.

We're using non-destructive digging techniques - high pressure water to dig, and an industrial vacuum to excavate.

Over the coming months the expansion's main structure will start to rise out of the ground.

Also coming up on-site:

• pouring the final clinical services tower basement slabs
• pouring and raising more cores
• pouring suspended concrete for the clinical services tower
• completing the multi-deck carpark lift core
• continuing the multi-deck carpark suspended slab pours.

Experiencing designs in real life

A wide range of patients, carers, families and staff will use the facilities in the redeveloped Frankston Hospital.

That's why representatives from these groups have been taking part in the redevelopment design process.

Hospital staff and community representatives have worked with the design team since the early stages. They've been helping the design team understand how the new spaces will be used. They also provide feedback on everything from room layout to where power points should be located.

Prototype rooms included:

• mental health inpatient room
• standard single and double inpatient rooms with ensuites
• anaesthetic preparation room
• special care nursery bay
• consult room.

Purpose-built replicas, or ‘prototypes’, of select rooms have been created in a Seaford warehouse. The prototypes give people an idea of how the new spaces will function and feel.

Each room is fitted out with furniture and medical equipment like a real hospital room.

Community representatives from Peninsula Health’s Community Advisory Groups recently visited the prototype rooms. During this visit, representatives were able to give feedback on finer details such as interior finishes and furnishings.

Watch a video of how we brought the Frankston Hospital redevelopment designs to life.

Meet the team

Heidi Russell, Senior Occupational Therapist (Mental Health Inpatient Unit), Frankston Hospital

'My job is a lot of fun, and every day is different. I run groups that vary from leisure activities to educational groups. I work one-on-one with people to look at their personal goals, review how they manage daily tasks, and link them with community supports.

'A large part of my role involves supporting people experiencing distress, by helping them to express this in a healthy way and develop strategies so they can return home safely.

'I'm excited we're going to have a brand-new mental health inpatient building with modern features, individual bedrooms for clients and spaces to run group programs.

'The environment has such an impact on our reactions and mental health, so having peaceful, modern, calm spaces with lots of natural light will be great.'

Kellie King, Construction Worker, Lendlease

Kellie is a proud Mornington Peninsula local, having lived in the Somerville and Pearcedale areas for over 30 years.

She loves the areas for 'their vibe, the beach, and the outdoor lifestyle.

'I have worked in the construction industry for seven years. In my role as a construction worker no two days are the same. I can go from shovelling one day to driving a machine the next.'

'Lendlease really encourages women to upskill and be on the same level as the men. I hold nine tickets and I'm about to do more training.'

'I enjoy coming to work every day - it's the people that make it fun. On-site, it's a good environment, with good banter and good conditions to work in!'