Formal planning for a replacement facility for the Royal Children's Hospital (RCH) started in 2003 when work commenced on development of the RCH service plan.
In May 2005 the Victorian Government committed $37.9 million in the 2005-06 budget to fast track master planning and upgrade existing facilities prior to the redevelopment of the RCH. The new RCH was expected to include 340 beds, modern wards and specialist medical equipment. The planning process was also to determine the future of the existing RCH buildings.
Figure 4A provides a chronology of events in the planning of the investment in the new RCH project.
| Figure 4A | |
| Date | Planning event |
| May 2004 | Completion of RCH service plan |
| July 2004 | |
| October 2004 | Initial review of RCH service plan Completion of strategic business case (including high level options analysis) |
| May 2005 | Premier announces funding to fast track master plan and upgrade of existing RCH facilities |
| August 2005 | Master plan for redevelopment of the RCH completed |
| November 2005 | Government approval of RCH business case Premier and Minister for Health announce go-ahead of the RCH redevelopment |
| December 2005 | Completion of RCH service plan review |
| October 2006 | Government approval to release project brief |
Source: Victorian Auditor-General's Office, using data provided by DHS.
The RCH service plan detailed future service philosophy and needs, as well as high level proposed models of care for the new hospital. A review of the service plan was undertaken during 2004 and 2005 to incorporate changes relating to future service profiles and trends, changing patterns of demand, new service development needs, and new models of care.
The service plan and service plan review became the key drivers for the new RCH project with a view to building a facility that:
• provides the full range of services using 'state of the art' equipment and technology
• co-locates similar or supporting services together to achieve optimal functional relationships and efficiencies through sharing of facilities and a focus on effective work flows and practices
• streamlines care delivery via models of care focussed on patient needs and the co-ordination of specialist multi-skilled staff
• enhances the co-ordination of care process using information and communications technology (ICT) to collect and share appropriate information between people involved in care of a patient
• provides ease of access for patients and carers through adequate car parking and public transport, and supports parents/carers as partners-in-care.