Launceston General Hospital Paediatric Inpatient Unit

The Launceston General Hospital Paediatric Inpatient Unit redevelopment has transformed children’s healthcare in Northern Tasmania by expanding patient capacity and delivering contemporary facilities that meet the latest Australasian Health Facility Guidelines. The project enhances the hospital’s ability to provide high-quality paediatric care through thoughtfully designed clinical environments that support patients, families, and healthcare professionals.

The redevelopment involved the expansion and refurbishment of the existing Children’s Ward, creating more than 2,000 square metres of modern healthcare accommodation. The increased footprint provides additional single-patient rooms.

A key feature of the project is the inclusion of a purpose-built adolescent mental health unit, incorporating six dedicated mental health bedrooms, a secure landscaped courtyard, and separate lounge and activity spaces. These specialised facilities create a safe, supportive, and therapeutic environment designed to promote recovery.

Patient wellbeing and positive healthcare experiences were central to the design approach. Inspired by the Australian native landscape, the interiors feature calming colours, natural themes, and commissioned artwork that create a welcoming environment for children and their families. Interior finishes and colour palettes were carefully developed in collaboration with clinical staff and hospital management to balance durability, infection control, maintenance requirements, and the unique needs of a paediatric healthcare setting.

The external architecture respectfully acknowledges the heritage character of the hospital precinct, drawing inspiration from the 1940s hospital buildings located on the opposite side of Charles Street.

The redevelopment delivers a contemporary paediatric healthcare environment that increases patient capacity while providing specialised facilities to support the evolving healthcare needs of Northern Tasmania.