Victoria
Royal Women’s Hospital MRI Relocation
In collaboration with ICON and Gray Puksand, Modscape was commissioned to build and install a new MRI department at the Royal Women’s Hospital (RWH) in Parkville, Victoria. Modular construction was chosen to minimise disruptions to the live hospital site, while also delivering a state-of-the-art medical facility with speed and precision.
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2023
Year Completed
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6
Modules
Credits
Collaborators: The Royal Women’s Hospital (Client), ICON (Head Contractor), Newbridge (Project Manager), Gray Puksand (Architect), Cushman & Wakefield, Meinhardt Group (Structural Engineer).
Photography: Ned Meldrum
The RWH — Australia’s oldest specialist women’s hospital — faced interruptions to its MRI imaging department due to the new Metro Tunnel Project in Parkville. Concerns around electromagnetic fields from the trains affecting MRI equipment prompted the decision to relocate the 3T MRI department to the seventh floor.
Executing the project required innovative construction techniques to overcome logistical challenges. A 750-tonne crane was used to install the prefabricated modules on the building’s north-eastern corner. This method allowed for construction to take place within a restricted access area without significantly disrupting hospital operations.
Inside, the interior focuses on creating a warm, welcoming environment. Timber-look finishes are complemented with a palette of rich pinks and purples, promoting calmness and enhancing patient well-being while aligning with the hospital’s branding.
Central to the design was a thorough stakeholder engagement process. This process carefully mapped out operational adjacencies, patient flows, and maintenance needs to meet the hospital’s current demands and anticipate future requirements.
Working with the existing building required structural strengthening and shielding to the slab below, ensuring readiness for any future expansion of the department.
The project resulted in a state-of-the-art healthcare facility that met all medical and building standards. Prefabricated modules and strategic planning ensured a safe environment for patients and staff. This approach enabled the department to be operational before the Metro Tunnel project began, avoiding disruption to critical imaging services. It also highlighted the efficiency and sustainability of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) in delivering complex healthcare infrastructure.
