Contemporary Design for South Coast Orthopaedic Clinic

Doctors’ rooms in the country towns historically operate from converted residences or retrofitted spaces in older commercial buildings. More recently, specialists have created their own facilities architecturally designed to cater for a specific health care discipline. The South Coast Orthopaedic Clinic, designed by Architects Edmiston Jones, follows this trend housing an orthopedic practice with purpose designed consulting rooms and on-site X-ray facilities providing comprehensive orthopaedic care for the Shoalhaven Community. It goes without saying that accessibility was a prime consideration in the design of the building as many patients have physical injuries, are elderly or recovering following treatment. The entry leads straight from the street, designed to make the most of the northerly aspect while giving protection from the west. A semi-basement car park provides secure covered access for both staff and patients via a platform lift connecting to the reception area. The waiting area and reception have been planned for easy access without compromising the comfort of patients. The central administration area, records storage and meeting room allows for the efficient movement of the practice staff. Although the building is located amongst older houses on the traditional entry to the Nowra town centre, the clinic has been designed with a bold, modern form responding to the evolving character of the street and reflecting the ‘state of the art’ technology integral to a modern medical practice.