The Footscray Hospital Angiography/CT Suite project involved the development of a new combined interventional imaging facility within an existing hospital environment, integrating advanced diagnostic and treatment capabilities into a single specialised clinical space.
The works centred on the construction and upgrade of an angiography laboratory to accommodate a combined Siemens CT and fluoroscopy interventional system. This required significant internal refurbishment and modifications to existing building infrastructure to support highly technical clinical operations. The project was delivered within an operational hospital and ahead of schedule, requiring careful coordination to minimise disruption to ongoing healthcare services.
A key component of the project involved the assessment, management, and remediation of hazardous materials within the existing structure prior to construction. The facility, being constructed prior to 1980, contained materials such as asbestos lagging within wall and ceiling cavities, synthetic mineral fibre insulation, and potential PCB-containing components in lighting systems. These hazards required identification, risk assessment, and controlled removal or management using licensed contractors and strict safety procedures to ensure the protection of workers, patients, and staff.
The development also placed strong emphasis on safety and compliance, particularly in relation to occupational health and environmental controls. Detailed planning was required to address risks associated with demolition and refurbishment activities, including dust, airborne contaminants, and disturbance of concealed materials. Additional inspections and staged investigations were mandated as construction progressed to ensure all hazards were appropriately managed.
A significant technical focus of the project was the design and implementation of radiation shielding to accommodate the new CT and interventional imaging equipment. The facility required the installation and upgrading of shielding systems, including lead-lined walls, shielding barriers, and protective glazing, to ensure radiation exposure levels remained within acceptable limits for both staff and the public. The shielding design accounted for projected workloads, equipment positioning, and adjacent occupied spaces, ensuring long-term safety and operational flexibility.
The construction works also included major upgrades to building services and infrastructure, particularly in relation to mechanical, electrical, and information systems. A structured cabling system was implemented throughout the facility to support voice, data, security, nurse call, and building automation services. This system was designed to provide a flexible, high-performance network infrastructure capable of supporting evolving clinical technologies and operational requirements.
All installation works were required to comply with stringent Australian and international standards governing telecommunications, cabling, and electrical systems, ensuring quality, reliability, and regulatory compliance. The project also mandated detailed documentation, testing, and certification processes, including full commissioning and validation of installed systems prior to handover.
Environmental and operational considerations were critical, particularly given the diverse hospital environments involved, including theatres, laboratories, and support spaces. Installation methods and materials were tailored to suit each environment, with specific requirements for durability, cleanliness, and resistance to moisture or contamination.
Overall, we delivered a highly specialised interventional imaging suite within a complex live healthcare setting, ahead of programme. This combined technical upgrades, safety-driven construction practices, and advanced infrastructure integration to enhance the hospital’s diagnostic and treatment capabilities while maintaining strict operational and regulatory standards throughout the construction process.
Watch: Construction Timelapse
