Adult Rehabilitation Integrated Stroke Ward

The first project in Auckland District Health Board’s “Building for the Future” programme, Auckland City Hospital’s Integrated Stroke and Rehabilitation Unit, reflects international best practice for healthcare design and evokes an ambience of open space and holistic care, complete with a New Zealand native theme.

Embracing research which shows stroke patients cared for in an integrated unit have notably better outcomes, Chow:Hill’s health team designed a state-of-the-art unit that enables care and rehabilitation to be delivered in a single setting, enhancing the patient experience and boosting hospital capacity.

The design of the unit aims to involve families in the rehabilitation journey: the living room concept (shared spaces) outside the patients bedrooms and the central dining area encourage rehabilitation activities to happen outside dedicated gym sessions.

A sympathetically designed interior draws on insight from collaborative user group feedback, clinical care, facilities management and tikanga. Natural timber panelling in a spacious setting, maximising natural light, is complemented with artwork of native New Zealand flora and fauna.

The build, which includes a central dining area and gym, as well as a number of shared spaces for patients and whānau, is part of Auckland District Health Board’s ambitious plan to improve equity in stroke outcomes, particularly for Māori and Pacific Island patients.