University Hospital Galway
Client: HSE EstatesServices: Design, Employer’s Representative, Project Management.
Peter Duffy Directorpduffy@mca.ie
As part of National Plan for Radiation Oncology
Newcastle Road, Galway
The Radiation Oncology Centre in University Hospital Galway has been developed under the National Plan for Radiation Oncology which provides for centres in Dublin, Cork and Galway.
The radiotherapy equipment that delivers cancer care treatment to oncology patients in the west and north regions of the country was nearing the end of its serviceable life and the HSE required a new state of the art facility equipped with the most advanced medical technology available. This new building comprises 8,400m² of accommodation and plant provided over three levels, with all patient areas on the ground and first floors. It includes six radiotherapy treatment bunkers, a brachytherapy suite, CT & MRI diagnostics and on-treatment-support consultancy.
The challenge with all clinically demanding buildings is keeping the patient’s experience at the heart of the design and not sacrificing joy to medical functionality. The patient’s journey, mindset and vulnerabilities were given weight in all decisions. Each space and adjacency was trialled and refined until it met or exceeded requirements, with the final layout revolving around two central atria that flood key patient areas with light, link floors and inform wayfinding.
