Page 3569 - Week 08 - Thursday, 18 August 2011
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in advance of any other distributions and ACTEW considers that this sufficiently mitigates any risk.
(9) I am advised by ACTEW that it considers that TransACT’s access network and fibre rich assets will be of assistance to NBN Co in the ACT. To this end, TransACT is in discussions with NBN Co to ensure a positive outcome.
Canberra Hospital—outdoor spaces
(Question No 1640)
Ms Bresnan asked the Minister for Health, upon notice, on 23 June 2011:
(1) How many outdoor spaces, including courtyards, will there be when development works at The Canberra Hospital (TCH) are fully completed.
(2) What parts/areas of TCH will have outdoor spaces.
(3) Will the outdoor spaces take into account therapeutic principles and will they be accessible for smokers or close to smoking areas.
(4) Are there future plans to include outdoor spaces at TCH, apart from those already announced for the new cancer centre and Psychiatric Services Unit.
Ms Gallagher: I am advised that the answer to the member’s question is as follows:
(1) The range and numbers of outdoor spaces, including court yards, gardens, paths, furniture and sculptures will be determined during the design stages for the Canberra Hospital redevelopment works which is not yet complete. To guide this process the following planning principles have been put into place to ensure these outdoor spaces are included within the works design scope. The following benefits and inclusions are to be considered:
• Outdoor spaces are inclusive of commemorative gardens, cultural gardens and children’s play areas;
• The healing landscape will provide opportunities to reflect the values and customs of cultural groups and special interest groups within the external spaces when appropriate;
• Appropriate garden furniture and sculptures will be incorporated within green spaces which can be modified to suit accessibility and overall use by patients, staff and visitors;
• The goal of healing gardens is to make people feel safe, less stressed, more comfortable and even invigorated;
• A combination of internal courtyards and external spaces are to be enhanced for the overall use, benefit and well being in the whole health of the community. The spaces will be designed to recognise the unique requirements of the health environment and, where necessary, the very specific needs of patients, visitors, carers and staff; and
• Staff members will benefit from accessible natural surroundings leading to increased job satisfaction and reduction of staff anxiety, retention of qualified staff and providing staff a place to go during break time to help overcome the stresses of the job.
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