From Left to Right: Luciano Pozzebon (Charter Keck Cramer), Patricia O'Rourke (CEO St Vincent's) Chris Valcanas (Charter Keck Cramer), Paul Barci (Charter Keck Cramer)

Research shows that daylight, a welcoming environment and opportunities for incidental social interaction can have a positive impact on the cancer experience. When St Vincent's Hospital in Melbourne recently redeveloped its Cancer Centre, these considerations formed an important part of the brief. Designed in close association with the users and patients themselves, the Centre aims to create an environment in which patients and families feel that their medical, psychological and social needs are being met.

A landscaped courtyard and natural light and materials combine with a warm colour palette to create a sense of wellbeing. The space is both welcoming and supportive, reflecting the ideas of healing, warmth and comfort. It is imperative that patients feel calm, helping to reduce anxiety levels.

Other innovations include a separation of the consulting and treatment areas. Additionally, there is a multipurpose room that allows cancer care teams to meet and plan treatments, with access to video conferencing and telemedicine facilities.

Traditionally, hospitals have many rooms and separate spaces. Breaking from this approach, the Cancer Centre at St Vincent's now includes a flexible open plan treatment area where patients and their families are able to maintain their personal space, or if they choose, to interact with other people. This supports findings that show the friendships made between patients contribute positively to their treatment.