17 design flaws found at $2b Sunshine Coast University Hospital

Adjustments have been made to Sunshine Coast University Hospital after a landmark court ruling found the $2 billion hospital’s design had discriminated against vision-impaired people.

Adjustments have been made to Sunshine Coast University Hospital after a landmark court ruling found the $2 billion hospital’s design had discriminated against vision-impaired people.

Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service was ordered to fix 17 design flaws at its flagship hospital after legal action was taken against it by former disability advocate Peter Ryan.

The Caloundra resident took the service to the Federal Circuit Court in 2020 after he said he had been disadvantaged and discriminated against.

Mr Ryan, who was legally blind and required a guide dog, said he would frequently get lost at the Birtinya hospital.

The 77-year-old was the chair of the Sunshine Coast Access Advisory Network for more than a decade but he died after a long health battle three months before the court decision was handed down in July.

Peter Ryan was a founding member and chair of the Sunshine Coast Access Advisory Network for more than a decade.

Judge Michael Jarrett determined the service had discriminated against Mr Ryan and had “contravened” several aspects of the Disability Discrimination Act.

He ordered the service to undertake immediate work on addressing the design flaws which included introduction of visual indicators at entrances and doorways, and raised tactile and braille signage throughout the hospital.

A Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service spokeswoman said adjustments had been made to the hospital’s building to “enhance the overall experience for people with special needs”.

“This work includes placement of tactile ground surface indicators on pedestrian surfaces, installation of non-transparent visual indicators on all glass railings, and tactile information in lift lobbies,” the spokeswoman said.

“We will continue to seek expert opinion on any further improvements which may be required.”

The spokeswoman said safe care of its consumers was its priority.

“That includes ensuring they can access the care they need, when then need it, and we welcome feedback from our consumers and visitors on how we can continually improve our services,” she said.

The service spokeswoman did not respond when asked how much the adjustments were expected to cost.

Disability access advocate Bryce Tolliday said his friend Mr Ryan deserved to witness the changes to the hospital.

“It would have been a wonderful outcome for him and a testament to his years of advocating for improved access for people who have legal blindness or have disabilities,” Mr Tolliday said.

Originally published as 17 design flaws found at $2b Sunshine Coast University Hospital