If you’re looking for a commercial builder on the Gold Coast or in Northern NSW, you should know that medical construction is a whole different game. It’s not just about putting up walls and roofs—there are extra layers of complexity.
From strict health regulations to designing spaces that feel welcoming for patients and efficient for staff, healthcare projects need a level of professionalism you won’t find just anywhere.
On top of that, each state has its own set of regulations and guidelines that guide the construction of healthcare facilities, making it even more critical to have a team that understands the ins and outs.
Sticking to these guidelines is key to making sure healthcare spaces are safe, functional, and comfortable. Here are a few of the main regulations and standards builders need to follow:
National Construction Code (NCC)
The NCC is Australia’s primary set of technical building standards – including specific requirements that are set out for healthcare facilities. The standards cover areas such as fire safety, accessibility for disability, energy efficiency and ventilation.
Australian Health Facility Guidelines (AusHFG)
These guidelines give commercial builders detailed design standards and planning guidelines for healthcare facilities across Australia. These guidelines focus on creating environments that are both functional for healthcare professionals and comfortable for patients. They cover everything from spatial planning, infection control, and patient safety to the integration of medical equipment and systems.
State-specific health regulations
As mentioned previously, each state has its own health regulations for healthcare construction. For example, in Queensland, builders must adhere to specific requirements laid out by Queensland Health, such as the Health Facility Guidelines for hospital builds. New South Wales has its own set of building standards under the NSW Health Infrastructure guidelines, focusing on the needs of hospitals, aged care, and specialist medical facilities.
Infection control standards
Healthcare construction requires special attention to infection control measures. These standards guide the installation of ventilation systems, the use of antimicrobial materials, and layout designs that reduce the risk of contamination. As commercial builders, we must consider how airflow, water systems, and surfaces can impact hygiene and infection spread, especially in high-risk areas like operating rooms or intensive care units.
Disability Access Compliance (AS 1428)
Accessibility is crucial in healthcare environments. Under AS 1428, healthcare facilities must meet strict requirements for accessible entrances, bathrooms, hallways, and patient rooms. This ensures that all patients, regardless of mobility, can access the care they need. These standards are essential in facilities like hospitals, clinics, and aged care homes.
Sustainability and energy efficiency
Sustainability is increasingly becoming a focus in healthcare construction, with requirements to reduce the environmental impact of healthcare facilities. The NCC includes energy efficiency requirements, and healthcare projects are encouraged to adopt green building practices such as solar energy, water-saving fixtures, and eco-friendly materials.
Building medical facilities isn’t a job for any commercial builder, but with the right team on board, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With extensive experience in healthcare construction on the Gold Coast, Preston Building takes compliance seriously. We understand the ins and outs of the regulations that govern healthcare projects, to ensure your project meets all relevant standards.
Commercial builder - Gold Coast and Northern NSW
As trusted commercial builders on the Gold Coast and in Northern NSW, we’ve tackled a variety of healthcare projects, and our skills allow us to tackle the complexities of healthcare construction with complete professionalism.
Whether you’re looking to build a clinic, hospital, or specialist facility, we’re here to make your vision a reality while ticking all the regulatory boxes. Ready to get started? Let’s chat about how we can help!