Consultation on the future of Ryde Hospital continues with consumer, staff and community input being sought as part of the design phase for the project.

The redevelopment team recently ran a series of pop-up sessions at the hospital and several local shopping centres to talk to staff and the community about the latest designs and what they would like to see as part of the redevelopment.

Ryde Hospital Redevelopment Manager Fiona Thorn said eight sessions were held during September with around 120 people stopping by to ask questions and provide their feedback on a range of topics.

“It was also an opportunity for members of the community to ask questions about the lodgement of the first of two State Significant Development Applications following the recent public exhibition period," she said.

“The team is reviewing all submissions and will prepare a response to the Department of Planning and Environment for consideration, as part of the planning approval process.”

The redevelopment team recently attended the Granny Smith Festival in Eastwood, which attracts up to 90,000 people.

“It was a great opportunity for the team to explain what’s planned for the redevelopment, let the community know where we’re up to in the design process and talk next steps,” Fiona said.

Two consumer groups are in place and have provided feedback on the concept design and clinical spaces, as well as the building façade and landscaping.

“This feedback helps to inform the next stages of the project which include the schematic and detailed design, which will be a key focus for the second State Significant Development Application to be submitted early next year,” Fiona said.

“The community and consumer feedback sits alongside extensive Project User Group (PUG) consultation for the project, with over 140 PUG and Project Working Group meetings having been held to work through each of the departments included in the redevelopment.

“The involvement of the community together with consumer representatives, staff and clinicians in the planning and design process has been integral to the development.

“This is so important so we can ensure we create a facility that meets the needs of staff, patients and visitors to the hospital well into the future.