Latest news with #DisabilityDiscriminationAct
Time Business News
21-05-2025
- Health
- Time Business News
Planning a Medical Centre Fitout That Works for Patients and Professionals
Designing a medical centre fitout goes far beyond aesthetics. It's about building a functional, compliant, and welcoming environment that supports medical professionals and puts patients at ease. Whether you're opening a new clinic or revamping an existing space, a well-planned fitout ensures your facility meets industry standards, optimises workflow, and enhances the patient experience. From layout to lighting, and compliance to comfort, every detail contributes to how your medical practice operates. A poorly designed clinic can lead to patient dissatisfaction, reduced staff productivity, and compliance issues. That's why it's crucial to approach the fitout process with strategic planning and a focus on long-term functionality. Healthcare environments are unique. Unlike commercial offices or retail spaces, a medical centre fitout must accommodate both clinical requirements and human comfort. It needs to balance sterile, efficient spaces for practitioners with warm, approachable zones for patients and families. For instance, reception and waiting areas should be designed to ease anxiety and reduce stress. Natural light, calming colours, and comfortable seating go a long way in making patients feel more relaxed. On the other hand, consulting rooms, treatment areas, and sterilisation zones must prioritise hygiene, privacy, and accessibility. When these areas are carefully thought out, the result is a medical facility that promotes trust, efficiency, and professional credibility. Every medical centre fitout must adhere to specific building codes and healthcare regulations. This includes accessibility standards under the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA), infection control measures, ventilation guidelines, and proper waste management protocols. Accreditation bodies such as the RACGP (Royal Australian College of General Practitioners) also have standards that your practice must meet if it offers general practice services. These standards often impact the design and layout of spaces like treatment rooms, medication storage, and staff facilities. Working with a fitout specialist who understands healthcare compliance is essential. It ensures that the design doesn't just look good, but functions legally and safely, protecting both patients and your practice from potential liabilities. A successful medical centre fitout considers how practitioners, nurses, and administrative staff move through the space. Every step, from a patient checking in at reception to being seen in a consulting room, should feel seamless. Poor layout choices—like having staff walk across the building to access sterilisation equipment or placing storage in hard-to-reach locations—can slow operations down. On the other hand, a well-thought-out design can reduce wait times, support better record-keeping, and minimise disruptions during consultations. Key design considerations include strategically placed consulting rooms, easy access to shared treatment areas, logical storage placement, and separate pathways for staff and patients where necessary. These elements make daily routines easier for medical professionals and less frustrating for patients. When someone walks into a medical centre, their first impression is shaped by what they see, hear, and feel. A modern, welcoming medical centre fitout helps build patient trust and ease. That begins with a clear signage system, an uncluttered reception area, and a warm colour palette. Noise reduction is another crucial aspect. Acoustic treatments can make a big difference in patient privacy and overall comfort. Nobody wants to overhear private consultations or deal with noisy waiting rooms. Amenities like accessible bathrooms, dedicated children's play zones, or even coffee stations can also leave a positive impression, especially in practices where patients may spend longer waiting or return frequently. Today's medical centres rely heavily on technology—from digital records and online booking systems to diagnostic tools and telehealth platforms. A smart medical centre fitout includes infrastructure that supports these technologies. This could mean installing enough data ports in consulting rooms, ensuring strong Wi-Fi coverage, setting up secure server rooms, and including patient charging stations in the waiting area. Considering future tech upgrades during the fitout phase can save time and costs down the road. It's also worth thinking about how to integrate tech without making the space feel impersonal. Hidden cables, built-in screens, and sleek wall-mounted devices keep everything professional without overwhelming the clinical environment. A successful medical centre fitout is the result of collaboration between you, your staff, and an experienced fitout company. It's important to partner with professionals who understand the nuances of healthcare design, local council requirements, and patient behaviour. Before starting any work, a detailed consultation should take place to assess your current space, future needs, and branding preferences. From here, a reliable fitout company can guide you through planning, permits, construction, and finishing touches. A good fitout partner will also be transparent about timelines, costs, and materials used—ensuring you stay informed every step of the way. A well-executed medical centre fitout does more than improve your physical space. It supports better healthcare delivery, improves staff workflow, ensures compliance, and creates a positive environment for your patients. Whether you're starting fresh or upgrading an old clinic, investing in a thoughtful fitout helps your practice stand out in a competitive healthcare landscape. If you're planning a fitout soon, consider what your space needs to function better today—and be flexible enough to evolve with tomorrow. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Time Out
21-05-2025
- Business
- Time Out
Huge rebuild underway for Fishermans Jetty in Mornington Harbour
Ahoy, there! Anglers and sailors alike will be glad to know that works are officially underway to rebuild the much-loved Fishermans Jetty in Mornington Harbour. The news comes off the back of two other Mornington Peninsula jetties – the Warneet North and South jetties – also receiving a fresh makeover. Living up to its name, Fishermans Jetty has been a favourite for casting a line or berthing a boat in the harbour. Originally built between 1880 and 1885, the jetty has been repaired one too many times over the years – and by 2020, it had deteriorated so badly that it had to be closed to the public. The Allan Labor government stepped in. As part of an $18 million investment in the 2022-23 Victorian budget, a project was developed to restore the area. It promises safe berthing access and improved public use, while supporting local tourism and creating jobs in the area. It's a vital investment – Victoria's local ports and piers contribute more than $900 million each year to regional and coastal economies through tourism, marine activities and commercial fishing. 'The new jetty will provide safer access for anglers, boaters and tourists, continuing the momentum from completed projects around Port Phillip at Altona and the flagship $53 million St Kilda Pier redevelopment,' said minister for ports and freight, Melissa Horne. The first stage – dismantling and removing the old jetty – was completed in 2024. Construction of the new jetty began in April, with completion expected in the second half of this year. While respecting the area's heritage, the new design will be modern, inclusive and functional to meet current and future needs – for recreational users, commercial operators and tourists alike. The rebuilt jetty will have durable timber decking for a traditional look and feel, safe water access via ladders, dedicated berthing spaces, all-abilities access to meet Disability Discrimination Act standards and improved water access for harbour users. If all goes to plan, the new-look Fishermans Jetty will preserve an iconic part of Mornington's coastal charm, while enhancing the harbour as both a working port and a recreational haven for generations to come. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox. RECOMMENDED:
Time Out
21-05-2025
- Business
- Time Out
The massive rebuild of Fishermans Jetty in Mornington Harbour is underway
Ahoy, there! Anglers and sailors alike will be glad to know that works are officially underway to rebuild the much-loved Fishermans Jetty in Mornington Harbour. The news comes off the back of two other Mornington Peninsula jetties – the Warneet North and South jetties – also receiving a fresh makeover. Living up to its name, Fishermans Jetty has been a favourite for casting a line or berthing a boat in the harbour. Originally built between 1880 and 1885, the jetty has been repaired one too many times over the years – and by 2020, it had deteriorated so badly that it had to be closed to the public. The Allan Labor government stepped in. As part of an $18 million investment in the 2022-23 Victorian budget, a project was developed to restore the area. It promises safe berthing access and improved public use, while supporting local tourism and creating jobs in the area. It's a vital investment – Victoria's local ports and piers contribute more than $900 million each year to regional and coastal economies through tourism, marine activities and commercial fishing. 'The new jetty will provide safer access for anglers, boaters and tourists, continuing the momentum from completed projects around Port Phillip at Altona and the flagship $53 million St Kilda Pier redevelopment,' said minister for ports and freight, Melissa Horne. The first stage – dismantling and removing the old jetty – was completed in 2024. Construction of the new jetty began in April, with completion expected in the second half of this year. While respecting the area's heritage, the new design will be modern, inclusive and functional to meet current and future needs – for recreational users, commercial operators and tourists alike. The rebuilt jetty will have durable timber decking for a traditional look and feel, safe water access via ladders, dedicated berthing spaces, all-abilities access to meet Disability Discrimination Act standards and improved water access for harbour users. If all goes to plan, the new-look Fishermans Jetty will preserve an iconic part of Mornington's coastal charm, while enhancing the harbour as both a working port and a recreational haven for generations to come.
The Advertiser
19-05-2025
- The Advertiser
An alpaca walked into a supermarket and now the matter is in court
An anti-discrimination complaint arising from an alpaca being used as an assistance animal in an IGA supermarket has been referred to the Magistrates Court for determination. The complaint by Abbygail-Nigella Borst and Desmond Gaull against IGA Everyday Orford was initially made to the state's Anti-Discrimination Commissioner, who then referred it to the Tasmanian Civil and Administrative Tribunal. The pair filed a complaint after they entered the store in December 2023 with an alpaca named Violet, described as an assistance animal, and were asked to leave as livestock was not permitted in the store. They alleged the direct and indirect discrimination, as well as humiliating, intimidating, insulting or ridiculing conduct by the respondent. The discrimination was on the basis that Ms Borst had a disability and that the Disability Discrimination Act had been breached. She provided a medical certificate to the Anti-Discrimination Commissioner in which her physician stated that Violent was used as part of her therapy. The store argued that the animal should not be allowed within the store in accordance with its obligations under the state's Food Act and the Food Standards Australia and New Zealand Act. In making his decision, TASCAT senior member Robert Winter said he did not consider the matter being progressed through the tribunal as the appropriate course of action, and transferred the complaint to the Magistrates Court. A video recently appeared online from what appears to be security camera vision from within an IGA supermarket at Sheffield. It captures a person with an alpaca at a checkout. The supermarket later stated that an alpaca could not be used as an assistance animal and apologised for any discomfort that may have been caused to customers. The Disability Discrimination Act does not define what can or cannot be used as an assistance animal. Sections of the act allow a person to request that information to confirm another person's need to have an assistance animal with them in a particular place, and for the animal to be trained to meet standards of hygiene and behaviour appropriate for being in a public place. An anti-discrimination complaint arising from an alpaca being used as an assistance animal in an IGA supermarket has been referred to the Magistrates Court for determination. The complaint by Abbygail-Nigella Borst and Desmond Gaull against IGA Everyday Orford was initially made to the state's Anti-Discrimination Commissioner, who then referred it to the Tasmanian Civil and Administrative Tribunal. The pair filed a complaint after they entered the store in December 2023 with an alpaca named Violet, described as an assistance animal, and were asked to leave as livestock was not permitted in the store. They alleged the direct and indirect discrimination, as well as humiliating, intimidating, insulting or ridiculing conduct by the respondent. The discrimination was on the basis that Ms Borst had a disability and that the Disability Discrimination Act had been breached. She provided a medical certificate to the Anti-Discrimination Commissioner in which her physician stated that Violent was used as part of her therapy. The store argued that the animal should not be allowed within the store in accordance with its obligations under the state's Food Act and the Food Standards Australia and New Zealand Act. In making his decision, TASCAT senior member Robert Winter said he did not consider the matter being progressed through the tribunal as the appropriate course of action, and transferred the complaint to the Magistrates Court. A video recently appeared online from what appears to be security camera vision from within an IGA supermarket at Sheffield. It captures a person with an alpaca at a checkout. The supermarket later stated that an alpaca could not be used as an assistance animal and apologised for any discomfort that may have been caused to customers. The Disability Discrimination Act does not define what can or cannot be used as an assistance animal. Sections of the act allow a person to request that information to confirm another person's need to have an assistance animal with them in a particular place, and for the animal to be trained to meet standards of hygiene and behaviour appropriate for being in a public place. An anti-discrimination complaint arising from an alpaca being used as an assistance animal in an IGA supermarket has been referred to the Magistrates Court for determination. The complaint by Abbygail-Nigella Borst and Desmond Gaull against IGA Everyday Orford was initially made to the state's Anti-Discrimination Commissioner, who then referred it to the Tasmanian Civil and Administrative Tribunal. The pair filed a complaint after they entered the store in December 2023 with an alpaca named Violet, described as an assistance animal, and were asked to leave as livestock was not permitted in the store. They alleged the direct and indirect discrimination, as well as humiliating, intimidating, insulting or ridiculing conduct by the respondent. The discrimination was on the basis that Ms Borst had a disability and that the Disability Discrimination Act had been breached. She provided a medical certificate to the Anti-Discrimination Commissioner in which her physician stated that Violent was used as part of her therapy. The store argued that the animal should not be allowed within the store in accordance with its obligations under the state's Food Act and the Food Standards Australia and New Zealand Act. In making his decision, TASCAT senior member Robert Winter said he did not consider the matter being progressed through the tribunal as the appropriate course of action, and transferred the complaint to the Magistrates Court. A video recently appeared online from what appears to be security camera vision from within an IGA supermarket at Sheffield. It captures a person with an alpaca at a checkout. The supermarket later stated that an alpaca could not be used as an assistance animal and apologised for any discomfort that may have been caused to customers. The Disability Discrimination Act does not define what can or cannot be used as an assistance animal. Sections of the act allow a person to request that information to confirm another person's need to have an assistance animal with them in a particular place, and for the animal to be trained to meet standards of hygiene and behaviour appropriate for being in a public place. An anti-discrimination complaint arising from an alpaca being used as an assistance animal in an IGA supermarket has been referred to the Magistrates Court for determination. The complaint by Abbygail-Nigella Borst and Desmond Gaull against IGA Everyday Orford was initially made to the state's Anti-Discrimination Commissioner, who then referred it to the Tasmanian Civil and Administrative Tribunal. The pair filed a complaint after they entered the store in December 2023 with an alpaca named Violet, described as an assistance animal, and were asked to leave as livestock was not permitted in the store. They alleged the direct and indirect discrimination, as well as humiliating, intimidating, insulting or ridiculing conduct by the respondent. The discrimination was on the basis that Ms Borst had a disability and that the Disability Discrimination Act had been breached. She provided a medical certificate to the Anti-Discrimination Commissioner in which her physician stated that Violent was used as part of her therapy. The store argued that the animal should not be allowed within the store in accordance with its obligations under the state's Food Act and the Food Standards Australia and New Zealand Act. In making his decision, TASCAT senior member Robert Winter said he did not consider the matter being progressed through the tribunal as the appropriate course of action, and transferred the complaint to the Magistrates Court. A video recently appeared online from what appears to be security camera vision from within an IGA supermarket at Sheffield. It captures a person with an alpaca at a checkout. The supermarket later stated that an alpaca could not be used as an assistance animal and apologised for any discomfort that may have been caused to customers. The Disability Discrimination Act does not define what can or cannot be used as an assistance animal. Sections of the act allow a person to request that information to confirm another person's need to have an assistance animal with them in a particular place, and for the animal to be trained to meet standards of hygiene and behaviour appropriate for being in a public place.
The Courier
25-04-2025
- General
- The Courier
Stagecoach probes 'abuse' aimed at Fife wheelchair user on bus
A Fife bus user has raised concerns about the accessibility of Stagecoach's buses after her 'horrible' experience on one. Wheelchair user Rowena Arrandale was on the 39 service to Kirkcaldy on April 15 when she claims she was 'verbally abused' by a fellow passenger. The 42-year-old social care worker says they targeted her after two buggies had to be folded to allow space for her wheelchair. In a Facebook post, Kirkcaldy resident Rowena described the operator's new minibuses as 'ill-equipped'. Stagecoach introduced six new zero-emission minibuses to its fleet at the Glenrothes bus depot in November last year. Rowena told The Courier: 'There were passengers just talking amongst themselves about why they should have to fold up their buggies. 'A passenger basically said 'why is that allowed on the bus?' And they just kept going. 'I felt really unsafe because they were riling up other passengers around them and it's not fair. 'One lady was particularly mouthy and I could hear what was being said between passengers, even though they weren't shouting. 'It's horrible because I had to face the other passengers as a wheelchair user. 'Everybody else put their heads down and stayed silent. 'Some passengers even laughed at me.' Rowena is a regular user of the buses, but posted she was playing 'wheelchair roulette' when boarding services. On this occasion, she had joined the 39 service around halfway between Glenrothes and Thornton. Rowena added: 'I had a word with the bus driver at the end and he was apologetic and polite. 'I just want him to understand I needed help because I felt like the responsibility was put back on me. 'I want change out of this. 'The old design of buses had their flaws, but there was always space. 'Stagecoach has to provide buses suitable for the needs of people today.' Rowena complained to Stagecoach East Scotland. The operator says vehicles based at its Glenrothes depot are compliant with the Disability Discrimination Act. The company also discussed the incident with Rowena. A Stagecoach East Scotland spokesperson said: 'We were concerned to hear of this incident and immediately launched an investigation. 'We are committed to ensuring bus travel is accessible to everyone and can confirm that all of our vehicles are wheelchair accessible. 'Our conditions of carriage state that wheelchair spaces can be used by customers if not in use, and that walkways must be clear in order to meet safety standards. 'Our drivers will instruct any non-wheelchair users in the wheelchair space to move elsewhere when a wheelchair user requires the space. 'Our drivers receive extensive customer service training, which specifically focuses on disability awareness. 'We take all feedback very seriously and continue to use this to improve our services.'
