Honouring the vital work of WA's most critical aeromedical service

The Royal Flying Doctor Service of Western Australia

About This Project

Planning culturally sensitive healthcare

Employing trauma-informed design methodologies to plan complex aviation infrastructure empathetic to multiple stakeholders in the healthcare sector.

Minimising disruption

Planning multi-sector headquarters in a live aeromedical environment through operational continuity to ensure RDFS WA’s critical work can continue.

Integrating multi-use infrastructure

Combining aviation, health, commercial, and residential infrastructure within a single facility and adapting planning to suit multiple stakeholder requirements.

Project background

The Royal Flying Doctor Service WA (RFDS WA) believes that everyone, no matter where they live, deserves emergency services accessible through the air. Every day, RFDS WA receives approximately 500 calls and retrieves 28 people in Western Australia.

The RFDS WA headquarters has reached the end of its useful life. The essential service approached Bridge42 to plan a new headquarters that integrates aviation facilities, health services, commercial office space, and on-site accommodation, while supporting staff and patient well-being in a high-stress environment.

The project requires master planning, feasibility analysis, and business case development, as well as an understanding of the emotional and cultural complexities inherent in life-saving work.

The objective

Deliver master planning and feasibility analysis for the new RFDS WA headquarters, empathetic to diverse stakeholders while maintaining the continuous operations of flights retrieving critically ill people.

The considerations

Operational continuity

Ensuring RDFS WA can maintain aeromedical services during construction in a live environment where jets, prop planes, and helicopters operate, responding to emergencies across 2.5 million square kilometres.

Multi-sector integration

Combining aviation, health, infrastructure, commercial office, and residential sectors within a single facility, including hangars, accommodation, specialised medical and aviation training spaces, and collaborative workspaces.

Staff requirements

Creating functional environments for staff performing life-saving work, fostering open collaboration and well-being. Designing spaces that promote RFDS WA’s strategic principles – innovation, partnership, and safety.

Stakeholder engagement

In-depth understanding of diverse stakeholders, including Aboriginal communities, which represent 50% of patients, as well as aviation authorities, health regulators, operational staff, and executive leadership.

The approach

Human insight

RFDS WA perform vital work under pressure. We take a highly empathetic approach that combines human insight with technical expertise, investing time to understand the client’s complex business and operating models while remaining sensitive to the needs of patients and staff.

Connection to staff

We conducted a staff survey to determine the practical and emotional needs of RFDS WA employees. The analysis revealed the importance of visual connections to aircraft operations, for example, when employees watch aircraft departures on their coffee breaks. These work rituals connect staff with the RFDS WA’s purpose.

Trauma-informed design implementation

Both patients and staff experience high-stress situations. We are applying trauma-informed design principles, including emotional journey mapping for staff, patients, and their families, to ensure the physical environment supports their healing and well-being.

Cultural engagement and stakeholder management

Bridge42 conducted an extensive RFP process to select consultants for the project. We appointed architects Woods Bagot due to their genuine connection to the RFDS WA mission and shared values. Bridge42 is also in the process of appointing a First Nations engagement consultant who will seek input from First Nations communities to inform the design and improve healthcare outcomes for Aboriginal people.

Operational transition strategy

We will ensure RFDS WA can continue its services without interruption during development, including operational continuity planning for over 500 daily emergency calls and staged development to minimise flight operation disruptions.

The ongoing work

The RFDS WA headquarters project continues through 2028. Bridge42 is honoured to partner with this life-saving organisation. The new headquarters will embody the spirit of service that drives RFDS’s mission to bring hope and healing to the most remote areas of Western Australia.

Next Project

Social