Penrith local, Matt Roger, is one of our passionate consumer representatives generously sharing their lived experience to help maximise accessibility for all across the Nepean Hospital campus.
Matt, who has Multiple Sclerosis and uses a power wheelchair, helped pave the way for a new access ramp to be built outside the Nepean Hospital car park near Parker Street following feedback from the local community.
Directly engaging consumers in facility and service design improves access and helps shape health care across the District.
Matt says he is excited his contribution resulted in real action.
“Whether you’re using a wheelchair, pushing a pram or being aided by a walking stick the new ramp is making access to the Hospital just that little bit easier,” says Matt.
“This is consumer advocacy at its most powerful. It’s hard to cater to every individual’s needs, and while sometimes you won’t get it right the first time, it’s important to acknowledge and consider options that are inclusive for everyone.”
“I applaud Nepean Hospital for listening to their consumer representatives and acting on feedback received from the community.”
Consumers of NBMLHD services are driving change with their feedback leading to further improvements across the campus as part of the Hospital’s redevelopment.
Some of the accessibility features within the new Nepean Hospital Clinical Tower include ultra-wide public lifts with slow closing doors and high-contrast patient rooms to improve safety for patients admitted with dementia or cognitive impairment.
The Clinical Tower also includes improvements to wayfinding, making it easier to identify facilities and services. A redesigned Hospital map highlights accessible footpaths and entries across the campus to assist navigation. Departments also include Darug language signs with English translations to help make areas more welcoming and culturally appropriate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
