Strategic Rationale
The current operating theatres at Port Moresby General Hospital (PMGH) were constructed in 1974 and are increasingly inadequate for consistently performing complex modern surgeries. The hospital needs urgent infrastructure upgrades to support its expanding cardiac, renal/dialysis, and cancer programmes.
The Walter Strong redevelopment serves as a proactive and immediate solution to expand surgical capacity, bridging the gap as Port Moresby General Hospital prepares for a future standalone surgical building envisioned for 2030. Clinical demand forecasting indicates a need for 18 additional theatres over the next 15 years. Refurbishing and expanding the existing Walter Strong Building provides a much faster and more cost-effective solution for immediate surgical infrastructure needs.
Flowtint's Involvement
This development is demonstration of Flowtint experience in rehabilitating ( transforming) an existing building into a modern, state of the art facility. The challenge to maintain existing services and construct three additional floors on top of the existing structure and create connections ( fire compartments, 9A code compliance) to adjacent building to ensure efficient patient and staff flow. The existing building will also receive a "maintenance free" facade upgrade that is modern.
Proposed Scope of Works
Level 1
Endoscopy & Short Stay: Converting unoccupied space into a new Endoscopy Suite and Short Stay Ward to shift care toward more cost-effective day admissions.
Level 3
New ICU/CCU: A brand new, purpose-built 1239 m² Intensive Care Unit with two main ICU pods containing 16 bays (including 4 isolation rooms).
Levels 4 & 5
Operating Theatres: Adding two levels to accommodate a Hybrid Cardiovascular theatre, a major 60 m² operating theatre, and necessary plant rooms.
Architectural & Technological Features
Modern Facade & Materials
The building will receive a full facelift featuring prefinished fibre-cement cladding, metal sheeting, and curtain walls, prepared for the 50th Independence Celebrations in September 2025.
Modular Theatre Technology
Utilising "AirFRAME" modular ceilings to achieve cleanroom-level airflow, ensuring the highest standards of sterility in surgical environments.
Advanced Infection Control
Integration of "Indigo-Clean" lighting technology, which continuously kills bacteria and viruses in both the air and on surfaces.
4K/3D Digital Integration
Vendor-neutral digital integration systems for advanced imaging and surgical precise guidance.
Project Snapshot
Location
Port Moresby General Hospital Campus, NCD, Papua New Guinea.
