Improved pedestrian safety, lighting upgrades and new handrails have been implemented across Westmead as part of a collaborative partnership between the Westmead Health Precinct and the Safer Cities program, a state-wide program funded by Transport for NSW.
The aim of the project was to deliver initiatives that help make Westmead feel safer and more welcoming for all people, but in particular for women, girls and gender diverse people.
At Westmead, the project began in August 2023 and included an extensive consultation and engagement process including surveys, ‘walkshops’ and co-designing solutions with staff, students and the community.
Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) Records Officer, Marie Lahey has been part of the process since day one.
“I feel valued being part of the engagement sessions,” she said.
“The best thing was being able to identify, review, and suggest solutions to make our health precinct safe.”
Marie Lahey, Records Officer, WSLHD
In just over 12 months, several place-based improvements were installed across Westmead, including:
- An upgraded pathway, including new handrails and lighting upgrades near Entrance 4 at Westmead Hospital.
- New footpaths and crossings to improve pedestrian safety near Westmead Hospital’s staff car parking, including new decorative light features.
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WSLHD’s Executive Director of Operations, Alison Derrett is one of thousands of staff, patients, visitors, and community members who use the path every day.
“The impact to the space outside entrance 4 [of Westmead Hospital] is noticeable. As someone who walks through that area to get to and from the train station, the atmosphere has improved due to the lighting upgrades,” she said.
The Westmead Health Precinct will conclude the program by publishing a summary of the findings to be used by Precinct partners as guidelines to be considered as part of future redevelopment.
Read more about the Safer Cities program ➔
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