State Health Operations Centre, Perth, WA

he State Health Operations Centre, or SHOC, is a centralised hub that brings together some of Western Australia’s most critical healthcare functions. Located across 2 levels the facility integrates services such as virtual care, patient transport booking, ambulance operations and emergency department coordination into one unified location. Having these services co-located enables faster clinical decisions, improved visibility and more connected responses to patient needs, particularly during high-pressure periods.

Delivered by the Department of Health in collaboration with partners including WA Country Health Service, St John WA, the Royal Flying Doctor Service and the Department of Fire and Emergency Services, SHOC plays a key role in improving how people access care across the state. It also sits in the same building as the WA Police Force State Operations Command Centre, giving SHOC direct access to critical network and power infrastructure that supports continuous operations and timely responses during emergencies.

The new fitout covers approximately 2,100 m² across the 2 levels, including an additional 340 m² of balcony area. The space includes open-plan workstations, triage areas, enclosed meeting rooms, breakout spaces, emergency response rooms, kitchenettes and executive offices. Each area is designed to help frontline staff work more closely across disciplines and respond rapidly as conditions shift.

NDY provided hydraulic and wet fire protection services to support these functions. Our hydraulic design included connections for kitchenettes, external hose-taps and stormwater drainage for the balcony area. We also delivered a dedicated condensate drainage system to support air-conditioning performance across both floors.

Special attention was given to integration with existing Telstra infrastructure, due to the wider building being used as a national exchange for communication networks. The location of the project within this environment created several technical constraints. On 1 level, for example, the breakout area and kitchenette were located above critical communications equipment. We overcame this by designing a pumped solution for drainage to mitigate risk and avoid disruption to operations below.

Similarly, our wet fire protection design addressed complex ceiling arrangements. Sprinklers positioned beneath a partially open feature ceiling were at risk of cooling from concealed sprinklers above. To address this without compromising performance or aesthetics, we designed and specified a metal shield that protects the lower sprinkler heads.

Throughout the project, our team modified the existing sprinkler, hydrant and hose reel systems to deliver effective coverage and compliance. Portable extinguishers were added based on risk and use of individual rooms. All fire services were delivered in line with AS2118 requirements and tailored to align with detailed ceiling and ductwork layouts.

Every element of NDY’s contribution has helped the Department of Health create a facility that not only performs under pressure but gives healthcare teams the clarity and tools they need to lead emergency responses at a state level. SHOC is more than just a workspace. It is an environment that connects the right teams with the right information at the right time, helping to deliver better outcomes for the people of Western Australia.