AAHP August Forum - Case Study of New Betio Hospital Kiribati

Wednesday 26 August

5:30pm AEST | 7:30pm NZ

MS Teams

New Betio Hospital Stage 1 is a contemporary, human-centred healthcare facility designed to improve access to maternity, neonatal and paediatric services for one of Kiribati’s most densely populated communities. The project responds to the absence of a dedicated local facility for women, newborns and children, supporting the Ministry of Health and Medical Services’ objectives to improve health outcomes and bring essential care closer to home.

Cath Lewin will offer her reflections of the clinical model and facility brief which were developed through extensive engagement with clinicians, nurses, midwives, support services, government representatives and community stakeholders.

Jorge Anaya will share the design thinking which resulted in a single-storey, courtyard-based plan which provides clear and efficient care pathways, improved privacy and dignity, and facilities sized to support safe contemporary care.  The design incorporates future readiness through adaptable planning and digital infrastructure.

The project demonstrates how evidence-informed planning, cultural responsiveness and pragmatic design can deliver resilient healthcare infrastructure in a resource-constrained island setting.

In acknowledgement, the project won the award for excellence in health planning at the recent European Healthcare Design 2026 Congress in London for demonstrating evidence-informed planning, cultural responsiveness and pragmatic design in the delivery of resilient healthcare infrastructure in a resource-constrained island setting.

The Pacific Island Countries such as Kiribati, present unique challenges and opportunities for health planners. Annabel Frazer will set the scene with reflections on the planning and design of sustainable healthcare services and infrastructure across the Pacific, from Fiji to Papua New Guinea.