Officially opened in 2003, FVH is recognised as an international-standard general-tertiary hospital offering a wide range of medical and surgical services – all under one roof – from consultation and diagnosis, through to the completion of the patient’s treatment.

The hospital complex comprises of three main components: the main building, which houses the main Medical and Surgical facilities; the annex clinic comprising the Nuclear Medicine and Ophthalmology areas; and, the housing compound for staff.

The main building is designed as a compact 3 floor square base or podium, unifying all Out-Patients Departments, Surgical Facilities (9 operating theatres), ICU, NICU, Radiotherapy, Imaging, Laboratory, Accident & Emergency, Day Hospital and Administration areas.

The design evolved from the strict analysis of the circulation flows and the optimisation of every link connecting one department to another. Each route was carefully assessed in order to keep it to the minimum distance. The compactness also made for more efficient M&E services.

Hovering above the podium, we have designed a slab building which houses the hospital rooms, with 2 wards per floor. The wards are organised around a central lift and vertical circulation core that distribute two corridors with rooms on each façade. Between the corridors medical and support services to the rooms are arranged, with cross circulation.

The hovering effect is accentuated by the glass façade to the intermediate floor, where the administration offices are, and by the overhangs on both sides. The overall composition is a reflection of both stability and modernity, of dispensing the latest medical treatment in the safest environment.

The new interiors that are currently being implemented are also a reflection of the same aims. They are composed of very simple lines and organised in various compositions mixing soft and hard surfaces. The colours are also variations; each space retains some of the quality of the whole but is varied slightly. This will emphasize continuity in the different public areas – a reassuring element – while identifying each area specifically.

The roof of the podium is designed as a public garden for the use of both patients and staff. The garden opens onto the Conference Centre and the Administration area. Also located on the roof is a steel clad plant room, immediately above the Operating Theatres. All services to the OT’s are centralised here, allowing for easily accessible equipment and maintenance work to be carried out, without having to intrude into the OT area below.

Just outside and linked to the main building by a covered walkway, stands the clinic. This annex houses the Nuclear Medicine Department and the Ophthalmologic Clinic. The building is a single floor today, but is designed to allow for a two-floor extension.