Preparing your team

What's next?

As we approach the opening of the Wattle Building in 2026, it’s crucial for all staff to be prepared for new ways of working. 

Several working groups are focused on addressing campus-wide changes to ensure a smooth transition for areas such as: 

  • Hospital after hours 
  • Food services 
  • Security  
  • Disaster management 
  • Team based working environments  
  • Multi-purpose rooms 

The Redevelopment team is supporting departments who are moving into the Wattle Building with new model of care development. 

If your team would like to develop a model of care for your department, please reach out for the model of care template via SCHN-Redev@health.nsw.gov.au.  

Tips to help you and your team stay connected

The new hospital campus will see staff moving across a larger footprint. Maintaining strong team relationships when working across a large campus requires intentional effort and effective communication strategies. 

Here are some tips to help you and your team stay connected while adjusting to new ways of working. 

Regular communication

  • Establish regular consistent communication channels or meetings to keep everyone informed about consult requests, updates, and other relevant information.  
  • Ensure that everyone understands the team's goals, objectives, and individual roles. Clear communication about expectations and responsibilities helps in aligning efforts across the campus. 

Use technology to bridge distance

  • Leverage technology tools including Teams video conferencing for face-to-face interactions, even if team members are physically distant. This helps maintain a sense of presence and connection. 

Collaborative tools

  • Utilise collaborative platforms such as Medtasker to facilitate teamwork and transparency. 

Foster a team culture

  • Encourage regular team building and connection initiatives that promote camaraderie. This could include virtual coffee breaks, team lunches, or occasional off-campus outings if feasible. 

Celebrate successes

  • Recognise and celebrate achievements, milestones, and contributions from team members across the hospital campus, both big and small. This fosters a sense of unity and motivation within the team. 

Clarify communication protocols

  • Establish clear guidelines for communication and response times, especially when team members are spread out. This reduces misunderstandings and ensures efficient information flow. 

Face-to-face meetings

  • Whenever possible, organise face-to-face meetings or gatherings to strengthen personal connections. These meetings can enhance team bonding and understanding. This could include planned team lunch breaks together.  

Feedback and support

  • Ensure there are regular opportunities for you and your team to provide feedback to each other on how things are going. This helps in addressing challenges and fostering a supportive environment across the large campus. 

Adaptability and flexibility

  • Be adaptable to changes and flexible in accommodating different working styles and preferences across the campus. Encourage open dialogue to address concerns and improve collaboration. Reassure your team that changes can be made along the way as you trial new ways of working on the new campus. 

Check in with others

  • Establish regular check-ins with your manager about how your team is working across the new campus. This helps ensure you are getting the support you need as well as connecting you with other support when required.  
  • Touch base with other teams that are also working across the new campus. This helps foster further connections as well as giving you and your team ideas on what the team might like to try to enhance how they work together. 
  • It is important to understand that people may often belong to more than one team and ensure that this is accommodated and supported. 

'Day in the life' simulations

Want to understand more about how the campus changes may impact your team? Consider simulating a day in the life of operating in the new building by using the “CHW Journey Mapping Tool” to understand your team’s new flow.  

Reach out to the Redevelopment team for support in running a tabletop simulation to understand the new ways of working. 

Email: SCHN-Redev@health.nsw.gov.au