The Makeway Lab is a arts and health initiative that provides patient access to innovative technology and participatory programs to improve their health and well being. The Hospital Makerspace is a mobile facility equipped with digital design and fabrication technology such as, 3D printers, digital scanners and cutters that participant can interact with, to learn and create interesting things. An
example of social innovation, ultimately the Makeway Lab can deliver programs for a range of patient groups, including Dialysis, Mental Health, Oncology and Rehabilitation patients; Children and their families and others. Pilot
The Makeway Lab has been awarded funding by the Queensland Government to develop the hospital program and trial and research the activities to gauge their benefit for patients and the hospital community. The trial is to be delivered in partnership with a south east Queensland Hospital and see the development of the mobile Makeway Lab, an innovative trolley containing the digital tools and equipment required to deliver the program. The trolley can be moved alongside an individual or to a ward or unit so that that a group can learn, design and make things together. All components of the program have been developed through consultation with patients, hospital staff, healthcare and university professional and digital fabrication experts. Rationale
For patients - The Makeway Lab aims to motivate and empower patients; encourage participation; rehabilitation and healing; improve pain management and potentially re-skill people to build and renew their enthusiasm for life. With the view that we feel alive and valued when we can make and provide things, the Makeway Lab program will improve the hospital experience for patients and motivate their rehabilitation and wellbeing. For hospitals - The Makeway program accounts for the mental, social and physical health of patients, providing hospitals an innovative holistic service. Who
The Makeway Lab is being developed on the Sunshine Coast by Blue Sky View in partnership with:
-University of the Sunshine Coast - provide development and research support
- Queensland College of Art, Griffith University - provide digital fabrication support
- Materialise, international leaders in 3D printing for the health sector - software and equipment support
- Arts Queensland - funding support
More information
Further information
John Waldron: P. 0468 453 362 I E. [email protected]
www.makewaylab.com.au
