Melrose Doctors Surgery Reading

CASE STUDY

About

PROJECT Overview

Acute Elevators were appointed to deliver a complete vertical‑transportation solution for Melrose Surgery, a newly developed, modern GP practice in Reading. The building required two distinct lift systems to ensure full accessibility for all visitors, including those with reduced mobility, while meeting the stringent requirements of Part M and the Machinery Directive. The project combined a short‑rise steplift to overcome an internal level change and a low‑pit, low‑headroom passenger lift providing access between the ground‑floor reception and first‑floor treatment rooms.

History

A beautiful place and well located near nature

Location

Wellness hotel in the heart of nature and mountains

Services

We offer a wide range of services in our hotel

History

A beautiful place and well located near nature

Location

Wellness hotel in the heart of nature and mountains

Services

We offer a wide range of services in our hotel

PROJECT SUMMARY

The installation comprised two purpose‑designed lift systems:

•              Lift 1 –Part M Compliant DDA Step Lift

A short‑rise platform lift was installed to support less‑abled visitors navigating a level change on the ground floor. The lift provides smooth, reliable travel over a small rise, ensuring full compliance with Part M and DDA requirements while integrating discreetly into the building’s circulation route.

•              Lift 2 –Low Pit, Low Headroom Passenger Lift

A fully Part M compliant passenger lift was installed to connect the reception area with the first‑floor clinical spaces. Designed to operate within the constraints of a low pit and low headroom shaft, the lift features a 1400 x 1100 mm car, one‑touch controls, and telescopic doors fitted to both the car and landings. Built to Machinery Directive standards, the lift provides safe, efficient, and comfortable travel for all users, including wheelchair users and those with mobility aids.

Together, these installations ensure seamless accessibility throughout the surgery, supporting patient flow and enhancing the overall user experience.

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PROJECT Introduction

Melrose Surgery required a vertical‑transportation solution that aligned with the building’s modern design while meeting strict accessibility and compliance standards. Acute Elevators were engaged early in the project to assess the building layout, identify the most suitable lift technologies, and deliver a fully integrated installation that would support both clinical operations and patient comfort.

The ground‑floor level change presented a barrier for less‑abled visitors, necessitating a compact, reliable steplift. Meanwhile, the first‑floor treatment rooms required a passenger lift capable of operating within a restricted shaft environment without compromising performance or compliance. Acute Elevators developed a tailored solution that addressed both requirements within the architectural constraints of the new building.

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Challenge

The project presented several technical and operational challenges:

•              RestrictedShaft Dimensions

The passenger lift had to be engineered for a low pit and low headroom environment, requiring careful selection of equipment that could deliver full Part M compliance without structural alteration.

•              Clinical Environment Sensitivity

As a GP practice, the building demanded quiet, smooth, and unobtrusive lift operation to maintain a calm environment for patients and staff.

•              AccessibilityRequirements

Both lifts needed to meet the requirements of Part M and the Equality Act, ensuring safe and dignified movement for all users, including wheelchair users and those with limited mobility.

•              Integration with refurbishement Construction

Coordination with the main contractor was essential to ensure lift interfaces, power supplies, and structural provisions were delivered accurately and on programme.

These challenges required a combination of precise engineering, proactive coordination, and a clear understanding of the operational needs of a modern healthcare facility.

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Solution

Acute Elevators delivered a fully compliant, carefully engineered solution comprising:

•              Part M Step Lift

Installed at the ground‑floor level change, the step lift provides safe, intuitive operation with minimal visual impact. Its compact footprint and smooth platform travel ensure easy use for wheelchair users and those with reduced mobility.

•              Machinery Directive Passenger Lift

The main passenger lift was designed specifically for low pit and low headroom conditions, ensuring full compliance without requiring structural modification. Key features include:

•              1400 x1100 mm lift car, suitable for wheelchair users and carers

•              One‑touch controls for ease of use

•              Telescopic doors on the car and landings for efficient, reliable operation

•              Energy‑efficient drive system providing smooth, quiet travel

•              Full Part M compliance, ensuring accessibility and safety for all users

Both lifts were installed with a focus on reliability, ease of maintenance, and long‑term serviceability, ensuring the surgery benefits from dependable vertical transportation from day one.

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Result

The installation was completed in line with the construction programme, with Acute Elevators maintaining close communication with the main contractor and client team throughout. Regular site inspections, progress updates, and technical coordination ensured the lifts were delivered,installed, and commissioned without disruption to the wider build schedule.

Following installation, both lifts underwent full testing,commissioning, and verification, with all compliance checks witnessed and documented. The lifts now provide:

•              Seamless accessibility across both floors of the surgery

•              Improved patient flow between reception and treatment areas

•              Quiet,reliable operation suited to a clinical environment

•              Long‑term compliance with Part M, DDA, and Machinery Directive standards

The project was delivered to the high standards expected by Acute Elevators, and the client expressed appreciation for the professionalism, clarity, and technical expertise demonstrated throughout the installation.

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SPEAK TO THE TEAM

If you need some advice on choosing which lift will meet your requirements, discuss a project, request a quotation or find out more about Acute Elevators, please contact a member of our team.

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