Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow

Suspended Access Solutions for Internal Core Refurbishment

Client: Graham Construction
Location: Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow
Project Start: 2022 – 2026
Delivery Partner: Apollo Cradles

Project Overview

Apollo Cradles was commissioned to support the refurbishment of four internal cores at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, involving the removal and replacement of deteriorated cladding. Operating within a live healthcare setting, the project required bespoke access strategies to meet both engineering constraints and patient-care standards. The initial works were sequenced over 2 years starting in November 2022 and completing in September 2024. Apollo are due back onsite to continue the works in 2026, we still have a big presence onsite as we have supplied a heavy-duty monorail to assist in their next stage of works during 2025.

Collaborative Planning

In partnership with Graham Construction, Apollo co-developed a tailored execution programme to install suspended access cradles that would:

  •  Enable out-of-hours working, preserving hospital continuity.
  •  Strategically distribute access equipment to minimise footprint.
  •  Align solutions with healthcare protocols and live safety procedures.

This seamless coordination reflected Apollo’s ethical leadership and low-impact delivery ethos to achieve the high standard the client required on this project.

Engineering Innovation

Faced with extensive cradle requirements, Apollo reimagined traditional counterbalance systems and implemented mechanical anchoring on the core roof, this provided:

  •  Reduced slab loading, avoiding disruptive back-propping.
  •  Clear service zone protection in plant rooms.
  •  Safer, more ergonomic workflows for operatives.

Anchoring was integrated collaboratively with Graham’s teams to support real-time logistics and compliance.

As the project was deemed a high-risk project due to the public area where the works were located, all cradle installation were independently checked by a senior Apollo manager and all design drawings and calculations were checked/provided by a 3rd party engineer. Once these check Due to the nature and timings of the works Apollo were able to offer a 24hr call out service on some stages of the project.

Monorail Panel Handling System

To streamline cladding works, Apollo deployed independent NIKO monorail systems at each cradle point. These systems delivered:

  •  Dedicated panel transport routes.
  •  Enhanced manual handling safety.
  •  Fast turnaround with minimal downtime.
  •  Autonomous cradle operation to support multi-phase sequencing.

This solution enabled Graham’s operatives to execute complex panel tasks with speed, safety, and precision.

 Outcomes

  • 📅 On-schedule delivery with zero operational disruptions.
  • 🔍 Full compliance with LOLER 9.2(B) and thorough examination standards.
  • 👍 Client recognition for professionalism and adaptability.
  • 🛡️ Continuous safety assurance across every work phase.