Swords Surgical Hub, GRP Rooftop Access Solutions

At a Glance

The Swords Surgical Hub is a key development in Ireland’s national strategy to reduce elective surgery waiting times. Located within the Swords Business Campus, this purpose-built acute medical facility will support Beaumont Hospital by managing minor elective surgeries and outpatient consultations. Commissioned by the Health Service Executive and delivered by contractor Sisk, the project represents a strategic expansion of healthcare capacity through the creation of decentralised, specialist surgical hubs. As part of this important national healthcare initiative, Relinea was selected to provide a complete GRP access solution, including stairs, elevated walkways, handrails, and flooring systems. These installations form part of the infrastructure surrounding the generator bund area, where safety, durability, and compliance with healthcare and industrial standards were essential requirements.

Client

Sisk

Location

Swords
, Ireland

Services

Design, Fabrication, Installation

Products

Flooring, GRP Walkway, Handrail, Stairs

Explain your needs

Problem/Challenge

The installation site presented several challenges. As a facility built to serve critical healthcare functions, the Swords Surgical Hub required solutions that could perform reliably in demanding operational conditions. The access systems needed to be safe, non-slip, and resistant to environmental exposure, particularly around the external generator bund area. This included not just the base level access but also elevated sections requiring secure walkways and stairs with appropriate fall protection.

Traditional materials such as steel were considered impractical due to concerns about corrosion, weight, and long-term maintenance. Furthermore, the presence of electrical equipment and flammable substances meant that any solution had to be non-conductive and non-sparking to reduce risk and ensure full compliance with health and safety regulations. Ease of installation and long-term durability were also crucial, especially given the fast-paced construction timeline typical of healthcare-related builds.

Solution

Relinea provided a comprehensive, precision-engineered GRP access system tailored to the site’s unique requirements. The installation featured GRP stairs with integrated handrails and high-visibility yellow nosing for enhanced slip resistance. These stairs led to the generator bund area and connected to a bespoke elevated walkway system with three stair units and continuous handrails across all elevated sections. The platform and stairs were fabricated using our Re-Grid flooring panels – 38mm deep with a 38mm mesh and an integral grit finish for maximum underfoot grip, even in wet or oily conditions.

Manufactured from glass reinforced plastic, the system offered critical benefits in this environment. It was entirely corrosion-resistant, ensuring longevity and performance despite exposure to the elements. Being non-conductive and non-sparking, GRP was the ideal material for safe use around sensitive electrical and fuel-based infrastructure. Its lightweight composition made transportation and installation straightforward, reducing both time on-site and the need for heavy machinery. Additionally, the low maintenance requirements of GRP significantly reduced the facility’s long-term operational costs.