Stepping Up to the Task – Healthcare Access Solution

01. Introduction

At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, PARS RAMPS was called upon to support the healthcare sector by providing access solutions for a new modular hospital building. The urgency of the situation demanded rapid response and effective design, as the project needed to meet critical healthcare timelines during an unprecedented global crisis. This case study demonstrates how our team rose to the challenge, delivering a custom access system under extreme pressure while adhering to safety and accessibility standards.

02. Challenge

The project presented a series of significant challenges, starting with the height of the building’s doorways. Some of the entrances were over 1.5 meters above ground level, necessitating an access system that could safely accommodate this substantial elevation. Furthermore, the ground surrounding the hospital sloped aggressively, complicating the installation of both ramps and steps.

The doors needed to be serviced at a height exceeding 1.5 metres, far above the typical requirements for access systems. The ground surrounding the modular building was uneven and sloped sharply, making traditional ramp installation difficult and necessitating careful design to ensure safe and gradual slopes.

The project was carried out during the COVID-19 pandemic when time was of the essence. The hospital needed to be fully operational as quickly as possible, meaning that speed was critical without compromising on quality or safety.

03. Solution

PARS RAMPS devised a cost-effective and rapid solution by combining our modular steps and ramp systems to address the elevation and terrain challenges. Our design team collaborated closely with the client to ensure that all aspects of the access system were optimised for both safety and functionality.

Given the height of the doorways, we determined that ramps alone would not be feasible for all entrances. A ramp meeting modern regulations would have required a length of up to 20 metres to maintain the proper gradient—a substantial use of space and resources. Instead, we opted for a series of custom-designed steps, showcasing how our systems can be adapted for extreme height requirements. These steps provided a practical and safe access solution for entrances that were too high to be serviced by ramps alone.

The steep and undulating ground presented an additional challenge, but we leveraged this to our advantage. For the sections of the project that required ramps, we designed the system to work with the natural slope of the land, reducing the overall length of the ramp while maintaining the necessary safety gradients. This approach minimised the amount of space required for the ramped areas and ensured efficient use of the available site layout.

To further streamline the installation, we joined two ramp sections into one continuous access system. By directing the ramps away from the lowest parts of the ground, we reduced the overall footprint of the system and ensured that all doorways could be safely accessed while meeting building regulations.

04. Conclusion

This project showcases PARS RAMPS’ ability to deliver custom access solutions under intense pressure, even in the most challenging conditions. Our modular steps and ramps provided the ideal solution for this healthcare facility, overcoming significant height and terrain challenges while adhering to strict safety and accessibility standards.

With our experienced design team, in-house manufacturing, and swift installation processes, we continue to provide access solutions that meet the needs of the healthcare sector and beyond. Whether you’re facing tight timelines, complex site conditions, or extreme access requirements, PARS RAMPS is here to help. Get in touch today to discuss how we can support your next project.