Access System Design leads to better Asset Management for Cabrini Health
New wing, new access requirements
Providing over 50 thousand cases per day and 85 episodes of inpatient care across Victoria, Cabrini saw a growing need in the Malvern community. To support additional care and improve emergency services, they looked to add a new 11-floor wing to their Malvern hospital. As well as expanding maternity and cardiac care for the area, the new addition would also allow a new radiotherapy centre (including radiotherapy bunkers for integrated cancer care) and a contemporary day oncology unit.
In 2019 construction of the Gandel wing went to tender, with building (and access system) designs submitted for consideration. Looking for expert advice on the building’s maintenance access and safety systems, Cabrini turned to our expert team for independent advice..
“Rod Buxton – our facilities manager at the time – had worked with WAS [Workplace Access and Safety] , and he knew they’d be able to provide the expert advice and insight we needed,” said Glenn Price, Cabrini’s Maintenance Supervisor.
“Working alongside Rod, WAS considered not only our short term requirements but the on-going practical maintenance we’d need. This is why instead of the original proposed anchor-type system, WAS recommended a BMU [a facade building maintenance unit]. This also provided a higher level of safety for window cleaning, which was essential with the amount of windows on the new wing.”
Once the Cabrini team decided a BMU would be best suited for their application, we worked directly with architects and builders to design a bespoke BMU system according to requirements. This ensured not only safe access for on-going cleaning and maintenance but a more cost-effective solution over the long term.
From access system design to installation and construction
After showcasing our expertise during the tender process, our team were awarded the height safety contract by construction group KANE. Working alongside construction and design teams, we provided equipment procurement quality assurance checks and as well as equipment testing and recertification.
To ensure Cabrini’s facilities team were across all new equipment, we provided a personalised on-site equipment tour and handover. This included BMU and associated equipment documentation, compliance certificates, warranties, user manuals and equipment maintenance schedules. We also provided structural building overlay drawings of all facade access systems.
“WAS worked directly with our builder [KANE] to ensure our BMU was ready to go. They even designed an equipment cupboard to store all the safety equipment needed when using the unit, plus all the user manuals to go with them,” said Glenn. “The handover also included a proposed schedule for preventive maintenance and inspection dates, giving us everything we needed from the get-go,” said Glenn.
Issues Arise During Defect Liability Period
Months later, though well within the Defects Liability Period,, Cabrini’s BMU system mysteriously stopped working.
“We found out our BMU didn’t work over the Christmas period and we needed it up and running ASAP. The WAS [Workplace Access and Safety] team were quick to jump into action and worked tirelessly to uncover what the issue was,” said Rod.
After initial inspections revealed no obvious issues, we called a BMU specialist and discovered the system’s position required additional protection from the elements. Designing custom unit protection, our team ensured the new parts were correctly installed.
“They were hands on and sorted it out for us.”
The equipment and asset management nightmare
Fast forward 12-months and Cabrini’s maintenance team were finding it increasingly difficult to manage safety equipment (and associated compliance documents) across five other sites not under our management.
Working directly with Cabrini’s maintenance team, we conducted risk assessments and re-certification inspection on all safety and access equipment. These reports were then uploaded digitally in our online client portal for easier asset management moving forward. To streamline document management, we also collated equipment certifications, documentation and manuals as well as defined new maintenance schedules for all equipment.
“I had just taken over as Maintenance Supervisor and was finding it increasingly difficult to get insight across all our equipment,” said Glen Price, Cabrini’s Maintenance Supervisor.
“WAS [Workplace Access and Safety] took care of everything – doing full inventory checks and documenting everything in the portal. They even gave me access to QR code tagging systems.”
“I went from not knowing what equipment we had to knowing exactly what was at each site. Now I can download or view what I need easily plus access inspection and maintenance reports and maintenance schedules all online.”
An expert, no matter which site
Now in 2022, we continue to provide expert advice, annual equipment inspections, and testing across Cabrini’s five hospital locations. This on-going partnership has allowed us to ensure preventive maintenance and compliance checks are completed to a high-standard, prolonging the life of the equipment on each site.
“Having someone that knows your systems and equipment inside and out – plus can be there if anything goes wrong – makes a massive difference. I also know it’s going to be done to a high compliance standard,” said Glen.
“Their expert teams make inspections and testing a breeze, and I feel like I have a true partner by my side. As a maintenance supervisor, working with WAS makes my job a whole lot easier.”
About Cabrini
Cabrini Health is a Catholic, not-for-profit private health service located in Melbourne’s south east.
Inspired by the mission and ethic of care of the Cabrini Sisters, we have been providing quality, compassionate care to our community for more than 70 years.
With hospitals in Malvern, Brighton, Elsternwick and Prahran, Cabrini offers a comprehensive range of acute, rehabilitation, palliative care, mental health and homecare services.
Our highly-skilled staff and specialists incorporate clinical research, innovative models of care and state-of-the-art technology to deliver the best possible care and outcomes for our patients.
