NHS UK Biocentre

What is the NHS UK Biocentre?

The NHS UK Biocentre, based in Milton Keynes, specialises in world-leading sample management and high capacity bioprocessing. Their mission is to be the centre of excellence for UK sample management and a key part of the UK science infrastructure.

Due to these unprecedented times, the centre was required to refocus their operations to analysing swab samples supporting the national effort against the coronavirus pandemic.

The Challenge:

The UK Biocentre were faced with the challenge of having to repurpose their existing laboratories to make them suitable not only to carry out the required tests but also to cope with the demanding capacity. This all needed to be established within an exceedingly tight time scale.

During the planning stage, the UK Biocentre recognised the need for a mezzanine floor for fridges and additional lab equipment and as part of this, they needed a lift to transport the equipment and samples from the ground floor, onto the new mezzanine floor sat approximately 4m above.

They contacted Advanced Handling Ltd after researching Goods Lift suppliers online. Advanced Handling responded quickly and visited site to see first-hand the application and to take measurements. Throughout, both companies adhered to social distancing guidelines and took all precautionary measures to ensure staff safety was the main priority. As the mezzanine floor itself was also new, Advanced Handling had to work collaboratively with the project team to ensure the lift was the right specification and was ready to install as soon as the floor was finished.

The Solution:

Advanced Handling appreciated the significance of the project and planned internal resources accordingly to ensure the lift could be installed and operating safely as quickly as possible. The first step was to design the lift to meet all the UK Biocentre’s requirements, including a bespoke ramp at ground floor with a handrail to prevent any trip hazards. Advanced Handling designed the lift with noise dampening features to ensure sound was kept to a minimum during operation as the facility is open planned.

The lift had control points positioned at all levels featuring latching (one-touch) buttons and emergency stop. This combined with interlocking gates, preventing access to the shaft during operation and numerous other safety features provided UK Biocentre with peace of mind that their lift was both easy and safe for their operators to use.

“Given the speed that was required for this project we had to divert resources from other areas of the business but I’m pleased to say we delivered within the very tight time schedule presented to us. It is fantastic to know that an Advanced Handling product is able to play a very small but nonetheless vital role in the ongoing race to find a vaccine against this terrible disease.”

Mike Prince, Managing Director, Advanced Handling

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The Benefits:

Advanced Handling worked closely with the UK Biocentre to ensure that the lift was designed to meet all their needs and manufactured and installed to their exceedingly challenging deadline.

The centre now has the infrastructure in place to carry out their research and developments more efficiently and cope with the increase in throughput.

If you’re facing a similar challenge in your workplace, contact us on 01778 345 365 or email [email protected] & we’ll be happy to help.