Project Overview

Royal Shrewsbury Hospital identified ongoing issues with cobwebs and dust accumulation in high and difficult-to-reach areas, including corners, overhead beams, and structural ledges. These areas were not accessible through routine daily cleaning due to height restrictions. We were tasked with carrying out a full high-level clean to remove these cobwebs, eliminate settled dust, and restore the overall hygiene and appearance of the affected sections of the hospital. Our goal was to complete the works safely, thoroughly, and without disrupting patients, staff, or essential hospital functions.

Our Scope of Works

The full scope included:

• High-level access using a MEWP to reach elevated areas for detailed hand-wiping
• Removal of cobwebs, dust, and debris from corners, beams, and fixtures
• Use of a specialist high-level vacuum system for areas unreachable by hand
• Section-by-section management of work zones using cones and safety barriers
• Delivery of the works during low-traffic hours to minimise impact on hospital activity

These tasks were completed in a live healthcare environment, requiring careful planning, controlled access, and strict adherence to on-site safety and infection-control expectations.

Methods & Approach

To ensure the cleaning could be completed safely and without interruption to patient care, all high-level cleaning was scheduled for an early Sunday morning at 6am. Prior to starting, our team liaised with hospital staff to agree on access arrangements, movement routes, and safety protocols.

Work areas were divided into manageable sections, each isolated using cones and barriers to create safe, controlled work zones. A MEWP was used to elevate trained operatives to the high-level surfaces, where all corners, edges, and fixtures were wiped down thoroughly by hand to remove cobwebs and ingrained dust. For areas that could not be safely reached by MEWP or manual access, we utilised a powerful high-level vacuum system designed specifically for sensitive environments. This allowed us to extract dust without causing disruption or dispersing particles into the occupied space.

Throughout the process, clear communication was maintained with hospital personnel to ensure the works remained aligned with clinical priorities and safety requirements. All equipment was operated with care to prevent noise disturbance and ensure a clean, controlled working environment.

Project Outcome

The high-level areas were cleaned to a significantly improved standard, with all cobwebs, dust, and debris fully removed. The visual appearance and hygiene levels of the affected spaces were noticeably enhanced, supporting the hospital’s ongoing commitment to a clean and safe environment.

The work was completed within the planned time window, with no disruption to patients, clinical staff, or hospital operations. By working during low-footfall hours, using controlled access zones, and applying a structured, safety-first approach, we delivered a seamless and effective high-level cleaning programme that met all expectations and restored difficult-to-reach areas to a professional standard.