Reaching New Heights: Staff Train for Safety at The Castle Climbing Centre
- web81754
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
When it comes to keeping Mildmay Hospital safe and well-maintained, it’s not just about what’s happening on the wards - it’s also about what’s going on above them.
That’s why our CEO Geoff, an experienced rock climber, recently took members of the Estates and Facilities Team - George, Lazarus, and Meghoo - on a rather unique training day out at the Castle Climbing Centre in Stoke Newington. Their mission? To complete certified Working at Heights training - a crucial step for any team responsible for maintaining areas where a fall could cause injury, especially the green roofs atop parts of Mildmay Hospital.
Why Working at Height Training Matters
Working at height isn’t just climbing up a ladder or balancing on scaffolding. According to the UK’s Work at Height Regulations 2005, it refers to any work carried out where there’s a risk of falling and getting hurt - from rooftops and raised platforms to areas with hidden hazards like pits or fragile surfaces.
Mildmay has several outdoor roof areas that require routine checks and maintenance, including five green roofs covered in sedum - a hardy, low-maintenance plant that supports biodiversity and helps insulate the building. These living roofs have been a bit neglected since the Pandemic but are now firmly back on the Estates and Facilities team’s maintenance schedule.
“Our green roofs are an important part of the hospital’s sustainability and infrastructure,” says Geoff. “But they also require careful upkeep. Making sure the team is properly trained to access and maintain them safely is a vital investment in both their wellbeing and our building.”
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What the Training Involves
Working at Heights training ensures that anyone operating in these environments is fully equipped to manage the risks. The course taken by the team included:
Understanding the legal framework, including duties under the Work at Height Regulations
Risk assessment and hazard awareness
Proper use of safety equipment, such as harnesses, ladders, and fall arrest systems
Emergency procedures and rescue planning
Inspection and maintenance of equipment
This training is not optional - it’s a legal requirement for employers to ensure staff are competent to work at height. And while most of it is serious, there was no harm in enjoying the day too.
The Castle Climbing Centre proved the perfect venue - not only did it offer the right practical training environment, but it also added a fun, team-building element to the day. For Geoff, who is no stranger to a climbing harness, it was a chance to combine his passion with professional responsibility.
“The team was brilliant - focused, enthusiastic, and up for the challenge,” he said. “It’s great to see them building confidence and competence in such a dynamic setting.”
The Castle Climbing Centre is one of the most distinctive climbing venues in the world, located within a Victorian-era water pumping station built in the grand Scottish Baronial style. Although it ceased operation in 1942, its striking turrets and battlements remain an impressive landmark in north London, demonstrating the Victorian's passion for industrial progress and ornate design.
The building was saved from demolition in 1971 after a public outcry, and it was granted Grade II listed status in 1974. Despite this, its future was again uncertain by 1988, when the water industry was set to be privatised. However, in 1994, plans were approved for redevelopment by its current tenants, the Castle Climbing Centre, with the condition that the building’s distinctive appearance and character be preserved, and any removed elements be safely stored for future use.
Keeping Safety at the Forefront
At Mildmay, patient care always comes first - but that care extends to the teams behind the scenes. By ensuring that Estates and Facilities staff are well trained and well prepared, we’re not just protecting our building - we’re looking after the people who look after it.
So next time you glance up at our roof, know that there’s a trained, safety-conscious team keeping things in tip-top shape - going the extra mile to keep Mildmay running smoothly.
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