RAAC Found In General Hospital

The presence of RAAC, a lightweight concrete which is prone to collapse, has been confirmed in Jersey's General Hospital.

Infrastructure Minister, Deputy Tom Binet, told the States yesterday (3 Oct) that investigations had started to find out whether the material is present. 

It has now been confirmed as being in three areas of the hospital - the pathology lab, ear nose and throat outpatients’ clinic and a boiler house.

Chris Bown, Interim Chief of Health and Community Services, says there is no risk to patients or staff and he hasn't been told to close any areas of the facility.

"The hospital and emergency department remain open and we request appointments are still kept."

The material has caused a crisis in England, with around 150 schools forced to close partially or completely at the start of term and hospitals clearing wards.

RAAC, or reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete, is a lightweight material that was commonly used in the 1950s to 1990s, often in flat roofs.

The UK Health and Safety Executive has said of its presence there that it is beyond its lifespan and may ‘collapse with little or no notice’.

Answering questions in Jersey’s States Assembly earlier this month, Ministers said they did not believe the material had been used in Jersey but that work was going on to establish if it was present.

Last Friday, Deputy Binet announced that a review of the hospital plans had suggested RAAC could be there. 

The Education Minister moved to reassure parents ahead of the new academic year that it was not believed to be in Jersey schools.

The problem hit the headlines after a UK government review of the presence of the material following the collapse of classroom ceilings.