Discovery of potentially unsafe RAAC concrete closes part of Telford hospital
The discovery of potentially unsafe concrete in part of one of the county's major hospitals has closed its kitchen and restaurant.
The material, Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC), has been identified in the kitchen area at Princess Royal Hospital in Telford.
Shrewsbury & Telford Hospital NHS Trust (SaTH), which manages the hospital, said that the discovery meant it had decided to close both the kitchen and the restaurant at the site.
The trust said that as a result it had put in alternative arrangements to provide meals for patients and staff.
It stressed that meals are still being provided, despite the disruption.
Mark Hope, Interim Director of Estates for SaTH, said that they are working with NHS England to "manage" the situation safely.
He said: "Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) has been identified in a kitchen area at The Princess Royal Hospital (PRH) in Telford. As a result, the kitchen and restaurant have been closed.
“Patient and staff meals are continuing with alternative arrangements in place. We would like to thank our patients and staff for their understanding.
“The safety of our patients and colleagues is paramount. We are working closely with NHS England and following expert advice from the Institute for Structural Engineers to manage the RAAC at PRH safely, including daily inspections by our Estates team, and we have also joined the national RAAC programme. Our staff are being kept fully informed.”
The developments come after government revealed concerns over RAAC in schools across the country, shortly before the start of the school year.
RAAC is a lightweight material that was used mostly in flat roofing, but also in floors and walls from the 1950s to the 1990s.
The worry is that the material can fail, and suddenly collapse.
The concerns were raised when a section of a school building, which had previously been considered 'non critical' collapsed suddenly.
In Shropshire there was confirmation that the material had been found at one school, Donnington Wood Infants in Telford, where safety measures including temporary ceilings were put in place.
Parts of Whitchurch Civic Centre have also been closed to the public after the discovery of the material.
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