RAAC found in three areas of Jersey's hospital – but "no need" for closures

Wednesday 04 October 2023

A dangerous concrete prone to sudden crumbling as it ages has been confirmed to be present in three areas of Jersey's hospital – but the Health boss has confirmed that they will not be closed.

Late last week the Government revealed that, following an "exhaustive investigation", it believed Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) could be present in four areas of the building.

Head of Estates Jon Carter told the HCS Advisory Board – whose first ever meeting was held in public this afternoon – that after engineers had visited the hospital, the suspected presence of dangerous concrete had now been confirmed at three sites.

The three sites in question are the Pathology Department, the ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat) Department, and the boiler house.

However, the Health Department has emphasised that there is no risk to patients or staff.

Chris Bown, Interim Chief Officer of Health and Community Services, said this afternoon: “At this stage we have been informed there is no need to instruct any closure or decant of services across the now confirmed three areas.

"The hospital and Emergency Department remain open and we request appointments are still kept.”

What is RAAC?

RAAC is an “aerated lightweight cementitious material with no coarse aggregate" used to build roofs, walls and floors, which resembles an Aero bar in structure.

The material is known to have been used in schools and colleges and other public sector buildings across the UK, dating back to the 1960s but its lifespan is known to be around 30 years. The structure is reported to become less stable as it ages.

The concrete is unstable because the air pockets inside it can collapse, causing the material to crumble, severely weakening any structures in which it is present.