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28
Sept 2023
Harrogate hospital 'crumbly concrete' to cost £20m to eradicate
Health officials have estimated it will cost £20 million to eradicate “crumbly concrete” from Harrogate District Hospital.
RAAC, which stands for reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete, is a lightweight material that is less durable than traditional concrete and has a life expectancy of just 30 years before it runs the risk of collapse.
The first section of Harrogate District Hospital was built in 1975 during a period when RAAC was used in the construction of public buildings.
A report about the material at the Lancaster Park Road hospital was discussed at a meeting of Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust’s board yesterday at the Crown Plaza hotel.
The report said a full survey of the estate by engineers WSP found 2,500 RAAC panels. It added that remedial works have been completed on 12 “high-risk” panels with some theatres and corridors in the hospital made safe with props.
The report said there will be an annual survey of all RAAC panels and a roof with the concrete will be replaced.
It said there may also be further propping of panels that are in danger of collapsing.
Read more:
- Harrogate hospital roof contains crumbling concrete
- Harrogate hospital to increase visitor parking charges under new system
To eradicate RAAC from the site, the trust has bid for £20m of funding to NHS England, which includes relocating demolishing and rebuilding a therapy services building.
Whilst there is RAAC present at Harrogate hospital, it is not as prevalent as in other hospitals in Yorkshire such as Airedale in the Bradford district. In May, the government announced it will be completely rebuilt due to RAAC.
Jonathan Coulter, chief executive at Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust’s, addressed RAAC in a statement.
He said:
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