MONDAY, 25 SEPTEMBER 2023

Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC)

There have been reports in the media that some buildings in the NHS Estate across Scotland may have been constructed using Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC). This material, which was widely in use between 1960 and 1980, was used mainly for components such as roof and floor planks. It is known to be weaker than other forms of concrete and its use was phased out in the 1990’s.

Work is underway at a national level to check and risk assess all NHS buildings which may potentially contain RAAC. As part of that work, NHS Tayside has identified those candidate buildings in our Estate and supplied the information to NHS Scotland Assure. We have identified the following buildings as requiring investigation:

Ninewells Hospital:

• Doctors’ residences

• Tayside pharmaceuticals

• Nursing residences south

• Clinical skills

• Garage/old library

• Medical physics

• Supply core, lecture theatres

• Library and Ian Low Centre

• Laundry, engineering, workshops, boilerhouse

• Concourse block

• Main ward block

Perth Royal Infirmary:

• Public toilets (disused)

• Orthotics

• Office/pharmacy

• Maternity unit

Kings Cross:

• Toilet block

• Bowel Screening Building

• Community Care and Treatment Centre

Royal Victoria Hospital:

• Office

• Physiotherapy extension

• Staff changing area/dining/stores

Brechin Health Centre Extension

Friockheim Health Centre (vacant)

Arbroath Infirmary X-ray extension

Wedderburn House

Dundee Dental Hospital staff canteen

Crieff Health Centre

Aberfeldy Community Hospital (vacant and declared surplus to requirement)

It is worth noting that the risk assessment that took place by NHS Scotland Assure was based on a desktop exercise and does not confirm the presence of RAAC within our buildings.

The next stage of the process is for discovery surveys to be undertaken by an independent contractor appointed by NHS Assure to confirm or rule out the presence of RAAC within our buildings. This is a national process and the surveys are scheduled to be carried out in Tayside week commencing 2 October 2023.

The output of these surveys will provide further information on any recommended remedial actions. 

Contact:

NHS Tayside Communications

Tay.communications@nhs.scot

(01382) 424138