RAAC - Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete

Latest news...

Please see below all the latest news and updates on the Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) situation at Hywel Dda University Health Board's Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire. 

RAAC is a material that was commonly used in the construction of buildings between the 1960s and 1990s. Its presence was confirmed at Withybush hospital and at a limited part of Bronglais hospital in May 2023. It has also been identified at a range of NHS properties across the UK, including several properties in Wales. 

Plans were put in place in May 2023, at the start of the survey process, to manage the impact on the operation of day-to-day services at the hospital and prioritise the availability of hospital beds. 

We know that the survey work and remedial action has caused considerable disruption and concern among members of our community and we apologise for any inconvenience caused.

The health board would like to thank hospital staff, patients and visitors for their patience and understanding over the coming months while this essential work is carried out.

Latest updates...

19 January 2024 - De-escalation of Internal Major Incident at Withybush Hospital (opens in new tab)
Hywel Dda University Health Board has announced that the Internal Major Incident declared at Withybush Hospital on 15 August 2023 due to the discovery of faulty concrete planks has now been brought to an end.

16 November 2023 - Wards affected by RAAC planks set to re-open by end of the year (open in new tab) 
Three of the six wards at Withybush Hospital which were closed due to the presence of RAAC planks are expected to be re-opened by Christmas.

7 November 2023 - Changes in Withybush Hospital Outpatients' services (opens in new tab)
Outpatient consultations at Withybush Hospital which were reduced due to the discovery of faulty Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) planks will now restart in alternative locations throughout Pembrokeshire.

15 August 2023 - Internal Major Incident called for RAAC at Withybush Hospital (opens in new tab)

Hywel Dda University Health Board has today, Tuesday, 15 August 2023 declared an internal major incident at Withybush Hospital as it seeks to identify the scale and impact of the Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) found in the hospital building.

28 July 2023 - Safety work continues at Withybush Hospital (opens in new tab)
Work is continuing on a programme of surveys at Withybush General Hospital to determine the condition of concrete roof planks in wards at the hospital site in Haverfordwest. The surveys, which began in May 2023, are aimed at managing the risks around reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) planks and are expected to continue for another seven months.  

05 May 2023 - Safety survey to begin on wards at Withybush Hospital (opens in new tab)
Plans have been put in place at Withybush Hospital to ensure disruption is kept to a minimum as further survey work begins on concrete roof planks in wards at the hospital site in Haverfordwest. The work follows concerns raised by Welsh Government (WG) about the safety of materials used in the construction of NHS hospitals between 1960 and 1995. 

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