Raac confirmed in parts of Jersey General Hospital

Concrete that could be a safety risk was found in three parts of the hospital

Health bosses have confirmed inspectors have found concrete that could be a safety risk at Jersey General Hospital.

Health and Community Services said reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (Raac) had been found in three parts of the hospital, but there was no risk to safety.

Raac is a lightweight building material which has been linked to the risk of collapse.

Structural engineers began inspecting the hospital last month.

Officials said Raac was identified in three parts of the hospital - pathology, the boiler house and the ear, nose and throat department.

However, they said the buildings were safe and would not close at this stage.

Chris Bown, interim chief officer of Health and Community Services, said: "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."

The Health and Community Services Department said structural engineers had not detected any significant defects during the visual surveys so there was "no immediate need to consider closing areas of the hospital or installing emergency propping".

It said surveys of the three identified areas would take place in the next week to "help to develop a more detailed understanding of the overall condition of the RAAC, and to identify any future maintenance requirements to manage the RAAC in place, while the hospital remains on this site".