NHS Assure is carrying out work to check and risk assess all buildings in the NHS Estate across Scotland which may potentially have been constructed using a form of concrete known as RAAC (Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete).
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.
These pages will keep you up to date on progress in NHS Lothian.
List of Sites
NHS Assure identified 47 areas across 21 sites in NHS Lothian for further survey, of which 8 were classified as high likelihood of containing RAAC.
It is important to remember that these risk assessments are based on the desktop exercise using the following criteria:
- Year of building construction.
- Form of construction (where known).
- Presence of any concrete looking material.
- Presence of flat roofs.
- Presence of low-pitched roofs.
The above assessments do not confirm the presence of RAAC.
The 8 sites within NHS Lothian which were classified as high likelihood of containing RAAC are as follows:
- Bonnyrigg Health Centre
- Lauriston Building
- Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion
- Royal Edinburgh Hospital – Cullen/River Centre Extension
- Royal Edinburgh Hospital – Link Corridor/X-Ray
- Stoneyburn Health Centre
- Tranent Medical Practice
- Western General Hospital – Gas Store
| Site Name | Desktop Survey Complete (Yes/No) | Likelihood of the presence of RAAC (High/Medium/Low) | Date of Discovery Survey | Discovery Survey Complete and No Immediate Action Required ? | Discovery Survey Complete and safety measures/monitoring in place (where required)? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bonnyrigg Health Centre | Yes | High | 9th October 2023 | Discovery Survey Complete No RAAC present. | Not required. |
| Lauriston Building | Yes | High | 17th October 2023 | Discovery Survey Complete No RAAC present. | Not required. |
| Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion (PAEP) | Yes | High | 17th October 2023 | Discovery Survey Complete No RAAC present. | Not required. |
| Royal Edinburgh Hospital – Cullen/River Centre Extension | Yes | High | 18th October 2023 | Discovery Survey Complete No RAAC present. | Not required. |
| Royal Edinburgh Hospital – Link Corridor/X-Ray | Yes | High | 18th October 2023 | Discovery Survey Complete No RAAC present. | Not required. |
| Stoneyburn Health Centre | Yes | High | 11th October 2023 | Discovery Survey Complete No RAAC present. | Not required. |
| Tranent Medical Practice | Yes | High | 9th October 2023 | Discovery Survey Complete No RAAC present. | Not required. |
| Western General Hospital – Gas Store | Yes | High | 17th October 2023 | Discovery Survey Complete No RAAC present. | Not required. |
| Astley Ainsley Hospital – Charles Bell Pavilion | Yes | Medium | 18th October 2023 | Discovery Survey Complete No RAAC present. | Not required. |
| Astley Ainsley Hospital – Old Incinerator | Yes | Medium | 18th October 2023 | Discovery Survey Complete No RAAC present. | Not required. |
| Astley Ainsley Hospital – Booster House | Yes | Medium | 18th October 2023 | Discovery Survey Complete No RAAC present. | Not required. |
| Astley Ainsley Hospital – North Generator House | Yes | Medium | 18th October 2023 | Discovery Survey Complete RAAC present | Further survey to be arranged to understand the extent of RAAC. Initial reports suggest area in acceptable condition. |
| Astley Ainsley Hospital – Laundry | Yes | Medium | 18th October 2023 | Discovery Survey Complete No RAAC present. | Not required. |
| Astley Ainsley Hospital – Building Workshops | Yes | Medium | 18th October 2023 | Discovery Survey Complete No RAAC present. | Not required. |
| Astley Ainsley Hospital – Children’s Creche | Yes | Medium | 18th October 2023 | Discovery Survey Complete No RAAC present. | Not required. |
| Blackridge Health Centre | Yes | Medium | 11th October 2023 | Discovery Survey Complete No RAAC present. | Not required. |
| Carmondean Medical Group | Yes | Medium | 10th October 2023 | Discovery Survey Complete No RAAC present. | Not required. |
| Craigshill Medical Centre | Yes | Medium | 10th October 2023 | Discovery Survey Complete No RAAC present. | Not required. |
| Liberton Hospital | Yes | Medium | 19th October 2023 | Discovery Survey Complete. No RAAC present. | Not required. |
| Linlithgow Health Centre | Yes | Medium | 10th October 2023 | Discovery Survey Complete No RAAC present. | Not required. |
| North Berwick Health Centre | Yes | Medium | 9th October 2023 | Discovery Survey Complete No RAAC present. | Not required. |
| Newton Port Surgery | Yes | Medium | 9th October 2023 | Discovery Survey Complete No RAAC present. | Not required. |
| Royal Edinburgh Hospital – Verandah Club & Link Corridor | Yes | Medium | 18th October 2023 | Discovery Survey Complete No RAAC present. | Not required. |
| Royal Edinburgh Hospital – Greenhouses | Yes | Medium | 18th October 2023 | Not required. | Not required. |
| St. Michaels Hospital | Yes | Medium | 10th October 2023 | Discovery Survey Complete No RAAC present. | Not required. |
| Stockbridge Health Centre | Yes | Medium | 17th October 2023 | Discovery Survey Complete No RAAC present. | Not required. |
| Western General Hospital – Ward 1 | Yes | Medium | 21st September 2023 (Part 1) 11th December 2023 (Part 2) | Part 1 Discovery Survey Complete. RAAC Present. | Immediate action taken to ensure the area is safe through remedial works. Complete. A risk-based review is being undertaken to agree a permanent solution. No immediate risk to patients, staff, or visitors. |
| Western General Hospital – Laundry Loading Bay 2 | Yes | Medium | 17th October 2023 | Building part of demolition as part of site masterplan. | N/A |
| Western General Hospital – Laundry Bay 1 | Yes | Medium | 17th October 2023 | Building part of demolition as part of site masterplan. | N/A |
| Western General Hospital – Microbiology | Yes | Medium | 17th October 2023 | Discovery Survey Complete No RAAC present. | Not required. |
| Western General Hospital – Boiler House | Yes | Medium | 17th October 2023 | Discovery Survey Complete RAAC present. Further Discovery Survey is required with specialist access equipment to confirm. | Area noted to be in good condition. Further visit to be arranged with specialist access equipment to ascertain extent of RAAC. |
| Western General Hospital – Main Laundry | Yes | Medium | 17th October 2023 | Discovery Survey Complete RAAC present. | This building is in progress of demolition as part of site masterplan. No additional actions required at this stage. |
| Whitburn Health Centre | Yes | Medium | 11th October 2023 | Discovery Survey Complete No RAAC present. | Not required. |
NHS Lothian have now submitted a further 96 areas within buildings across 38 sites to NHS Assure for review. We await their categorisation in terms of likelihood of RAAC. This work is precautionary and not the result of known issues on these sites nor indicative of any immediate threat. The table contained above will be continually updated as we receive further information.
The desktop survey review is now complete for the further 96 areas mentioned above. In summary the initial results are as follows;
High Likelihood – 58 Areas (the majority of these are contained within the Western General Hospital Campus)
Medium Likelihood – 9 Areas
Low Likelihood – 32 Areas.
Dates have now been arranged to begin the discovery survey process for the above high and medium likelihood areas. Surveys will begin on the Western General Hospital campus on Monday 4th December for a duration of two weeks. Following completion, survey work will move to the Astley Ainsley Hospital followed by the Royal Edinburgh Hospital.
Following completion of the discovery survey process at the Western General Hospital, detail on the output is contained in the table below.
| Site Name | Desktop Survey Complete (Yes/No) | Likelihood of the presence of RAAC (High/Medium/Low) | Date of Discovery Survey | Discovery Survey Complete and No Immediate Action Required ? | Discovery Survey Complete and safety measures/monitoring in place (where required)? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Western General Hospital – DCN Theatre Recovery Block | No | N/A – Discovery Survey carried out | 12th December 2023 | No RAAC present in Theatre areas. Further remedial works required for access to flat roof areas. | TBC |
| Western General Hospital – DCN Theatre Block | No | N/A – Discovery Survey carried out | 12th December 2023 | Discovery Survey Complete No RAAC present. | Not required. |
| Western General Hospital – Diabetic Clinic | No | N/A – Discovery Survey carried out | 12th December 2023 | Discovery Survey Complete No RAAC present. | Not required. |
| Western General Hospital – Outpatients Department | No | N/A – Discovery Survey carried out | 12th December 2023 | Discovery Survey Complete RAAC present within the Lecture Theatre however not in critical condition. | Information to follow |
| Western General Hospital – Catering (Block 4J) | No | N/A – Discovery Survey carried out | 12th December 2023 | Discovery Survey Complete No RAAC present. | Not required. |
| Western General Hospital – Catering Department Block (Block 4K) | No | N/A – Discovery Survey carried out | 12th December 2023 | Discovery Survey Complete No RAAC present. | Not required. |
| Western General Hospital – Neurological Oncology Unit | No | N/A – Discovery Survey carried out | 12th December 2023 | Discovery Survey Complete No RAAC present. | Not required. |
| Western General Hospital – Main Building | No | N/A – Discovery Survey carried out | 12th December 2023 | Discovery Survey Complete No RAAC present. | Not required. |
| Western General Hospital – Link M/BLG Lab | No | N/A – Discovery Survey attempted | 12th December 2023 | Re-inspection required due to access limitations. | TBC |
| Western General Hospital – Ward 5 Plant Room | No | N/A – Discovery Survey carried out | 12th December 2023 | Discovery Survey Complete No RAAC present. | Not required. |
| Western General Hospital – New DRS Residency | No | N/A – Discovery Survey attempted | 12th December 2023 | Re-inspection required due to access limitations. | TBC |
| Western General Hospital – MRI Scanner Unit | No | N/A – Discovery Survey attempted | 12th December 2023 | Re-inspection required due to access limitations. | TBC |
| Western General Hospital – Flammable Stores | No | N/A – Discovery Survey carried out | 12th December 2023 | Discovery Survey Complete. RAAC present within roof area however not in critical condition. | Information to follow |
| Western General Hospital – Fire Training Block | No | N/A – Discovery Survey carried out | 12th December 2023 | Discovery Survey Complete No RAAC present. | Not required. |
| Western General Hospital – D3 Annex | No | N/A – Discovery Survey carried out | 12th December 2023 | Discovery Survey Complete No RAAC present. | Not required. |
| Western General Hospital – Clinical Skills | No | N/A – Discovery Survey carried out | 12th December 2023 | Discovery Survey Complete No RAAC present. | Not required. |
| Western General Hospital – Link Corridor (First Floor) | No | N/A – Discovery Survey carried out | 12th December 2023 | Discovery Survey Complete No RAAC present. | Not required. |
| Western General Hospital – 4C Covered Way | No | N/A – Discovery Survey carried out | 12th December 2023 | Discovery Survey Complete No RAAC present. | Not required. |
| Western General Hospital – Ambulance Entrance Area | No | N/A – Visual Survey carried out | 12th December 2023 | Visual survey of the area carried out with no RAAC suspected. Further remedial work required to carry out intrusive survey. | TBC |
| Western General Hospital – Social Work Department | No | N/A – Discovery Survey carried out | 12th December 2023 | Discovery Survey Complete No RAAC present. | Not required. |
| Western General Hospital – Patient / University of Edinburgh / Staff Library | Yes | Medium | 12th December 2024 | Discovery Survey Complete No RAAC present. | Not required. |
| Western General Hospital – Medical Library | Yes | High | 12th December 2023 | Discovery Survey Complete No RAAC present. | Not required. |
| Western General Hospital – Clinical Chemical / HAE | Yes | High | 12th December 2023 | Discovery Survey Complete No RAAC present. | Not required. |
| Western General Hospital – Clinical Chemical Flammable Store Area | Yes | Medium | 12th December 2023 | Discovery Survey Complete No RAAC present. | Not required. |
| Western General Hospital – South Corridor (DCN Ramp) | No | N/A – Discovery Survey attempted | 12th December 2023 | Re-inspection required due to access limitations. | TBC |
| Western General Hospital – LV & HV Plant Room | Yes | High | December 2023 | Discovery Survey Complete RAAC present. Generally in good condition however some minor cracks noted. | Additional works required to further inspect RAAC found however the area is noted as in reasonable condition. Reinspection to be arranged to further ascertain condition with an annual inspection programme to be implemented. Updates will follow in due course. |
| Western General Hospital – GI Labs Extension | Yes | High | December 2023 | Discovery Survey Complete No RAAC present. | Not required. |
| Western General Hospital – Chaplaincy | Yes | High | December 2023 | Discovery Survey Complete No RAAC present. | Not required. |
| Western General Hospital – DCO Building | Yes | High | December 2023 | Discovery Survey Complete No RAAC present. | Not required. |
| Western General Hospital – Edinburgh Cancer Clinic & HEBA Centre | Yes | High | December 2023 | Discovery Survey Complete No RAAC present. | Not required. |
| Western General Hospital – Oncology Physics Department | Yes | High | December 2023 | Discovery Survey Complete No RAAC present. | Not required. |
| Western General Hospital – Cyclotron Block | Yes | High | 11th December 2023 | Discovery Survey Complete No RAAC present. | Not required. |
| Western General Hospital – NTSU Block (Ward 1) | Yes | High | 11th December 2023 | Discovery Survey Complete RAAC present and noted as in reasonable condition. | Remedial works programme now ongoing. Further updates to follow. |
| Western General Hospital – SHSC | Yes | High | 11th December 2023 | Discovery Survey Complete No RAAC present. | Not required. |
| Western General Hospital – SHSC Lecture Theatre | Yes | High | 11th December 2023 | Discovery Survey Complete No RAAC present. | Not required. |
| Western General Hospital – DCO Ramp Corridor | Yes | High | 11th December 2023 | Discovery Survey Complete No RAAC present. | Not required. |
| Western General Hospital – NTSU Bridge | No | N/A – Discovery Survey carried out | 11th December 2023 | Discovery Survey Complete No RAAC present. | Not required. |
| Western General Hospital – Main Oxygen Compound | Yes | Medium | 29th November 2023 | Discovery Survey Complete No RAAC present. | Not required. |
| Western General Hospital – Fire Training & Pharmacy | Yes | High | 29th November 2023 | Discovery Survey Complete No RAAC present. | Not required. |
| Western General Hospital – Old Metabolic Area | Yes | Low | 29th November 2023 | Discovery Survey Complete No RAAC present. | Not required. |
| Western General Hospital – CSSD | Yes | Low | 29th November 2023 | Discovery Survey Complete No RAAC present. | Not required. |
| Western General Hospital – D Block | Yes | High | 11th December 2023 | Discovery Survey Complete No RAAC present. | Not required. |
| Western General Hospital – Link Corridor (Lower Ground Floor / Ground Floor and First Floor) | Yes | High | 11th December 2023 | Discovery Survey Complete No RAAC present. | Not required. |
| Western General Hospital – Entrance Canopy | Yes | High | 11th December 2023 | Discovery Survey Complete No RAAC present. | Not required. |
| Western General Hospital – Link Bridge (MRC/DCO) | Yes | High | 11th December 2023 | Discovery Survey Complete No RAAC present. | Not required. |
| Western General Hospital – Breast Unit | Yes | High | 12th December 2023 | Discovery Survey Complete No RAAC present. | Not required. |
| Western General Hospital – Infectious Diseases Block | Yes | High | 11th December 2023 | Discovery Survey Complete No RAAC present. | Not required. |
The discovery survey process has continued into 2024, at further sites throughout the NHS Lothian Estate. Detail on the output of these surveys is contained in the table below.
| Site Name | Desktop Survey Complete (Yes/No) | Likelihood of the presence of RAAC (High/Medium/Low) | Date of Discovery Survey | Discovery Survey Complete and No Immediate Action Required ? | Discovery Survey Complete and safety measures/monitoring in place (where required)? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Royal Edinburgh Hospital – Union Offices | Yes | Low | 23rd January 2024 | Discovery Survey Complete No RAAC present. | Not required. |
| Royal Edinburgh Hospital – Cottage 23 (Tipperlin Road) | Yes | Low | 23rd January 2024 | Discovery Survey Complete No RAAC present. | Not required. |
| Royal Edinburgh Hospital – Kennedy Tower | Yes | High | 23rd January 2024 | Discovery Survey Complete No RAAC present. | Not required. |
| Royal Edinburgh Hospital – Lecture Theatre | Yes | Low | 23rd January 2024 | Discovery Survey Complete No RAAC present. | Not required. |
| Royal Edinburgh Hospital – Merchiston / Meadow | Yes | Low | 23rd January 2024 | Discovery Survey Complete No RAAC present. | Not required. |
| Royal Edinburgh Hospital – Henderson Unit | Yes | High | 23rd January 2024 | Discovery Survey Complete No RAAC present. | Not required. |
| Royal Edinburgh Hospital – Andrew Duncan Clinic | Yes | Low | 23rd January 2024 | Discovery Survey Complete No RAAC present. | Not required. |
| Royal Edinburgh Hospital – Generator House | Yes | High | 23rd January 2024 | Discovery Survey Complete No RAAC present. | Not required. |
| Royal Edinburgh Hospital – Plant Room (Ward 8) | Yes | High | 23rd January 2024 | Discovery Survey Complete No RAAC present. | Not required. |
| Royal Edinburgh Hospital – Main Kitchen | Yes | Low | 24th January 2024 | Discovery Survey Complete No RAAC present. | Not required. |
| Royal Edinburgh Hospital – Container | No | N/A – Discovery Survey carried out | 24th January 2024 | Discovery Survey Complete No RAAC present. | Not required. |
| Royal Edinburgh Hospital – Joiners Workshop | Yes | Low | 24th January 2024 | Discovery Survey Complete No RAAC present. | Not required. |
| Royal Edinburgh Hospital – Dining / Coffee Rooms | Yes | Low | 24th January 2024 | Discovery Survey Complete No RAAC present. | Not required. |
| Royal Edinburgh Hospital – Sewing Room | Yes | Low | 24th January 2024 | Discovery Survey Complete No RAAC present. | Not required. |
| Royal Edinburgh Hospital – Jardine Clinic | Yes | High | 24th January 2024 | Discovery Survey Complete No RAAC present. | Not required. |
| Royal Edinburgh Hospital – Garages / Gardeners Area | Yes | High | 24th January 2024 | Discovery Survey Complete No RAAC present. | Not required. |
| Dedridge Health Centre | Yes | Low | 29th January 2024 | Discovery Survey Complete No RAAC present. | Not required. |
| Winchburgh Health Centre | Yes | Low | 29th January 2024 | Discovery Survey Complete No RAAC present. | Not required. |
| St. Johns Hospital – Estates Department | Yes | Medium | 29th January 2024 | Discovery Survey Complete No RAAC present. | Not required. |
| St. Johns Hospital – Main Block (Phase 1 & 2) | Yes | Medium | 29th January 2024 | Discovery Survey Complete No RAAC present. | Not required. |
| St. Johns Hospital – Flammable Goods Store (West) | Yes | Medium | 29th January 2024 | Discovery Survey Complete No RAAC present. | Not required. |
| St. Johns Hospital – Multi-Purpose Unit | Yes | Medium | 29th January 2024 | Discovery Survey Complete No RAAC present. | Not required. |
| Boghall Clinic | Yes | Medium | 29th January 2024 | Discovery Survey Complete No RAAC present. | Not required. |
| Bathgate House | Yes | Low | 29th January 2024 | Discovery Survey Complete No RAAC present. | Not required. |
| Armadale Community Health Centre | Yes | Low | 29th January 2024 | Discovery Survey Complete No RAAC present. | Not required. |
| Edington Hospital | Yes | Low | 6th February 2024 | Discovery Survey Complete No RAAC present. | Not required. |
| Belhaven Hospital – Ward 2 & 3 and Day Centre | Yes | Low | 6th February 2024 | Discovery Survey Complete No RAAC present. | Not required. |
| Prestonpans Health Centre | Yes | High | 6th February 2024 | Discovery Survey Complete No RAAC present. | Not required. |
| Liberton Hospital – Paramedical Block | Yes | N/A – Discovery Survey carried out | 7th February 2024 | Discovery Survey Complete No RAAC present. | Not required. |
| Liberton Hospital – X-Ray Consulting Rooms | Yes | N/A – Discovery Survey carried out | 7th February 2024 | Discovery Survey Complete No RAAC present. | Not required. |
| Liberton Hospital – Tower Block Wards 1 – 8 | Yes | N/A – Discovery Survey carried out | 7th February 2024 | Discovery Survey Complete No RAAC present. | Not required. |
| Liberton Hospital – Ward 10 | Yes | N/A – Discovery Survey carried out | 7th February 2024 | Discovery Survey Complete No RAAC present. | Not required. |
| Links Medical Centre | Yes | Low | 13th February 2024 | Discovery Survey Complete No RAAC present. | Not required. |
| Inchkeith House Medical Centre | Yes | Low | 13th February 2024 | Discovery Survey Complete No RAAC present. | Not required. |
| Long House Surgery | Yes | High | 13th February 2024 | Discovery Survey Complete No RAAC present. | Not required. |
| Comely Bank Training Centre | Yes | Low | 13th February 2024 | Discovery Survey Complete No RAAC present. | Not required. |
| Craigroyston Health Centre | Yes | Low | 13th February 2024 | Discovery Survey Complete No RAAC present. | Not required. |
| Sighthill Health Centre | Yes | Low | 13th February 2024 | Discovery Survey Complete No RAAC present. | Not required. |
| Astley Ainsley Hospital – Balfour Pavilion | Yes | High | 9th January 2024 | Discovery Survey Complete No RAAC present. | Not required. |
| Astley Ainsley Hospital – Estates Department Offices | Yes | Low | 9th January 2024 | Discovery Survey Complete No RAAC present. | Not required. |
