In October, a project began to replace reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) roofing panels within Bassetlaw Hospital’s mental health and theatre blocks.
Considered a revolutionary new building material at the time, RAAC panels were installed as a lightweight roofing solution but recent issues have arisen in parts of the country leading to a national programme of replacement. Following extensive surveys, it was found that the panels installed at Bassetlaw were in very good condition, however these are to be replaced as part of a national initiative. Consequently, the Trust have received funding of £15.944 million to replace the affected roofs by 31 March 2023.
To ensure disruption is kept to a minimum and planned and emergency procedures can continue to go ahead unimpeded, last week the Trust took the delivery of three modular operating theatres, provided by Vanguard Health Solutions.
Enabling the team to carry out safe and effective work whilst construction is under way, the Vanguard units are compliant with all appropriate health and safety standards to enable healthcare patients to operate, as well as all relevant air flow and filtering requirements.
Simon Brown, Deputy Chief Nurse, who was present as the units were delivered, said: “As we undertake significant works at Bassetlaw Hospital, these modular units are a fantastic substitute for the areas which are currently out of commission. Built and installed to all appropriate standards, these temporary accommodations are connected securely to our hospital, meaning that patients will receive a seamless and safe experience.
“As replacement of the affected roofs will take a few months, these units will be in place until April next year. This is an incredibly exciting time for Bassetlaw Hospital as these works represent the initial stages of our project to enhance the Emergency Department – with one of our ultimate aims to bring back 24/7 urgent and emergency paediatric care. Watch this space!”
The Vanguard units will be in place until the spring of next year, and are located withinthe former car park just outside of Clinical Therapies, with a secure link corridor adjoining the modular buildings to the rest of the hospital.
In addition to this work, in early 2020, following a visit to Bassetlaw Hospital from the then Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, £17.6m was announced in support of a proposal by from the Trust to further develop the Emergency Department at Bassetlaw Hospital.
The development will increase the size of the Emergency Department (ED) and provide more accessible same day services, including the provision of 24/7 emergency paediatric services. Works are due to begin directly following the RAAC replacement project, and anticipated to take around 12 months, completing in spring 2024.