Work begins on Royal Bolton Hospital's maternity wing to replace RAAC
Work has begun on a £38 million scheme to replace reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) at the Royal Bolton Hospital's maternity wing.
Officials confirmed the presence of RAAC at the hospital's maternity and women's health unit in 2023.
The lightweight material was seen as a cheaper alternative to regular concrete and often used in construction between the 1950s and 1990s.
Its airy nature led to an expected lifespan of around 30 years, with hundreds of schools and public buildings now suffering crumbling walls, floors and roofs.
All carry the risk of moisture seeping into the RAAC and causing it to collapse.
Tyrone Roberts, the chief nursing officer at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, said: 'This is a really exciting time for maternity and women's health services here in Bolton – the first steps in what will be a fantastic development for families now and for many future years to come.
'We're looking forward to the families of Bolton and beyond starting their journeys together in a modern environment that will be fit for not only them, but future generations.'
The project will take place across different stages to make sure there is no loss of service in maternity, antenatal and postnatal care, with the hospital promising it will deliver 'modern facilities' for local families.
Work will also take place to refurbish the hospital's operating theatres, upgrading mechanical ventilation systems, and installing new rooftop plant machinery.
Elliot Robertson, the CEO of Robertson Group who will undertake the renovation, said: 'This marks an important step forward not just in addressing the immediate challenges posed by RAAC, but in creating modern, safe, and welcoming healthcare environments that will serve generations to come.
'We are working in close partnership with the NHS to deliver high-quality space that enable staff to focus on what matters most – patient care.
'It's a privilege to support Bolton NHS Foundation Trust on such a vital transformation.'
There are 47 hospitals across England with RAAC confirmed in their buildings, with the government allocating £954 million to help tackle the problem since the 2021/22 financial year.
Five other hospitals in Greater Manchester are in the national programme to tackle RAAC- Salford Royal, the Royal Oldham, Leigh Infirmary, Wythenshawe Hospital and North Manchester General.
A project to eradicate RAAC at Stepping Hill in Stockport was completed last year.
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