BMA writes to trust chiefs over ‘concerns about doctors’ safety’

The British Medical Association has written to trust chief executives warning of ‘concerns regarding the safety of our members and the patients they serve’ due to flawed concrete beams.

The BMA has written to trust chiefs, copying in their medical committee leads, in the wake of a wave of publicity around reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete in recent weeks.

The letter said: “The HSJ has reported that many NHS hospital buildings have been constructed with RAAC, which is in some cases reaching the end of safe use and causing danger to staff and patients.

“Unfortunately, your trust may be one of the affected hospitals. We have concerns regarding the safety of our members and the patients they serve, and would appreciate answers to the following.”

It also requested the trusts provide answers, under the Freedom of Information Act, to questions including whether they had identified RAAC, what assessments they had made, what mitigations were planned or in place, and emergency plans such as evacuation.

It is thought the letter was sent to all or most provider trusts.

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Source: HSJ, 12 September 2023