Roof leaks and derelict buildings at hospitals with most empty space

More than 10,000 square metres of hospital space is being left vacant across some of England’s largest hospitals because of disrepair and decay.

HSJ asked the 15 acute hospitals with the most empty space what areas were vacant and why.

The analysis reveals for the first time why so much space is going unused in the worst-affected hospitals.

Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust said entire floors of a wing were closed at Leeds General Infirmary because of a faulty roof. The site has the most vacant space of any nationally.

The trust said the 9,500 square metres of unused space at Leeds General Infirmary — 5% of its footprint — included two floors of the Brotherton Wing that previously housed outpatient services.

It said the integrity of the original roof had failed and led to water ingress, with the top floor shut for 10 years, and the one below closed more recently due to leaks.

LTH’s other major hospital, St James’ University Hospital, has a further 3,200sqm vacant because it is “not suitable for modern healthcare”.

Craige Richardson, director of estates and facilities, said the trust had closed some of its worst-impacted areas and relocated clinical services, but added this was “not sustainable”.

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Source: HSJ, 20 January 2025