A project is currently underway at Bassetlaw Hospital to replace sections of the site’s mental health and theatre blocks’ roof, which is being carried out in advance of future developments as the Trust look to update and expand the site’s Emergency Department in spring 2023.
The main hospital building at Bassetlaw Hospital dates back to 1976, with blocks 47 and 43 (mental health facilities and theatres respectively) built with what is known as reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC).
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.
Work undertaken so far:
- Some car parking spaces and areas have been relocated, and the triangle car park expanded to make way for development works.
- Modular theatre units have been installed.
- Vanguard (modular) Theatres are located next to clinical therapies and are now fully operational and are named Vanguard Theatre 7, Vanguard Theatre 8, Vanguard Theatre 9
- Scaffold crash deck installed to theatre roof space above theatre five and six for RAAC removal.
- Lighting and CCTV to the new car park has been completed.
- Carpark 1: Tower Crane One was erected on Tuesday 8 November to support developments and works.
- Permanent site fencing and hoarding erected around car park one ready for the works to commence.
- First RAAC panels removed early on 22 November (six days early).
- Works commencing from the theatre six heading towards theatre three.
Actions to progress in the next month
- Scaffold erection to commence to the mental health block.
- First RAAC panel removal to Mental Health block January 2023
