Representatives from NHS England visited Airedale General Hospital in West Yorkshire on National Healthcare Estates and Facilities Day (June 17) to see at first hand the programme to manage Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC). The work is being managed by AGH Solutions, part of Airedale NHS Foundation Trust, which is responsible for delivering the programme of inspections, risk assessments, maintenance and strengthening works required to ensure the continued safety and operational resilience of the estate.
Richard Burgin, Estates Project (RAAC) Manager at AGH Solutions, hosted the visit from Ian Rowlan, Estates Delivery Lead for the East Region at NHS England and Kevin Keogh, Chartered Construction Senior Project Manager with Robertson Construction, which is delivering RAAC strengthening works on site. The visit provided an opportunity to showcase the extensive inspection, monitoring and maintenance programme that has been developed to manage RAAC across the hospital estate.
Keeping patients safe
During the visit, representatives toured several wards and clinical areas to see how AGH Solutions monitors the condition of RAAC panels and undertakes ongoing mitigation works while maintaining a fully operational hospital environment.
The programme plays a critical role in supporting safe patient care ahead of the construction of Airedale's future replacement hospital. Through a combination of routine inspections, engineering expertise and proactive risk management, AGH Solutions continues to ensure safe environments for patients, visitors and staff.
Richard Burgin explains: "Managing RAAC requires careful planning, robust processes and close collaboration with partners, and it was great to have the opportunity to showcase the expertise and dedication of everyone involved."
Following the visit, Ian Rowlan praised the work being undertaken by the AGH Solutions team, saying: "The level of commitment and professionalism demonstrated across the team is clear, and it's evident how much effort goes into ensuring the estate remains safe and operational."
Dennis Kentrop, Managing Director at AGH Solutions, adds: "Our teams play a vital role in ensuring the hospital estate remains safe, resilient and fit for purpose. The management of RAAC at Airedale is a significant undertaking, requiring specialist knowledge, rigorous inspection regimes and a commitment to continuous improvement. I am immensely proud of the professionalism and expertise shown by colleagues across the organisation."
Pictured, l-r: Kevin Keogh, Richard Burgin and Ian Rowlan
