The John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford closed its trauma unit last week after fire safety checks exposed dangerous cladding.
The checks, which were carried out in the aftermath of the Grenfell Tower fire, have resulted in 52 patients with serious injuries being transferred to other buildings, as fire safety experts deemed the unit unsafe for treatment.
The trauma unit is expected to remain closed for up to one year while corrective work is undertaken to make the building safe for patients again.
“Our highest priority is the patients in our care and our staff who are dedicated in their care for those patients,” comments the Oxford University Hospitals NHS foundation trust chief executive Dr Bruno Holthof, as reported by The Guardian.
“In common with many other organisations with public buildings, the trust has been reviewing its fire safety procedures and systems following the tragic events in London. We will implement any changes necessary to ensure that our patients are safe.”
The outpatient unit on the building’s ground floor is reportedly safe to remain in use while improvements are carried out, and the upper floors may still be used as office or storage space.
