Parliament Workbench
Data: Motions & questions to 19 Nov 2026

Written Question · S6W-35105 · Session 6

Whether it will consider undertaking a review of any NHS buildings where the presence of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) has …

Answered Asked by Alex Cole-Hamilton LD Lodged 19 Feb 2025

The question

To ask the Scottish Government whether it will consider undertaking a review of any NHS buildings where the presence of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) has been confirmed but where no immediate risks were identified, in order to ensure that this is still the case.

The answer

Answered by Neil Gray on 5 Mar 2025 · 14 days after it was lodged, on time

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-35102 on 5 March 2025:The Scottish Government’s approach to dealing with RAAC is to follow the guidance set out by Institute of Structural Engineers.The Scottish Government funded a survey of all NHS facilities suspected of RAAC and it is known where RAAC is present. These phase 1 surveys did not identify any immediate concerns that have not already been acted on.We are funding a second more detailed phase of surveys of all sites with RAAC to ensure that the right approach is being taken to dealing with it. As a result of this type of detailed survey, necessary remedial works at Knoll Hospital have been identified and are being actioned – in line with the systematic approach to RAAC discovery and investigation across the NHS.NHS Borders notified the Scottish Government on 27 January 2025 that there was an evolving situation regarding RAAC at Knoll Community Hospital. When a health facility is assessed as requiring maintenance work this does not automatically mean the facility is not safe, and the specialist Structural Engineers who conducted this survey on behalf of NHS Borders, and who are the survey partner for the NHS RAAC programme, have not reported that Knoll Hospital is unsafe.Phase 2 surveys will be carried out across all NHS properties known to contain RAAC. Where any previously unidentified issues are found during phase 2 surveys, Health Boards are expected to assess, communicate and action with appropriate pace to ensure safety.For all instances of RAAC identified as requiring an annual reinspection from the Phase 1, Discovery Survey programme, a programme of annual reinspection is currently underway and due to complete in March 2025.All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/written-questions-and-answers

In the Official Report

No contribution in the Official Report cites S6W-35105 by reference.