‘Significant’ fire safety risks identified at Ysbyty Gwynedd which could take £181m to address

One of North Wales’ three main hospitals is currently operating with a “significant” fire safety risk, a report to the region’s health board has revealed.

The report highlights immediate concerns surrounding parts of Ysbyty Gwynedd in Bangor, which are said to be non-compliant and in breach of safety guidelines.

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board said the cost of addressing the issues has been estimated at £181m.

The highest priorities have been identified as investing in fire walls and doors and a new alarm system.

It follows a warning that an enforcement notice could be issued against the site if money is not spent on improvements.

The report by Rod Taylor, the board’s director of estates and facilities, states: “Ysbyty Gwynedd is operating with significant risk relating to fire containment and evacuation facilities specifically, with an array of secondary risks also requiring investment.

“This business case proposes investment in a series of targeted programmes in the period 2022- 2027, at a total capital cost estimated at £181 million exclusive of VAT.

“There are immediate concerns relating to fire safety, with many facets of the hospital identified as being non-compliant and indeed in breach of current guidance on standards, running the risk of site wide enforcement notice.

“The Specialist Estates Service report on fire and the Mott MacDonald phase 2 fire summary report has informed this business case, the latter noting: “significant deficiencies were identified in relation to the fire protection measures”.

“This raises a real concern of fire and rescue service imposing enforcement action.

“Of all the risks identified, fire safety is the most pressing and requiring urgent attention to reduce the risks to hospital users and enforcement action by the fire and rescue service.

“Further fire safety investigation surveys and inspections have been commissioned and findings have added further detail to the Shared Services report and the budget estimates are included in this case.”

Externally appointed fire safety consultants are currently assisting the board to implement a revised evacuation procedure in the interim, whilst funding is sought for the full works.

The report states discussions will be held with Welsh Government ahead of an in-principle agreement for significant investment in Ysbyty Gwynedd.

It adds: “It is proposed that projects are phased to address the highest risks first while taking opportunities for symbiotic projects (e.g. when exposing roof voids undertake all roof void activity) explored with the benefit of intrusive survey work outlined in this business case.

“The outcome of this programme of investment will see the health board with a functionally safe, compliant and resilient acute hospital, capable of maintaining clinical service for the next thirty years.”

Board members will be asked to approved the business case when they meet on Thursday.