Fire safety update from NHS Property Services

A fire safety update from Charles Siddons, Interim Chief Operating Officer of NHS Property Services

“I would like to assure all our customers that we are taking swift action to check fire safety in our buildings following the tragedy at Grenfell Tower.

“Safety in our buildings is always our first priority. We have a team of fire safety professionals who work alongside Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, our primary fire authority partner, to make sure our buildings meet safety standards. We carry out around 1,300 checks per year and all of our inpatient units have had a fire risk assessment in the last 12 months. 

“As a precautionary measure, in addition to this we are reviewing our estate to identify all buildings constructed, or refurbished, with any cladding system similar to that used on Grenfell Tower. Inpatient facilities are being prioritised. 

“If we identify sites where this type of cladding has been used, we will test it, risk assess it and take appropriate steps.

“Our inspections have already started and we will provide an update on this work as soon as we are able. In the meantime, we are asking customers to familiarise themselves with landlord and tenant responsibilities on fire safety, which are set out in the leaflet on this page.

“If customers have any questions about our fire safety work, please contact our customer services team at customer.service@property.nhs.uk or 0800 085 3015.”

Charles Siddons
Interim Chief Operating Officer
NHS Property Services

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