Statement on Wesham Demolition

A number of concerns have been brought to our attention on social media about the demolition of Wesham Park Hospital. NHS Property Services (NHSPS) would not normally comment on speculation. However, we take our duty as the landlord of this site and the protection of community seriously.

Prior to the works starting, a full and exhaustive asbestos survey of the property was carried out. The asbestos surveyors were on site for two weeks. Small amounts of asbestos were found around piping and gaskets in the basement and around the lifts in the building. There is no ‘asbestos paint’ in any part of the building as has been alleged by a number of individuals locally, however a limited number of fibres were noted in a small section of the basement walls. This survey was passed to all of the contractors who tendered for the demolition works, and its safe disposal formed part of the basis of the contract with the successful bidder.

There is a large amount of compliance that must take place when it comes to the removal of asbestos and to this end we employed an independent firm of specialist asbestos surveyors to undertake the survey and independent consultants to manage the entire process i.e. to oversee the specific processes, risk assessments and method statements relating to the safe removal of asbestos from the site which will be carried out by a licenced asbestos removal sub-contractor. This sub-contractor will additionally have to provide the appropriate certificates demonstrating that the hazardous material is disposed of safely and in accordance with health and safety protocols and regulations.

With regards to Asbestos, all relevant authorities were notified in accordance with Health and Safety Executive regulations. The demolition of the existing property is overseen by our skilled in-house construction team and managed by certified and accredited external consultants. All activity has met the strict criteria and requirements set by NHS Property Services and other regulatory authorities. 

Also raised was the issue of site safety and access. Hoarding has been erected around the site, with temporary fencing being used in parts where the building is close to the boundary. In light of these concerns, NHSPS will conduct an inspection of the site and hoarding to ensure the safety of local residents and the security of the site.

For more information about the future plans for the site – see the link here.

If you have any further questions, please get in touch with our Customer Support Centre.