HOSPITALS in Basingstoke, Andover and Winchester have been found not to contain dangerous concrete after investigations were carried out. 

Following reports that reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) could have been used in more NHS trusts than previously estimated, Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has urgently carried out a survey to assess the hospitals in the trust.

RAAC is a lightweight building material that was primarily used in the 1950s-90s due to its low cost.

A hospital trust spokesperson said: “We have moved quickly to review our estates following recent national concerns on the use of RAAC – this review has now concluded and RAAC is not present at any of our sites.”

READ MORE: Parents of students at Cranbourne College react to dangerous concrete

Concerns about the longevity of RAAC have recently been raised, causing inquiries into public buildings that were built with the material.

More than 100 schools and colleges in England have been told they need to shut classrooms or put safety measures in place because they contain RAAC which could suddenly collapse.

On Friday, September 1, Hampshire County Council confirmed that Cranbourne College in Basingstoke is the only site to contain the material and no schools are being told to shut.

A council spokesperson said: "Temporary works have already been undertaken to one section of the building to make sure it is safe and another area has been taken out of use since the beginning of the year, however, the school is expected to open as normal at the start of the autumn term.”

SEE ALSO: Community centre in Basingstoke forced to close after dangerous concrete found

On Thursday, September 8, Basingstoke's MP Maria Miller and Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council confirmed that Westside Community Centre has closed as a precautionary measure.

RAAC concrete panels were identified in the community library part of the building attached to the centre in South Ham.

A spokesperson for BDBC said: "A surveyor has confirmed that RAAC concrete panels have been identified in the community library part of the building attached to Westside Community Centre in South Ham.

"As a precaution, while further investigations are carried out, we have closed the centre with immediate effect.

"We are working with the Westside Community Association to support them in relocating activities as quickly as possible.

"We apologise for any inconvenience and hope to be able to minimise disruption to centre users."