Concrete crisis hits Greater Manchester hospitals as RAAC found in 'small number' of areas in North Manchester General and Wythenshawe hospitals

Dangerous crumbling concrete has been found at both Wythenshawe and North Manchester General hospitals, health bosses have confirmed. Panels of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) have been found in a 'small number' of areas at the two sites.

But Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust bosses said no RAAC was found in any areas with patient beds, and engineers have said the affected areas can continue to be used while further work is carried out. At North Manchester General RAAC was found in the F block extension, the dental lab and adjacent offices, some areas of The Gallery restaurant and in a storeroom which has recently been closed.

At Wythenshawe Hospital it was found in some parts of the maternity block roof, but not in any delivery rooms or patient wards. In a briefing note sent to staff, MFT group chief operating officer David Furnival writes: "I fully realise that this information may be worrying if you work or use these areas, but I can assure that we are proceeding at pace with any works as and when we are advised that they are required."

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In a statement Mr Furnival said: "The safety of our colleagues, patients and visitors continues to be our primary concern and we are working at all times in line with expert guidance from the Institution of Structural Engineers and NHS England. We want to assure everyone that our services are running as normal and patients should attend their appointments as usual.

"Our detailed survey found a small number of areas where RAAC has been used and we have taken prompt action, and will continue to do so, in line with expert engineering advice."

RAAC is a lightweight