£6m to replace hospital cladding

Two new Glasgow hospitals are to have cladding removed and replaced at a cost to taxpayers of around £6m, after it was found to be similar to that used on Grenfell Tower in London.

Concerns were raised about external insulation panels on both the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH) and the Royal Hospital for Children after “forensic checks” were carried out last year.

Although the buildings have been described as among the safest in the UK in terms of fire risk, the action is being taken to give “extra reassurance” to patients and staff.

Cladding made from an aluminium composite material is thought to have contributed to the rapid spread of the fire which engulfed Grenfell Tower in June last year, killing 71 people.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde said the work to replace the cladding, which is set to be completed within a year, would be funded by the Scottish Government.

The health board said the insulation panels are “of a similar type” as the ones used on Grenfell but were not identical. They are found on several sections of the QEUH and one section of the Royal Hospital for Children, which is on the same campus.

It had been suggested that hospital contractor Multiplex may have to pay for the work, but it has now been agreed that taxpayers will have to foot the bill.