More than half of NHS Scotland buildings contain asbestos – that’s double the rate for other public buildings.
The shock figures – compiled by the Scottish Conservatives following a series of freedom of information requests to Scotland’s health boards – reveal that 52% of buildings belonging to NHS Scotland contained the toxic substance which can cause cancer.
Out of Scotland’s 14 health boards, eight reported having asbestos in more than 50% of their buildings – with that figure rising to an astonishing 92% in NHS Lothian.
The rate of asbestos in NHS Scotland buildings is significantly higher than that of other Scottish Government buildings, where the average figure is around 26%.
The Scottish Conservatives have slammed the SNP government for failing to keep staff and vulnerable patients safe – and called for the safe removal of asbestos from affected buildings.
Scottish Conservative Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Housing, and Local Government, Miles Briggs MSP, said: “These shocking figures will undoubtedly raise questions about the state of our NHS buildings under the SNP.
“Buildings such as hospitals are supposed to be places where people feel safe, yet more than half of them contain this potentially cancer-causing substance.
“While we know it’s unlikely that asbestos will be inhaled unless buildings are damaged, NHS staff and patients need confidence and peace of mind that they are not being put at risk.
“It’s essential, therefore, that SNP ministers provide health boards with the funds to ensure the safe removal of asbestos from their buildings.
“The SNP Government must do more to protect our NHS estate, and ensure that dedicated staff can continue saving lives in the best facilities possible.”
Notes
More than half of the buildings belonging to NHS Scotland contain asbestos. A series of FOIs obtained by the Scottish Conservatives have indicated that 52% of buildings belonging to NHS Scotland health boards contain asbestos. This accounts for a total of 690 buildings. (FOIs available upon request).
One in four Scottish Government buildings contain asbestos. 17 out of 65 properties used by the Scottish Government contain asbestos, which accounts to 26% of buildings. (The Scottish Sun, 13 August 2022, link).
Long-term exposure to asbestos can be dangerous to health. According to the NHS, asbestosis is a serious lung condition caused by long-term exposure to asbestos. If material containing asbestos is damaged, it can release a fine dust that contains asbestos fibres, with these fibres damaging lungs over time. (NHS, accessed 13 October 2022, link).