Welsh government's Bronglais Hospital asbestos review, Bronglais, Penglais Hill, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, Wales, UK
Posted by: Groundspeak Regular Member Ddraig Ddu
N 52° 24.952 W 004° 04.345
30U E 427063 N 5807834
A Welsh government review into the management of asbestos at Bronglais Hospital in Aberystwyth has been launched.
Waymark Code: WMD9HT
Location: South Wales, United Kingdom
Date Posted: 12/10/2011
Published By:Groundspeak Premium Member saopaulo1
Views: 1

It follows a revelation in August that up to 30 of its maintenance staff could have been exposed to asbestos.

The chief executive of NHS Wales, David Sissling, has commissioned an independent review so lessons can be learned.

Hywel Dda Health Board said it would fully co-operate.

The health board said in August that the asbestos had not entered public areas, and patients and visitors were safe.

The Health and Safety Executive is also conducting an inquiry into the incident, while the health board is holding an internal investigation.

The problem at Bronglais Hospital occurred between 2004 and 2009, before the health board's formation.

Mr Sissling said: "I felt that it was important to instigate this review to see if there are lessons that can be learnt in the handling of asbestos, both specifically for Bronglais Hospital and also more broadly for the NHS in Wales.

"Once we have the findings and recommendations, I will consider what further action will be required if any."

"I felt that it was important to instigate this review to see if there are lessons that can be learnt in the handling of asbestos"

David Sissling
Chief executive of NHS Wales
The review will be conducted by Clive Grace, former director general of Audit Commission Wales and chief executive of Torfaen council.

A report, along with recommendations, will be submitted to Mr Sissling by 30 January next year.

A Hywel Dda Health Board spokeswoman said: "We will fully co-operate with this review as we have done with the Health and Safety Executive since this matter came to light.

Criminal liabilities
"Significant work has already been undertaken to ensure asbestos is effectively managed across all our premises."

The health board is unlikely to face prosecution over the asbestos issue at Bronglais Hospital.

The Health and Safety Executive said in August a failure to transfer criminal liabilities after NHS reforms in 2009 reduced the chance of success in court.

Asbestos is a problem when fibres become airborne and are inhaled, and can lead to life-threatening illness.

With thanks to:- (visit link)
Type of publication: Internet Only

When was the article reported?: 11/24/2011

Publication: BBC News

Article Url: [Web Link]

Is Registration Required?: no

How widespread was the article reported?: international

News Category: Health/Medicine

Visit Instructions:
Give the date of your visit at the news location along with a description of what you learned or experienced.
Search for...
Geocaching.com Google Map
Google Maps
MapQuest
Bing Maps
Nearest Waymarks
Nearest News Article Locations
Nearest Geocaches
Create a scavenger hunt using this waymark as the center point
Recent Visits/Logs:
There are no logs for this waymark yet.