Scarborough maternity ward could offer fewer services if ‘issues persist’
Scarborough Hospital’s maternity unit may face a ‘reduction of service provision’ if issues with the building’s roof persist.
Problems with the roof of Scarborough Hospital’s maternity unit could affect the provision of services, health bosses have been told.
In 2024, the York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said it had “reviewed the roof and repaired the areas where leaks were occurring”.
However, a board meeting on Wednesday, January 28, heard that “there continues to be a risk that the estate’s structural issues at Scarborough’s Maternity Unit may result in reduction of service provision if there is further significant water ingress over the coming winter months”.
According to a report presented at the meeting: “A decision has now been made regarding the decant plan for the repair of the roof and clinical planning meetings will be commenced to ensure robust planning is in place when work commences.
“The start date will be March 26, with the first work being commenced in the old intensive care unit, to move Oak Ward there.”
Problems with the wider Scarborough Hospital estate continue to pose financial issues for the trust, which is facing a deficit of between £24m and £33m pounds, and has set an efficiency target of £55.3m in savings.
Services at the hospital’s pathology unit were relocated after potentially dangerous reinforced aerated autoclaved concrete (Raac) was discovered in the structure in 2023 and deemed to pose a risk of “potential death or serious injuries”.
The building will be demolished and replaced by a new three-storey block after North Yorkshire Council approved a planning application for the site earlier this month.