Morgan Sindall Construction's Essex division has been selected to perform upgrades at Broomfield Hospital in Chelmsford, UK. 

Mid and South Essex National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust’s hospital houses St Andrew's burns and plastics centre, serving approximately 9.8 million people.  

The project was procured through the NHS Shared Business Services framework.  

The upgrades will encompass 4,000m² of hospital space to improve healthcare services across Essex.

The Sindall team will be responsible for replacing reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) panelling, a material said to be commonly used in UK construction until the 1990s. 

RAAC is claimed to have weaker properties when compared with traditional concrete due to its manufacturing process.  

The panels, used in floors and walls, have an estimated useful lifespan of around 30 years. Following this period, they begin to deteriorate and require upgrading. 

This RAAC challenge is noted to be prevalent in many NHS hospitals and educational institutions across the country. 

Morgan Sindall Construction Essex business operations head Dale Smith said: “RAAC refurbishment is one of the less widely publicised challenges facing our health services, however, is one that faces a lot of trusts across the country. 

“With the 2035 RAAC eradication directive now in place and a pushing need for a flexible but cost-effective solution to be implemented by the NHS, we hope others will take the action required like Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust to upgrade its facilities.” 

This month, the company also initiated enabling works for the regeneration of Accrington Town Square in the UK.