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A dangerous concrete prone to sudden crumbling as it ages is believed to have been discovered in four areas of Jersey's hospital.
In a short statement released at 16:45, Infrastructure Minister Tom Binet said: “Following reports of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) being identified in the UK, local cement manufacturers and structural engineers reported that they were not aware of any RAAC in our local public estate.
"To confirm this, we undertook an exhaustive investigation, and we now believe there may RAAC present in four areas of the General Hospital."
He continued: "Structural engineers will now undertake a full site inspection to confirm whether RAAC is present and in the event that it is, all necessary measures will be taken to ensure that the buildings are made safe for the longer term.
"In the meantime, the hospital is making arrangements to enable a full inspection to be undertaken and ensure patient safety.
"I'd like to assure Islanders that investigations began at the time of our initial statement and that this issue has been, and will continue to be, treated with absolute priority."
Express has asked Government which areas of the hospital they believe are affected, and whether patients have had to be moved, and is yet to receive clarification. The Infrastructure Minister was not immediately available for further comment.
RAAC is an “aerated lightweight cementitious material with no coarse aggregate" used to build roofs, walls and floors.
The material is known to have been used in schools and colleges and other public sector buildings across the UK, dating back to the 1960s but its lifespan is known to be around 30 years.
The concrete is unstable because the air pockets inside it can collapse, causing the material to crumble, severely weakening any structures in which it is present. Reports suggest it becomes less stable as it ages and can be prone to collapse when wet.
When concerns over RAAC in public buildings in the UK first began to hit headlines earlier this year, Express asked whether it was known to be in any Jersey buildings.
At the time, in April, officials said they were not aware of its presence, adding that they had been in touch with local property surveyors and structural consultants "who haven't seen it in use in Jersey during their time here".
Earlier this month, Education Minister Inna Gardiner said she did not believe RAAC to be present in local schools, but was seeking 100% assurance. She said a report would be produced by the end of October.
When asked whether any existed within the island's airport, harbour or other Ports of Jersey-controlled buildings, Economic Development Minister Kirsten Morel said in a States Assembly meeting earlier this month: "...Having undertaken enquiries, I can confirm that very few of Ports of Jersey's buildings were constructed during the window that aerated concrete was used, that is between 1950 and 1990, as a roofing and cladding material in construction."
He continued: "Inspections in June and July of the pier and departure terminal buildings have confirmed that aerated concrete is not present and surveyors have confirmed that it is highly unlikely that the airport arrivals building contains [RAAC] given its construction pre-dates the use of this material.
"As part of the ongoing airport masterplan work, further surveys are anticipated across the harbours estate and this will identify any potential issues with the building materials used, including the presence of RAAC."
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