Future of closed beds at Denbigh hospital awaits fire assessment

The beds were closed after an inspection triggered by the Grenfell Tower.

A spokesman for the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board said: “We are now waiting the outcome of a fire safety assessment before deciding what work needs to be done at the hospital.

“In December 2017 we temporarily suspended the use of 10 of the beds on the first floor , reducing the number of beds to 30.

“Following the Grenfell Tower fire in June 2017, guidance was issued to all public and NHS bodies by the Government and Welsh Government to undertake fire safety checks. As part of the review we identified issues with the fire compartmentation with our first floor ward in Denbigh Hospital.

“Following expert advice we reduced the number of patients cared for on the first floor, to enable a timely evacuation in a fire. As a result, two bays are currently not being used.

“Other recommendations of the fire safety check have also been implemented, including work to improve fire zoning and a fire panel system update. Additional fire training for staff has also been undertaken, as have fire drills and evacuation practice.

“In February 2018, five additional beds were opened at Ruthin Community Hospital, helping us to manage demand for beds in the area. We continue to look for opportunities to open additional beds in the Denbighshire area.

“Since the closure of the 10 beds in December, we have had, on average, one less bed available per day across our sites in Denbigh and Ruthin. This has been achieved through the provision of additional beds in Ruthin and greater focus on the management of bed capacity.

“In January 2018 we appointed fire engineering specialist Mott Macdonald to inspect the fire compartmentation lines, to assess the area of the hospital building where the beds have been suspended. The inspection will provide data and photographic evidence to determine the potential scope of work required."