Cavan hospital unit, built by WBS, to be surveyed

Hospital units built by Western Building Services (WBS) are now being examined as a precaution, the HSE has confirmed.

It's understood that the Cystic Fibrosis Unit at Cavan General Hospital is among those to be assessed.

In a statement yesterday (Tuesday), the HSE has confirmed that “there are currently no safety concerns regarding the integrity of its buildings in relation to construction works carried out by Western Buildings Systems at this time”.

However, it added: “Having undertaken an initial review, it would appear that different forms of construction are involved. However, we are carrying out a comprehensive assessment of the relevant healthcare facilities to provide complete assurance.”

Among the hospitals and units affected are Our Lady's Hospital, Crumlin; Beaumont Hospital; St James's Hospital and the Irish Blood Transfusion Service (IBTS).
The revelation comes in the wake of similar assessments being carried out on 42 schools nationwide in which the Tyrone based firm was involved in the construction projects. Two schools in Dublin have been closed. No schools in Cavan and Monaghan are involved.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said that initial investigations from some of the health buildings is that the units are not affected by structural problems.

Yesterday, the Taoiseach and the Minister for Education Joe McHugh visited the two schools that were shut down due to safety concerns – Tyrrelstown Educate Together NS and the adjoining St Luke’s NS.

WBS said in a statement issued on Tuesday that they “fully recognise that this is a very important matter” and are working to resolve the issues which have arisen.

They said: “Until now, our integrity has never been questioned.

The company added that, in relation to fire safety, it is waiting on reports for 10 of the schools affected; while on the structural side, it has only received a draft report in respect of one school.