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Out of sight should not be out of mind

Where hospital budgets are under pressure, roof maintenance and repairs are often addressed reactively. A look at why establishing the condition of flat roofs and taking a long-term approach to maintenance, repair, and replacement, will help manage budgets more effectively

Where hospital budgets are under pressure, roof maintenance and repairs are often addressed reactively as issues occur. Here Tom Kerr, Sales director at Langley Waterproofing Systems, explains why establishing the condition of flat roofs, and taking a long-term approach to maintenance, repair, and replacement, will help manage budgets more effectively and avoid unexpected costs. 

For hospitals and healthcare facilities, the primary concern will always be the welfare and comfort of patients and their families – and ensuring that all elements of the building continue to operate as designed. With this, it can be tempting to focus on the maintenance of the most commonly used and visible parts of the building at the expense of other areas that are out of sight, and, to some extent, out of mind. As such, roofs are often taken for granted, and will only be considered when something fails.

When a failure occurs, it can result in significant costs to fix, and disruption to the operation of the building. Water leaking into the wards, corridors, and even sterile areas, not only presents a safety concern in terms of a slip risk, but also a health issue if it causes damp and mould to develop. In this situation parts of the building may have to be closed until they can be fixed, and the fact that many facilities must operate 24 hours a day and all year round means that minimising this kind of disruption is vital.

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Upcoming Events

The Fire Safety Event 2024

National Exhibition Centre (NEC), Birmingham
30th April - 2 May 2024

Wales regional conference, exhibition and awards dinner 2024

International Conference Centre (ICC) Newport
28th - 29th May 2024

NAHFO National Conference 2024

Crowne Plaza Newcastle Upon Tyne
3rd - 5th June 2024

Design in Mental Health 2024

Manchester Central
4th - 5th June 2024

InstallerSHOW 2024

National Exhibition Centre (NEC), Birmingham
25th - 27th June

Healthcare Estates 2024

Manchester Central
8th-9th October 2024

Access the latest issue of Health Estate Journal on your mobile device together with an archive of back issues.

Download the FREE Health Estate Journal app from your device's App store

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