Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (HHFT) continues to face "significant" fire safety risks due to the extensive work still required to address ongoing issues. Regulatory action could be taken if compliance is not achieved.

In February 2022, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service (HIOWFRS) issued a 'fire safety matters' notice to HHFT, highlighting numerous fire safety concerns. Since then, the Trust has implemented a fire safety improvement action plan to tackle these issues, as noted in a Board of Directors meeting on November 28th.

Despite progress, the report from the meeting states that the risk "remains significant due to the volume of work still required and the impact of the requirements of the Building Safety Act (2022) on the delivery of this work."

The report further warns that failure to comply with fire safety regulations could result in regulatory action. It also emphasises the need to enhance the Trust’s fire safety culture.

Measures currently in place include a fire policy, fire safety training, a fire safety improvement action plan, and the establishment of a Partnership Primary Authority Scheme with HIOWFRS. The Trust has also conducted surveys of all high-risk compartmentation areas to identify issues and plan rectification works.

However, gaps in fire safety control persist, including challenges with compartmentation, fire alarm configurations, and fostering a strong fire safety culture. Additional concerns include oversight of fire safety in estate projects, contractor management, capital requirements, and the impact of the Building Safety Act on project timelines and priorities.

A spokesperson for HIOWFRS stated:
“Our inspection team carried out a fire safety audit for Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (HHFT), identifying a number of issues which the hospital is working to rectify.

“We have formed a Primary Authority Partnership with HHFT, allowing us to work proactively together ensuring that their buildings are fully compliant with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.”

The Gazette has reached out to HHFT for further comment.

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