Healthcare buildings are among the most complex properties to manage. Hospitals, clinics and medical centres often operate 24 hours a day while simultaneously undergoing maintenance, refurbishment and service upgrades.
One of the biggest misconceptions we encounter is that asbestos only becomes an issue during major redevelopment projects.
In reality, routine maintenance, electrical upgrades, new medical installations and mechanical works can all disturb asbestos-containing materials if they have not been properly identified beforehand.
After more than 22 years of supporting complex estates, we’ve found that successful asbestos management in healthcare is about planning, communication and reliable information—not reacting to unexpected discoveries.
What Does the Law Say?
The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 places a duty on those responsible for non-domestic premises to identify and manage asbestos risks appropriately.
For healthcare organisations, this means taking reasonable steps to:
- Identify asbestos-containing materials where they may be present.
- Assess their condition.
- Maintain accurate asbestos information.
- Manage risks appropriately.
- Ensure contractors and maintenance teams have access to relevant information before work begins.
The objective is to protect staff, patients, contractors and visitors while allowing healthcare services to continue safely.
Why Healthcare Buildings Present Unique Challenges
Hospitals and healthcare facilities rarely stop operating.
They often include:
- Buildings constructed across multiple decades
- Continuous maintenance programmes
- Specialist plant and equipment
- Emergency repairs
- High volumes of contractors
- Sensitive patient environments
Many healthcare buildings constructed before the UK asbestos ban may still contain asbestos within insulation, ceiling systems, service risers, pipe lagging and plant rooms.
The presence of asbestos does not automatically make a building unsafe—but it does require effective management.
What Good Asbestos Management Looks Like
1. Accurate asbestos information
Reliable surveys provide the foundation for informed decision-making.
Assumptions should never replace evidence.
2. Effective communication
Contractors should have access to relevant asbestos information before commencing work.
Good communication helps prevent accidental disturbance.
3. Integration with estate management
Asbestos management should form part of wider maintenance and capital works planning.
The best-managed estates incorporate asbestos information into project planning rather than treating it as a separate process.
4. Regular review
Healthcare estates evolve continuously.
Management plans and asbestos registers should be reviewed and updated as buildings change.
5. Early planning for refurbishment
Before intrusive works begin, the appropriate Refurbishment & Demolition Survey should be commissioned.
Early identification reduces disruption and supports project delivery.
Common Mistakes We See
Assuming historic surveys remain sufficient
Buildings change over time.
Previous surveys may not provide the information required for current projects.
Emergency works without reviewing asbestos information
Urgent repairs often involve intrusive work.
Access to current asbestos information is essential before work begins wherever practicable.
Poor communication between departments
Facilities teams, contractors and project managers all require access to relevant information.
Documentation has little value if it is not shared.
Treating asbestos management as a compliance exercise
The most successful organisations integrate asbestos management into their wider estate strategy.
What We’ve Learned in 22 Years
The healthcare organisations that experience the fewest asbestos-related problems are not necessarily those with the newest buildings.
They are the organisations that plan effectively, communicate clearly and commission appropriate surveys early.
Unexpected discoveries during live healthcare projects create unnecessary disruption.
Early planning almost always produces better outcomes.
The Core Surveys Perspective
At Core Surveys, we understand that healthcare environments require a careful balance between compliance, operational continuity and patient safety.
Our role is to provide practical information that enables estates teams to make informed decisions while minimising disruption.
Because we undertake asbestos surveys, sample analysis and air monitoring through our own experienced team, we provide a coordinated service that supports planned maintenance, refurbishment projects and ongoing estate management.
Whether supporting a local healthcare facility or a complex multi-site organisation, our philosophy remains consistent:
Reliable information delivered early allows safer and more efficient decision-making.
If This Were Our Building…
If we were responsible for managing a healthcare estate, we would:
- Review asbestos information before every intrusive project.
- Keep the asbestos register under continual review.
- Ensure contractors receive relevant information before arriving on site.
- Integrate asbestos planning into maintenance programmes.
- Use UKAS accredited survey providers.
- Treat asbestos management as part of the overall estate strategy rather than an isolated compliance task.
Our Recommendations
Based on our experience, we recommend that healthcare organisations:
- Commission the correct survey before refurbishment works.
- Maintain accurate asbestos records.
- Communicate information effectively across departments.
- Review management plans regularly.
- Use UKAS accredited organisations.
- Plan ahead rather than reacting to unexpected discoveries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does finding asbestos mean healthcare services must stop?
Not necessarily. The appropriate approach depends on the material, its condition and the planned works. Many asbestos-containing materials can be safely managed where appropriate.
Why is communication so important?
Contractors and maintenance teams need access to relevant asbestos information before commencing work to reduce the risk of accidental disturbance.
Do older hospitals automatically require asbestos removal?
No. The presence of asbestos does not automatically mean removal is necessary. Appropriate management depends on professional assessment and the intended works.
Can Core Surveys support large healthcare estates?
Yes. Core Surveys has experience supporting organisations ranging from individual facilities to complex multi-site estates, providing surveys, sample analysis and air monitoring through one coordinated team.
Why Organisations Choose Core Surveys
- Over 22 years of asbestos industry experience
- UKAS accredited for asbestos surveys, sample analysis and air monitoring
- Surveys, testing and air monitoring delivered under one roof
- In-house laboratory facilities
- Dedicated project coordinators
- Offices in East Sussex and South Wales
- Nationwide capability
- Experience supporting NHS organisations, universities, local authorities, national contractors and the Ministry of Defence
Our objective is not simply to produce reports—it is to help organisations manage asbestos intelligently, maintain compliance and keep essential services operating safely.
Contact Core Surveys
If you’re responsible for an NHS or healthcare building and would like expert advice on asbestos management, speak to the experienced team at Core Surveys. We’ll help you understand your responsibilities, recommend the appropriate surveys and provide practical guidance based on more than 22 years of real-world experience.