AGH Solutions marked National Healthcare Estates and Facilities Day with a series of vibrant celebrations at Airedale General Hospital, recognising the vital contribution of estates and facilities teams in supporting patient care.

AGH Solutions, part of Airedale NHS Foundation Trust, delivers a wide range of essential non-clinical services including estates maintenance, facilities management, procurement, portering, catering and domestics. These services ensure hospital environments remain safe, operational and fit for purpose for both patients and staff.

The celebration brought colleagues together from across the organisation, with a variety of activities taking place throughout the day. Teams and visitors enjoyed various competitions and activities, including a raffle, where almost £600 was raised for Airedale Hospital & Community Charity. The day provided an opportunity for colleagues to take a well-earned break, connect with one another and celebrate their achievements.

A key highlight of the day was a visit from NHS England and industry partners to see first-hand the work being carried out as part of AGH Solutions’ Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) maintenance programme.

Ian Rowlan, Estates Delivery Lead for the East Region at NHS England, visited alongside Kevin Keogh, Chartered Construction Senior Project Manager, who is part of the Robertson construction team currently undertaking RAAC strengthening works at the site. They were hosted by Richard Burgin, Estates Project Manager (RAAC) at AGH Solutions, who led a tour of several wards to demonstrate how RAAC across the hospital estate is regularly inspected, monitored and maintained.

The RAAC programme plays a critical role in ensuring the ongoing safety and functionality of the hospital estate ahead of the future new hospital build. This includes routine inspections, risk management processes and proactive maintenance to ensure safe environments are maintained for patients and staff.

Richard Burgin, Estates Project (RAAC) Manager at AGH Solutions, said:

“It was great to welcome Ian to Airedale on Estates and Facilities Day and have the opportunity to showcase the work our teams carry out every day. It was clear he truly appreciated the level of detail, care and expertise that goes into our RAAC maintenance programme.”

Ian Rowlan, Estates Delivery Lead at NHS England, added:

“The work being undertaken at Airedale General Hospital, managed by the AGH Solutions RAAC team, is fantastic.

“The level of commitment and professionalism demonstrated across the team is clear, and it’s evident how much effort goes into ensuring the estate remains safe and operational.”

Dennis Kentrop, Managing Director at AGH Solutions, concluded:

“National Healthcare Estates and Facilities Day is a fantastic occasion to celebrate the incredible work of our teams here at Airedale. It was a great day, bringing colleagues together and shining a light on the vital role estates and facilities services play every single day.

“The work our teams deliver is absolutely essential to patient care – ensuring safe, clean and well-maintained environments that enable clinical staff to provide the best possible treatment.

“I’m immensely proud of the dedication, professionalism and expertise shown across AGH Solutions.”