One of Edinburgh’s busiest outpatient centres could face immediate full or partial closure after being named as one of eight NHS Lothian buildings identified at high risk of containing potentially dangerous cheap “crumbly” concrete.

A survey of the Lauriston Building, close to the former Royal Infirmary site in Lauriston Place, and the other sites – including the Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion and a number of health centres – will now take place to confirm whether it does have Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC). The material has been linked to the collapse of a school roof in England and has already led to pupils at two Edinburgh schools being moved to portable classroom units as a precaution.

A report to the NHS Lothian board says: “There is a risk that survey findings may raise a requirement for immediate partial or whole building closure as has been seen in other public organisations (for example educational settings) or the installation of intrusive temporary supports as an interim safety measure.”

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