By Adrian Mullan

Despite almost £400,000 being allocated to resolve an asbestos problem at hospitals in Omagh, it has been claimed that little more has been done to eradicate the dangerous fibres.

The Tyrone Herald was contacted this week by a concerned member of the public, who declined to be named, claiming that little more had been done since the recent allocation of £369,000 to rid hospitals and ancillary buildings at those sites of asbestos.

The local man claimed that the Trust, now known as the Western Health and Social Services Trust had neglected to tell staff at the hospitals and facilities that they were at times working in close proximity to asbestos- a claim denied by the Trust.

At one of the last meetings of the Sperrin Lakeland Trust in January, Board members were advised of a business case for 'asbestos compliance' in accordance with the asbestos at work regulations of 2003, that would "ensure the health and safety of all staff, patients and visitors", over a period of three years.

However the member of the public who contacted the Herald suggested that since the business plan for dealing with asbestos was only approved in January, the Trust had failed in its duty for the four previous years.

There are estimated to be about five and a half million buildings in the UK containing asbestos. However, when asbestos material in buildings starts to degrade it can become dangerous.

A spokesperson for the Western Health and Social Services Trust told the Tyrone Herald that a number of Trust facilities are known to contain asbestos materials, and where this is the case the Trust has endeavoured to manage the material to minimise any potential risks.

"In the majority of cases this has resulted in the Trust engaging the services of licensed asbestos removal firms to remove the material in accordance with recognised safe systems of work.

"A number of asbestos surveys have been carried out within the Trust, in particular in areas where refurbishment is planned.

"More recently, the Trust has prepared a business case to secure the funding for a comprehensive survey of all Trust buildings and the ongoing management of asbestos in line with the Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations."

The spokesperson added, "In 2004, two members of staff inadvertently disturbed a section of asbestos containing material. On this occasion Health and Safety Executive advice was followed which included informing the two members of staff concerned, via the Trust's Occupational Health Physician.

"Westcare Business Services have in place a voluntary register for their staff which facilitates the recording of details of such incidents.

"Operational staff within the Estates Services Department have received asbestos awareness training which included the risks associated with asbestos.

"Managing risks associated with asbestos has been an ongoing activity for the Trust and this will continue for the foreseeable future. The resources required for this have had to compete with many other demands for scarce funds."

The spokesperson concluded, "The Trust continues to manage the full spectrum of risks, both clinical and non-clinical, which it is aware of."