New figures reveal evidence of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) found since May in 18 more NHS sites – a 75% increase in the number of sites with identified RAAC.

Sir Julian Hartley, chief executive of NHS Providers, said:

"This old concrete (RAAC) puts patients and staff at risk and the picture is getting worse.

"We feared that even more of this unsafe material would be found in hospitals and NHS buildings by government-ordered surveys.

"Trusts are doing everything they can, at huge cost, to keep patients safe where this concrete is found.

"New Hospital Programme funds for seven trusts with the most critical risks from RAAC will see it replaced by 2030. But it's a huge worry that it could be 12 years before other hospitals and buildings have RAAC removed and replaced, with the danger that the state of these buildings will get worse and put patients and staff at greater risk.

"The RAAC problem is a symptom of a far bigger and long-running one. The NHS has a £10bn-plus backlog of repairs as it struggles to maintain too many creaking, leaking and outdated facilities and buildings.

"Concerns about the NHS estate go far beyond RAAC. Many trusts still need major investment to refurbish ageing buildings and tackle other risks to the safety of patients and staff."