New £9m OAP care hub in South Shields springs a leak

Haven Court in South Shields, officially opened last week but already there have been teething problems.

Rainwater has leaked through the atrium of the centre for integrated heath and social care which has been built in the grounds of South Tyneside Hospital.

And cracks have formed in an office wall.

However health bosses say it’s common for small issues like these to arise once a new building has been completed.

An eyewitness who did not wish to be named said: “There’s water leaking down the walls of the new open atrium area which spans upward two storeys.

“Buckets were needed to gather water from a few ceiling leaks, and an office on the McAnany Avenue part already has cracks in walls.”

Steve Jamieson, South Tyneside NHS Foundation Trust’s director of estates and facilities, said the leaky atrium has already been fixed and the problem was noticed after last Thursday’s heavy downpour.

He said: “It is very common for small issues to arise once new buildings are completed and handed over.

“The leak in the atrium of Haven Court was noticed on Thursday night, following a period of intense rainfall, and the contractor was on site first thing Friday morning to identify the cause and rectify the problem. There is a crack in an office wall, but this is not structural and it is on the list to be addressed.”

The 80-bed centre will offer support and services, including residential, day and respite care, and rehabilitation for older people, especially those with dementia.