The NHS Premises Assurance Model (PAM) is a key governance framework used across NHS Trusts to demonstrate that estates and facilities are safe, compliant and effectively managed.
Updated annually by NHS England, PAM supports Boards and Estates teams in assessing risk, evidencing compliance, and prioritising actions across their property portfolio.
In the latest iteration of PAM, radon gas now appears within the self-assessment questions relating to estate safety and risk management. For many Trusts, this may be the first time radon has formally appeared within their annual assurance process.
What Is the NHS Premises Assurance Model (PAM)?
PAM provides a structured self-assessment tool covering areas such as:
It enables Trust Boards to demonstrate due diligence and confirm that risks are being appropriately identified and managed across the estate.
The inclusion of radon signals a growing recognition that environmental hazards form part of overall building safety governance.
Why Radon Matters in Healthcare Settings
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that enters buildings from the ground. It isinvisible, odourless and only detectable through testing.Long-term exposure to elevated radon levels increases the risk of lung cancer.
Healthcare environments present a unique risk profile:
For estates managers, radon is not just a theoretical environmental issue, it is a measurable workplace risk that can and should be assessed.
What the PAM Update Means for NHS Trusts
While we cannot comment on individual Trust submissions in this blog, the inclusion of radon within PAM means estates teams may now need to demonstrate:
For some Trusts, this may involve reviewing historic testing. For others, it may require initiating a structured radon assessment programme. Either way, radon has now moved from “optional consideration” to a documented element of estates assurance.
A Practical Approach to Radon Compliance in NHS Estates
A proportionate approach typically involves:
1. Identifying Risk – Review UK radon maps and building types.
2. Testing – Using passive radon detectors (ideally over 3 months for accuracy) across representative areas of the estate.
3. Reviewing Results – Comparing findings against UK workplace action levels (300 Bq/m³).
4. Mitigation (If required) – If elevated radon levels are found, obtaining designs for radon reduction methods from a radon specialist and implementing these
5. Ongoing Management – Maintaining documented risk assessments and retesting as appropriate.
Why This Is a Governance Issue — Not Just a Technical One
PAM is ultimately about assurance.
The inclusion of radon reflects a broader shift towards:
In healthcare environments (where both staff and vulnerable patients may occupy buildings for extended periods) understanding indoor environmental risks is part of responsible governance.
Supporting NHS Estates Teams
PropertECO has extensive experience supporting large, complex estates with:
If your Trust is reviewing the updated PAM requirements and would like guidance on implementing a proportionate radon management plan, our team would be happy to help with next steps.
Contact PropertECO to discuss radon testing and management strategies for healthcare estates.
