An Aberdeen doctor has provided detailed insight into the severe health consequences faced by residents affected by the reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (Raac) housing crisis in the Torry area. Dr Adrian Crofton, the lead clinician of Torry Medical Practice, spoke to The Press and Journal, describing the multifaceted toll the crisis has taken on his patients and their families.
Torry Medical Practice, the largest primary care provider in the area, supports more than 7,000 people. Since it was revealed that 504 households in the community were impacted by Raac-related safety concerns, the practice has observed a significant increase in patients requiring additional medical and psychological support directly related to this issue.
In response, the practice has implemented a specific coding system to monitor those presenting health problems attributable explicitly to the Raac crisis, distinct from pre-existing conditions in Raac-affected homes. Dr Crofton stated: “At time of writing… there are 60 people on the practice books known to have a Raac-related health issue.” He emphasised the wider impact beyond just these numbers, adding that affected individuals’ families also face distress and disruption.
Dr Crofton expressed concerns about the profound psychological strain his patients are enduring due to the crisis, using terms such as “unremitting” and “inescapable” to describe their experience. He highlighted an increased prescribing rate of sedatives, sleeping tablets, and antidepressants among patients who otherwise would not have required such medications, underscoring that the practice adheres strictly to prescribing guidelines but feels constrained by the severity of mental health symptoms.
“Themes that come through constantly are betrayal, uncertainty, powerlessness, injustice, loss of community, financial fears, and regret that they can no longer leave much to their children,” Dr Crofton remarked. “There’s a lot of anger.”
The crisis’ impact extends beyond mental health to physical well-being, with stress linked to exacerbations of conditions like heart disease. The sustained nature of the crisis has led some patients to develop harmful coping mechanisms; Dr Crofton noted, “We are seeing patients turning to drink… people slipping back into the things they had become free from. It’s common in consultations to hear of people reaching for a drink to help them sleep. Excess mortality from alcohol is already a problem.”
Adding to the picture are the familial and social consequences. Young mothers in the community have voiced concerns about safety amid many empty Raac homes and the fracturing of their children’s social networks due to the displacement of families. Dr Crofton explained how families that settled in Raac houses to be close to relatives or local amenities face disruption to work, schooling, and support structures.
Importantly, Dr Crofton revealed that neither he nor his practice were consulted by Aberdeen City Council during the initial appraisal of options for dealing with the Raac-affected housing. Instead, the medical practice had to proactively engage the council, warning of the health ramifications over a year ago. He highlighted that to his knowledge, no comprehensive health impact assessment was carried out as part of the decision-making process regarding whether to repair or demolish the buildings.
“It does feel reckless,” Dr Crofton said. “How can you not have a careful, detailed health impact assessment as part of your options appraisal?”
When approached for comment, an Aberdeen City Council spokeswoman stated: “An integrated impact assessment was undertaken as options were explored. Discussions were undertaken at senior level with the Integrated Joint Board.”
Dr Crofton acknowledged the efforts of frontline workers assisting his patients but expressed frustration with what he described as a lack of consideration at higher levels and instances of snobbery towards the affected community. He said: “From my perspective, as someone who knows these families… most of the time when you visit these homes you meet hardworking people, in well-maintained homes, who are good, good people. The cheap stereotyping does not help. The health and wellbeing of Torry people is suffering. It’s pretty grim.”
Regarding ongoing support measures, Aberdeen City Council confirmed continued engagement with residents through Housing Support Officers and collaboration with Scotland Action for Mental Health (SAMH) to provide services to any affected individuals or family members.
The Press and Journal’s reporting highlights the complex and sustained health challenges local residents face amid the Raac housing crisis, marked by both psychological distress and physical health impacts, compounded by social and economic disruption.
Source: Noah Wire Services