Dean's Update
05 May 2017
The latest from Ian Greer
The most important single piece of news since my last update has been the serious fire that broke out in the Paterson Building on the morning of Wednesday 26 April. Thankfully there were no injuries and the building was evacuated with great efficiency.
The Fire Service attended and rapidly contained the fire, although there was extensive damage to the building. Richard Marais, Director of CRUK MI and Kenny Nolan, Deputy Director of Estates and Facilities, led the emergency response for staff with great effect; and with the support of the Fire Service, Richard and his staff worked tirelessly to rescue freezers containing vital samples, bio-banks and data so minimising the impact on research.
Sir Harpal Kumar, CEO of CRUK, who had travelled from London immediately on hearing the news joined me on the day of the fire to see the extent of the problem and to support staff.
Richard also convened an update meeting on Tuesday 2 May when we were able to reassure staff that no jobs would be lost as a result of the fire. We are now assessing the impact of the fire on individual projects and will provide some further reassurance for research staff and students once this is complete. During the meeting Richard explained that an emergency planning and other operational groups with University, Faculty and CRUK MI representation have now been established to begin planning where and when work can be restarted (some people are already back up and running). It was also confirmed that that there is limited damage to the lower floors, where valuable samples and expensive equipment were saved thanks to the quick work of staff and the emergency services.
Although unable to be present in person, Nancy Rothwell sent a video message of support; and we also received a superb message of encouragement from the Director of the Glasgow School of Art, which experienced a similar event some years ago. The stars of the show though were six members of the Greater Manchester Fire Service, including three of those who were in the first tender on scene.
I would like to take this opportunity to record my thanks – firstly to the Fire Service for their prompt response, containing the fire and limiting the damage to the building; and secondly to the large number of colleagues from across the University who are continuing to manage the situation on the ground in the aftermath of the fire. We are incredibly fortunate to have the support of such a diverse and talented group of colleagues.
Finally I would once again like to assure those colleagues based in the Paterson Building who are directly impacted of our unwavering support.
Ian Greer
Vice-President and Dean
Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health