Exciting plans to replace a University Hospital Monklands with a landmark new facility have taken a giant leap forward.
The Scottish Government has approved the outline business case for the hospital, giving NHS Lanarkshire and local residents another reason to celebrate the NHS's 75th Anniversary.
When it opens, the new hospital will be the most advanced "trailblazing fully digital hospital" in Scotland.
The new hospital is a hugely significant capital project hoped to have massive benefits for healthcare, the economy and the community across Lanarkshire and Scotland.
Following a thorough review at the highest levels, including support from the First Minister, the Scottish Government has invited NHS Lanarkshire to submit a full business case for the Monklands Replacement Project (MRP).
Michael Matheson, the cabinet secretary for NHS recovery, health and social care, assured people that the A&E department as well as specialist services would remain at the new hospital.
He said: “We welcome the outline business case for the replacement of University Hospital Monklands and look forward to the development of the full business case.
“The new Monklands Hospital will retain an A&E department along with associated specialist services.
"It is a major capital investment for the Scottish Government and we are committed to delivering a new hospital for everyone living in the Monklands catchment area.”
Martin Hill, chair of NHS Lanarkshire, shared his excitement at the formal approval.
He said: “We are absolutely delighted that the Scottish Government has formally approved the outline business case.
"The Board fully supported the outline business case, recognising the huge amount of work and dedication by an expert team.
“This announcement is a great way to mark such a special anniversary as we move forward with this ambitious vision for the evolution of health services in Lanarkshire.”
Professor Jann Gardner, NHS Lanarkshire chief executive, added: “We would like to thank the Scottish Government for fully considering the outline business case and for recognising the importance of replacing the current University Hospital Monklands.
“This provides an enormous opportunity for Lanarkshire in terms of innovative healthcare delivery, employment as well as broader community benefits. The facility also aims to be the first fully digital and net zero hospital and every part of the building and clinical model is transformational.”
Caroline Lamb, chief executive of NHS Scotland and director-general of health and social care, was joined by John-Paul Marks, permanent secretary to the Scottish Government, on a recent visit to the University Hospital Monklands.
Speaking about the visit, Professor Gardner said: “We were delighted to have had the opportunity to share our vision and to describe the work already underway to begin transforming our clinical model and to reshape how we deliver healthcare.”
MRP represents a massive investment in health services in Lanarkshire. The replacement hospital will be built on a new site at Wester Moffat, east of Airdrie.
The final programme timescales and cost will be agreed upon when the full business case is submitted in 2024.
Dr Jim Ruddy, MRP Clinical Lead - Medical, said: “In developing the full business case, we have an exciting opportunity to enhance the services and facilities for our patients and staff.
“More importantly a new, state-of-the-art, University Hospital Monklands will support new clinical models – how we provide treatment in future.”
Fiona Cowan, MRP Clinical Lead - Nursing, added: “The progression of the new hospital is great news for patients, staff and the community. This approval allows us to look forward to a bright future in the new hospital.”
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