A group of high school students have helped design and plan part of a new Scottish hospital. 

16 young people from fourth, fifth and sixth year, who took part in the Monklands Replacement Project (MRP) Summer School, were tasked with designing a courtyard area for University Hospital Monklands which is being rebuilt in Wester Moffat.

The summer school was planned in collaboration with North Lanarkshire Council’s education team and the Developing the Young Workforce team.

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Councillor Angela Campbell, North Lanarkshire Council’s Convener of Education and Families, said: "The commitment and enthusiasm of our young people has been truly inspiring over this programme.

"The project has helped pupils make the link between school curriculum and real life and just seeing their ideas come to fruition, and how they can be applied to an important project such as this, is very exciting."

Glasgow Times:

The summer school gave the group the opportunity to hear from a range of hospital staff, including a consultant and physiotherapist who work in the older people’s ward at University Hospital Monklands.

Staff explained how the ward works, the health and safety requirements and what patients need to help them recover and return home.

A facilities management colleague also informed the youngsters what needs to be taken into account from a cleaning and maintenance perspective.

Martin Hill, NHS Lanarkshire Chair, said: “The Monklands Replacement Project isn’t just another hospital, it is an opportunity for everyone in the community to get involved and this summer school is a great example.

“As well as architecture, this was a chance for the young people to see how a hospital works and the range of professions that are necessary for a hospital to function and provide services to the local population.

“On behalf of the Board, I’d like to thank the young people, not only for giving up their time but also for sharing their creativity and ideas.”

While Fiona Cowan, MRP clinical lead for nursing, added: "What a fantastic week we had with our young people. We would like to bring our local young people into the project where possible, to help us design and plan the new hospital.

"It was really inspiring that the young people gave up a full week of mornings during their school holidays and we really appreciated it."

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Keppie Design delivered the week’s activities drawing on a vast amount of previous experience with this type of programme.

David Ross, Director at Keppie Design, said: “The young people were so articulate in explaining their designs. They listened closely and thought hard about the patient group that the courtyard would be serving.

“They demonstrated a knowledge and understanding of the brief, with careful consideration given to rehabilitation, safety, privacy and dignity. Most importantly, they had fun with the project.”