Hospital revamp plan moves to next stage

Fouroptionsontable

Plans to redevelop Monklands Hospital are moving forward after receiving initial Scottish Government approval – with the four options now to be considered next year.

NHS Lanarkshire has this week been given the go- ahead to develop the required outline business case to rebuild or refurbish the hospital.

The process will take between two and three years, and will include an options appraisal event “involving a wide range of stakeholders” during 2018.

It will identify the preferred option from building a brand new hospital at either the current Monkscourt Avenue location or at a new site, a full refurbishment of the building, or a programme of minimum required repairs.

The business document must be finalised before any building work could start; the development’s construction period depends on which option is chosen.

Project clinical lead Dr Jim Ruddy said: “While no preferred option has been identified, we have an opportunity to enhance facilities for patients and staff and provide a whole new level of care.”

Colin Lauder, the project’s interim director, said: “There is a long way to go, but we’ll work with partners including the council and health boards, and the people who will use and deliver services.

“Input from stakeholders will be important in the options appraisal and, alongside other criteria, will inform the preferred option.”

Health secretary Shona Robison said: “Considerable investment has gone into Monklands Hospital in recent years; we have now asked NHS Lanarkshire to produce an outline case that considers needs across the west of Scotland.

“Any decision will be subject to future Scottish Government budgets and will be taken [on] improving clinical provision across Scotland.”

Moving forward Consideration will be given to the rebuilding or renovation of the 40-year-old hospital