NHS Lanarkshire has extended its engagement process on proposals for the future provision of elective (planned) orthopaedic surgery.

To give more opportunity for feedback from the community, the original deadline of tomorrow (15 Sep) has been extended to 30 September.

Elective orthopaedics is planned surgery, primarily to replace the main bony joints, such as hip, knee and shoulders, and for repairs to the associated tissue.

NHS Lanarkshire’s preferred option is to transfer this service from its current location at University Hospital Hairmyres in East Kilbride to the new University Hospital Monklands, at Wester Moffat on the outskirts of Airdrie, when it opens around 2028. The preferred option has been proposed by officers of NHS Lanarkshire.

Orthopaedic outpatient care will continue to be available at Lanarkshire’s three acute hospitals. The proposals don’t affect Lanarkshire’s orthopaedic trauma service – urgent and emergency care for people who have broken bones – which will continue to be located at University Hospital Wishaw as part of the West of Scotland Major Trauma Network.

The engagement process, launched in July, is seeking the views of stakeholders before a final decision is made.

An outline business case for the new University Hospital Monklands is expected to be submitted for approval to the Scottish Government by the end of this year, meaning a decision is needed now on whether or not provision of elective orthopaedic surgery should be part of the business case.

The community’s feedback will be among a range of information the Board of NHS Lanarkshire will receive to assist their deliberations when they meet later this year to consider a decision on the future provision of elective (planned) orthopaedic surgery.

How to get involved

Our engagement process is running until 30 September 2021.

To help inform feedback, we’d urge people to visit the dedicated webpage and take the opportunity to read the handy engagement guide, frequently asked questions and the presentation given at engagement events.

• Complete the online survey

https://nhslanarkshire.engage-360.co.uk/surveys/4

• Contact us direct with your comments or questions – or if you need a paper copy of the survey:

• email – ortho.engagement@lanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk
• phone – 01236 713348;
• Write to – FREEPOST RTEJ-HZLK-AETZ, Communications Dept, NHS Lanarkshire, Kirklands, Fallside Road, Bothwell, G71 8BB