It’s a Big Shout Out to the award-winning team creating the new University Hospital Monklands.
Monklands Replacement Project (MRP) colleagues are getting a round of applause for their: innovative planning of the hospital and its surrounding infrastructure; future-proofed model for clinical care; and tireless work to propel the project toward approval of its final business case.
With an ambition to create Scotland’s first hospital to be fully digital and net zero carbon, with clinical services meeting the healthcare needs of the 2030s and beyond, the MRP has a core team of 22 NHS Lanarkshire staff. They’re supported by a highly-experienced external lead adviser, expert sub-contractors, top architects and healthcare planners, and a construction partner with vast expertise in building hospitals.
The project’s tasks encompass everything from developing a game-changing model of care, service redesign and workforce planning, to facilities management, sustainability, digital requirements, and the developing blueprint for the big move in 2031 to the new site at Wester Moffat in Airdrie.
Overseen by stringent internal and external governance processes, the MRP has previously achieved Outline Business Case approval and planning permission. Preparatory groundworks are now under way on the site as the project takes another step closer to its vision for a hospital for the communities of Lanarkshire — offering good connectivity through the planned East Airdrie Link Road, suitable public transport links and a large increase in parking provision.
There’s a major focus on the wider boost to the region that a massive construction project brings, including a Community Benefits programme targeting job creation, apprenticeships, learning opportunities, support for businesses large and small, and environmental enhancements.
Informing the community and seeking their feedback is key and is encapsulated by the MRP’s Immersive Suite – a digital learning and engagement centre for staff and the public that uses virtual reality technology to bring the plans to life. The latest leadership walkround was at the suite, impressing the Board members and other guests who visited.
Currently celebrating accolades received at the recent European Healthcare Design Awards and the UK Planning Awards, the MRP team is driving forward with completion of its Full Business Case, for Scottish Government approval – opening the way for hospital construction to begin next year.
