Picture: Fiona Cowan, MRP clinical lead for nursing (front-right), and David Ross, Director at Keppie Design (front-left), with the summer school students and staff from NHS Lanarkshire including MRP team members
The Monklands Replacement Project (MRP) Summer School has come to an end.
16 young people spent the last full week of their summer holidays working on plans for what will be the most advanced hospital in Scotland when it opens.
Fiona Cowan, MRP clinical lead for nursing, said: “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.”
The young people are in fourth, fifth and sixth year and came from six secondary schools in North Lanarkshire. They were tasked with designing a courtyard area for older patients.
The summer school was planned in collaboration with North Lanarkshire Council’s education team and the Developing the Young Workforce team.
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.”
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.”
On day two of the week, many of the participants received their National 5 and Higher results. Together, they celebrated their results but staff also reassured those who did not achieve the grades they had hoped for by promoting of the ‘No Wrong Path’ message and demonstrating the vast array of career opportunities available throughout NHS Lanarkshire.
The group got 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. The staff explained how the ward works, the health and safety requirements and what patients need to help them to recover and return home.
A facilities management colleague also informed the young people 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.”
