Building work is underway at Monklands Hospital to increase the size of the emergency department, creating a bespoke area for a Rapid Assessment and Treatment Team.

Interim changes have already seen a temporary rapid assessment and treatment area set up.

The public entrance, waiting room and reception have also moved temporarily ahead of their permanent relocation. The porters’ hub has switched to the main corridor within the hospital.

Dr Gordon McNeish, consultant in emergency medicine, said: “The rapid assessment and treatment team is a new way of treating people as they present at the emergency department.

“They will be assessed by a senior doctor as soon as they arrive and have all the necessary tests carried out. This means treatment can start sooner which improves the patient experience and reduces the length of time they have to wait in the department.

“The whole department has been involved in the design.”