As part of the development of an outline business case for the replacement or refurbishment of University Hospital Monklands, NHS Lanarkshire undertook an option appraisal process to assess the proposals.

Members of the public and NHS Lanarkshire staff worked together during two events to consider the non-financial benefits of four agreed proposals for the Monklands replacement/refurbishment project (MRRP):
Option A – Ongoing maintenance of the current hospital
Option B – A refurbishment of the current hospital
Option C – A new-build hospital at the current location
Option D – A new-build hospital at a different location

Option D was the highest scoring in the initial option appraisal event on 4 June, leading to a second event on 8 June, to consider two alternative locations – Gartcosh and Glenmavis – that had been previously shortlisted from a long-list of 37 sites.

The location at Gartcosh, site of the former steelworks, emerged as the highest scoring at the second event. However, before a preferred option for any future hospital can be identified further work will need to be completed.

NHS Lanarkshire will now produce an in-depth financial analysis along with the option appraisal output. This will form a report, expected in early July, in advance of an engagement process with the public, patients, carers, staff and the many other stakeholders involved across Lanarkshire, the West of Scotland and beyond.

MRRP clinical lead Dr Jim Ruddy said: “This is an important milestone in our exciting project to ensure the best possible future for University Hospital Monklands and the healthcare needs of the local and wider community the hospital serves.

“On Monday, participants were given a clear understanding of our proposed clinical model and they assessed each option to see which best delivered the future healthcare needs of our patients.

“Today the same group of participants assessed the locations.

“We’d like to thank them for their support with this vital process. This project will deliver significant investment in services and facilities to bring benefits for patients, service users and staff.”

A broad range of representatives took part in the option appraisal including patients and public representatives, carers, clinicians (from hospitals, primary care and general practice) and staff representatives. Observers at the event included members of the Scottish Health Council, which supports NHS Boards to effectively involve patients, carers and communities in planning and providing healthcare.

Project director Graeme Reid added: “This project is an extremely positive vision for Lanarkshire, the wider west of Scotland and beyond.

“The option appraisal outcome will allow NHS Lanarkshire to move forward with the development of a business case over the next two years for a state-of-the-art facility for patients in the region.”

NHS Lanarkshire director of planning, property and performance Colin Lauder said: “We’re confident the MRRP will help us achieve the aims of the national health and social care delivery plan and to work with other health boards in the region to ensure the benefit is maximised for the population of Lanarkshire and beyond.

“There are still many steps to take along the road to achieving our ambitions for Monklands. The next stage will be the public engagement phase which we intend to launch over the summer.

“Following that process we will then finalise an outline business case to be submitted to the Scottish Government for approval next year, before the project can move on to a full business case in 2020.”