The Monklands Replacement Project (MRP) will begin an extensive phase of further engagement with staff and the public in January as NHS Lanarkshire moves forward with its exciting vision for a new, state-of-the-art University Hospital Monklands.

MRP director Graeme Reid said: “From 31 October to 13 December, we asked staff and the public to submit their suggestions for potential sites for the new hospital that they believed met all the site selection criteria.

These are:

• Must sit within University Hospital Monklands unscheduled care catchment area;
• Must be a minimum of 40 developable acres;
• Site must have no detrimental impact on adjoining unscheduled catchment areas of hospitals in Lanarkshire, Glasgow or Forth Valley;
• Site must be designated to permit appropriate development;
• Site must have sufficient road and transport infrastructure to support the development of a major hospital site.

Graeme continued: “In January, we will publish a shortlist of potential sites for the new hospital. It will include Gartcosh and Glenmavis plus any additional sites that have emerged from the public site nomination process and a separate site search undertaken by North Lanarkshire Council.

“Detailed information on each site will also be published to ensure the community has an opportunity to provide fully informed feedback on the options before a re-evaluation of the shortlisted sites by NHS Lanarkshire.

“This extensive information will include documents covering key issues of interest to the public such as: existing and planned road infrastructure around the sites; records showing previous use; site investigation reports; impact on hospital catchment areas; travel information including drive times and public transport provision; and financial assumptions.

“Our commitment to open and transparent public engagement will help us move forward with the MRP as we address the urgent need to provide a new University Hospital Monklands for the communities of Lanarkshire.”