However, NHS Lanarkshire is going one step further by involving doctors and nurses too. Nicola Ruddy is a senior nurse and clinical adviser to the Monklands Hospital investment team.

Nicola said: “It is important to ensure that, whether it is a new or refurbished healthcare project, it is as person-centred as possible. This means it has to provide the best environment for patient and healthcare professionals.”

Nicola has over 30 years’ experience within NHS Lanarkshire, having started as a recovery sister in 1985. She has worked in areas including care of the elderly, medicine and surgery. As a result, Nicola brings a great deal of insight and experience to the table.

In her role, Nicola has made sure that all construction and refurbishment work at the hospital has the needs of patients and staff at the very heart of the project.

Most recently, she is using her nursing knowledge to inform the construction of the £19m theatres and intensive care unit (ICU).

Nicola said: “As a registered nurse I am well aware of the value my clinical experience brings to the project team.”

“I have worked with on project where the input of clinicians has resulted in more innovative ideas and approaches. Having clinicians involved helps to ensure that patient care is firmly at the centre of everything we do.”

Leslie McLellan is the theatre manager at Monklands. She too has had input into the theatre refurbishment project.

Leslie added: “As I work every day in the theatres, I am very familiar with the needs of staff and patients.

“We have to ensure that theatres are able to support the ever increasing levels of demand for specialist acute clinical care. However, we also need to make the working environment as good as it possibly can be for the staff. I am sure that staff will really appreciate the new facilities.”