NHS Lanarkshire is planning a major new development to replace the existing Monklands Hospital.

The Scottish Government has welcomed the proposal from NHS Lanarkshire to embark on the process of seeking funding for the redevelopment.

The options include redevelopment of the hospital on the existing Monklands site, or a complete replacement facility at an alternative location.

Redevelopment of the current site could include a new ward block, new day surgery unit and an expanded outpatient department.

Dr Rory MacKenzie, Chief of Medical Services, Monklands Hospital, said: “It is fantastic news for our patients and staff. Our staff work tremendously hard to provide an excellent standard of care at Monklands Hospital and these options open up exciting opportunities to further enhance this.”

There has been significant investment in Monklands Hospital in the last six years including the new theatre and critical care unit upgrade, a new £1.8m pathology laboratory and the £22m Lanarkshire Beatson radiotherapy centre.

Colin Lauder, Head of Planning and Development,  said: “This investment has been in addition to more than £35m investment over the last six years, which has been necessary to safely maintain Monklands Hospital, which was designed in the late 1960’s and opened in 1974, and to enable us to provide the highest standards of care.

“Despite this, there are parts of Monklands Hospital that we will never be able to bring up to the standards required to deliver high-quality 21^st Century healthcare.”

The initial agreement will take around six months to develop. It will include a full evaluation of the options including potential locations and will identify a preferred option.

NHS Lanarkshire will involve patients, staff, the local authorities and other stakeholders in the planning process.

It is estimated that the period from starting the initial agreement to completing the new hospital, would be around seven years.