Consultation launch on new Monklands hospital

A public consultation into plans for NHS Lanarkshire's new Monklands hospital has opened to the public today.

It runs from today (2 March) until 29 March, and the community can take part through a dedicated website.

The website will host two live and interactive public consultation events, with a “chat box” function to put questions to members of the Monklands Replacement Project (MRP) team about the plans to build the new hospital at Wester Moffat Farm, Airdrie. The events are on:

• Thursday 17 March, 4-8pm;

• Saturday 19 March, 12-4pm.

The online resource also has frequently asked questions and information sections on the MRP proposals, including:

• Wester Moffat site details;

• the “village” design concept for the building;

• the “woodland strategy” (landscaping, views etc);

• connectivity (road infrastructure, public transport provision);

• parking provision;

• active travel (options for walking/cycling to the hospital);

• access (how people will find their way around);

• net zero carbon ambitions and the vision for Scotland’s first digital hospital

• the developing plans for how departments will be arranged;

• information on supporting studies including a transport assessment and an environmental impact assessment.

MRP director Graeme Reid said: “We intend to submit an application for planning permission to North Lanarkshire Council later this year.

“Undertaking this public consultation before the planning application is submitted provides a fantastic opportunity to hear the views of stakeholders – the public, including those who live in the vicinity of the site, staff in NHS Lanarkshire and the health & social care partnerships, and any other members of the community who wish to comment on the proposals.

“The feedback from stakeholders has been crucial to the project so far and we hope anyone who has specific questions about our plans can join us at one of the online events for a live chat.”

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