NHS Lanarkshire gets approval to decide on future of Monklands
A health board has been given Scottish Government approval to develop an outline business case to rebuild or refurbish Monklands Hospital in Airdrie.
As part of the outline business case (OBC) NHS Lanarkshire will identify the preferred option from a choice of four - do minimum, fully refurbish the current hospital, construct a new-build on the current hospital site or build a new hospital on another site.
The OBC will take into account the assessment of the population needs of the west of Scotland and associated regional service planning.
The health board said it can now move on to the next phase of planning following Scottish Government approval of the Initial Agreement to seek a capital allocation for the project.
Colin Sloey, NHS Lanarkshire director of Strategic Planning and Performance, said: We are delighted that the Scottish Government has formally approved the Initial Agreement and that we can begin the process of creating an outline business case.
The development of the outline business case will be undertaken in the broader context of achieving the aims of the Health and Social Care Delivery Plan.
In doing so, we recognise the need to work collaboratively with other health boards in the region to ensure the benefit is maximised for the whole of the population we serve.''
The whole business case process will take between two to three years to complete.
The construction period for the new development will be dependent on the preferred option.
Health Secretary Shona Robison said: Considerable investment has gone into Monklands Hospital in recent years and we have now asked NHS Lanarkshire to produce an outline business case that considers the needs of the population right across the West of Scotland and delivers excellent care and value for money.
The level of potential investment involved in this programme is significant, so any final decision will be subject to future Scottish Government budgets and will be taken in the context of improving the quality of clinical service provision right across Scotland.''
An option appraisal event, involving a wide range of stakeholders, will take place during 2018 to identify the preferred option for either refurbishment or rebuild.
Dr Jim Ruddy, clinical lead for the Monklands Replacement/Refurbishment Project (MRRP), said: While no preferred option has been identified at this stage, we have an exciting opportunity to enhance the hospital facilities for our patients and staff and take the level of care we can provide to a whole new level.''
Councillor Jim Logue, leader of North Lanarkshire Council, said: This is another big step forward in a vital project for the communities of North Lanarkshire and beyond.
The council is fully committed to working in partnership with NHS Lanarkshire to realise these ambitious plans and we will continue to offer all support and practical help possible.''