Healthcare future up for

A public meeting on NHS Lanarkshire’s healthcare strategy – including its plans for a new Monklands Hospital – is to take place in Airdrie next month.

It will take place at Gartlea community centre on October 26 as part of the ongoing public consultation into the board’s Achieving Excellence strategy, which runs until November 1.

Residents are being asked to give their views on issues including the hospital’s planned renovation or refurbishment, and the long- term location of Lanarkshire’s orthopaedic elective surgery unit, to be at either Monklands or Hairmyres.

More than 180 people have so far completed an online survey, while NHS Lanarkshire representatives have met with 700 stakeholders during the consultation to date – and they are encouraging more local residents to make their views known.

Health board officials announced earlier this year that they are developing a business case for a new £ 400 million Monklands Hospital, with 450 to 500 beds and intended to open in 2023.

Now they are asking residents to give their views on their preference from four options – a complete new build in the existing catchment area, complete or partial redevelopment on the current Monkscourt Avenue site, or continuing to maintain the current hospital buildings.

Colin L a u d e r, N H S Lanarkshire’s head of planning