Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Politicians split on hospital site
Disagreement among Nationalists
Coatbridge’s parliamentarians set out their views on the potential Monklands Hospital relocation.
Fulton MacGregor called for a delay to the decisionmaking process and Hugh Gaffney advocated a rebuild at its current home.
Both have responded to NHS Lanarkshire’s consultation on proposals to build a new hospital, with the former steelworks at Gartcosh having scored ahead of an alternative at Glenmavis during an options appraisal.
MSP Mr MacGregor differs with SNP colleagues Alex Neil and Neil Gray, who are campaigning for Glenmavis. He said it is “by far the least advantageous to my constituency” and asked instead for the current site and others which were ruled out to be reconsidered.
He said he is “relaxed in principle” about a possible move to Gartcosh but admits that location is “stretching the term ‘Monklands area’ to the limit” and says much-improved transport and public opinion would be required.
Mr Gaffney, the Coatbridge MP, said: “I am not aware of any desire among my constituents for a new hospital to be built anywhere other than on the current site.”
He ruled out Glenmavis due to site concerns and says both it and Gartcosh are insufficiently accessible by public transport.
Requesting that a decision on the preferred option not be made next month as planned, Mr MacGregor wrote: “This most important decision cannot be rushed.
“The process should be restarted and further consideration given to sites deemed unsuitable, such as Gartsherrie, with more information on why these were rejected, and there should be further opinion in relation to a refurbishment on the current site.”
He said: “Gartcosh could potentially bring regeneration and employment opportunities to the area but this cannot be at any cost. Moving the hospital from its current location will likely have a negative impact on the communities around it.
“Consultation was too negative about the current site. People were presented with three options and not involved in elimination of other sites and presentations were strongly weighted in favour of Gartcosh.
“There has been strong representation from residents of that area, concerned about traffic and infrastructure issues. There would need to be further work undertaken before the board should consider moving to a full business case.”
Mr MacGregor continued: “Glenmavis is by far the least advantageous to my constituency. Communities in the west and north of Coatbridge and those in the northern corridor would be a considerable distance from the new hospital. Many would be nearer to hospitals in Glasgow.”
Mr Gaffney’s submission says the existing hospital site “offers significant advantages which should make it the clear choice”, adding: “It’s quite clear that it is the best option.
“It is embedded into the community, is readily accessible and has established public transport links.
“The Scottish Government already own the site, which has the world-class Beatson and Maggie’s facilities. Constituents cannot understand why NHS Lanarkshire would seek to move Monklands Hospital away.
“I hope the NHS Lanarkshire board will reflect on the fact that for my constituents highquality healthcare of the future must both be accessible and firmly rooted in the local community.”
He told the health board in his submission: “Constituents in Gartcosh are concerned about the impact of building the new hospital in their community. They point to stresses on the road network and potential parking problems and rightly feel these issues have not been adequately addressed.”
He added: “I have grave concern that NHS Lanarkshire cont i nues to consider Glenmavis a credible option. The presence of a high-pressure gas main should rule it out.”
The Coatbridge MP also says the Airdrie location “does not boast accessibility by car or public transport for many of my constituents and this lack of accessibility extends to the wider catchment area”.
He said more information is needed on the offer by Airdrie businessman Ronnie Bartlett to donate the required land.
NHS Lanarkshire is currently considering all consultation submissions, with board members due to meet in November to identify a preferred option.
Moving the hospital will likely have a negative impact