Uddingston man named hospital project director
Decision will be made to replace or refurbish facility
The multi-millionpound plan to rebuild or refurbish University Hospital Monklands has taken a step forward with the appointment of Uddingston man Graeme Reid as project director.
Graeme will take the helm of NHS Lanarkshire’s Monklands replacement/refurbishment project (MRRP) next month.
He is joining the health board from Transport Scotland, where his most recent role has been head of contracts branch following the delivery of the £500 million M8 M73 M74 Motorway Improvements Project, for which he was project sponsor.
Graeme, from Uddingston, said he was looking forward to working in his home patch on the Monklands project, which is currently developing an outline business case, including identifying a preferred option: Do the minimum; a full refurbishment of the current hospital in Airdrie; a new-build hospital on the current site; or a new-build on another site.
Graeme (37) said: “I’m delighted to be joining NHS Lanarkshire.
“The MRRP will bring exciting changes for healthcare in Lanarkshire, and I was attracted by the challenge of leading an important project that will offer huge benefits to the local community and the wider population of the west of Scotland.
“As the public face of the MRRP, one of my key roles will be to clearly explain the process and challenges of the project to the public, healthcare colleagues and the wide range of stakeholders involved, and to ensure we listen to and address feedback wherever possible.”
NHS Lanarkshire deputy director of strategic planning Colin Lauder will continue as interim project director until Graeme takes up his post.
The outline business case will include consideration of all delivery options, taking account of the population needs assessment of the west of Scotland and the associated regional service planning. An option appraisal event involving a range of stakeholders will take place later this year to help to select the preferred option for either refurbishment or rebuild.
NHS Lanarkshire director of strategic planning and performance Colin Sloey said: “We are very pleased to welcome Graeme and are looking forward to working with him on this vital project.
“Graeme brings with him a wealth of experience in spearheading major infrastructure changes and the MRRP will benefit greatly from his expert knowledge of planning, working with contractors and leading engagement with the community and other stakeholders.
“The MRRP will help us achieve the aims of the national health and social care delivery plan and to work collaboratively with other health boards in the region to ensure the benefit is maximised for the population of Lanarkshire and beyond.”