Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
HOSPITAL MOVING TO NEW LOCATION
Re-evaluation of potential sites ordered
Monklands Hospital will move to a new site – but a re-evaluation has been ordered of the potential locations at Gartcosh and Glenmavis.
The reassessment is among the recommendations from the independent review panel set up to examine last year’s options appraisal and public consultation process surrounding the emergence of the former Gartcosh steelworks as the preferred site for the £400 million replacement hospital.
Health secretary Jeane Freeman – who established the review in response to concerns about the site choice process from local politicians and residents – has also ruled out redevelopment on the current site at Monkscourt Avenue, “due to concerns over cost, timescales and patient safety”.
The independent report calls on NHS Lanarkshire to “re- evaluate the
top two scoring options, underpinned by credible and convincing detail on the nonfinancial benefit criteria and associated costs”.
However, it determined that the health board had “used correct guidance” in relation to the Monklands replacement planning and site selection, and that the process was “overall very well conducted”.
Experts instructed that the location reassessment should give “greater clarity on accessibility including infrastructure and public transport”, and added: “This further evaluation should explicitly and transparently take account of the views of the public.”
They also recommended that new independent members should be appointed to the Monklands replacement/ refurbishment project board, and that a vision should be developed for the existing hospital site, again in conjunction with the community.
Ms Freeman said: “On the process for selecting the site, I have asked NHS Lanarkshire to broaden out the process and to work closely with the local planning authority to ensure they can contribute to a more constructive, inclusive and open review of the options with meaningful public engagement.
“This will mean that if there are any viable sites in the Monklands area beyond Gartcosh and Glenmavis, they will be considered; and it will ensure that the most appropriate is identified through an appraisal process supported by the community.
“We’ re committed to delivering a new hospital for everyone living in the Monklands catchment area; the new Monklands Hospital will retain an accident and emergency department along with associated specialist services.”
Ruling out the existing site, she said: “There is little point in including an option which will score poorly in the appraisal.
“Building a new hospital on an existing site takes longer, costs more and risks infection and other patient safety concerns. It will also create performance and access issues directly affecting patients, during the long construction phase.”
NHS Lanarkshire board chair Neena Mahal said: “I welcome the report from the independent review panel.
“I am committed to implementing their recommendations, in order to address the urgent need to replace University Hospital Monklands.”