Monklands Hospital set for major revamp
PLANS which could see Monkland’s Hospital completely rebuilt have been approved by health chiefs.
NHS Lanarkshire has rubberstamped the initial agreement for a new hospital or substantial refurbishment at the existing site.
The board said that despite investment of £35million over six years, there were “significant risks” to the quality and effectiveness of care the Airdrie hospital can deliver due to the ageing facilities.
Problems include a “chronic lack of space” and inadequate toilet and shower facilities, the deterioration of the hospital’s drainage systems and “limitations” for safe patient evacuation in the event of a fire.
Board papers also state that the current facilities are limiting advances in centres of excellence for trauma, orthopaedics, cancer, general surgery and for training.
The new hospital would provide between 400 and 500 beds and would be located either on the redeveloped current campus or on a new site in Lanarkshire. The board said there was a “significant” cost differences between the various options, which will be decided before the end of the year.
Monklands serves a population of approximately 260,000 people of North and South Lanarkshire council areas.
The initial agreement for the new hospital will now be submitted to the Scottish Government with a decision expected in March.
Dr Rory Mackenzie, Chief of Medical Services at Monklands Hospital, said: “Monklands Hospital was built in the 1970s and the accommodation places limitations on what can be achieved.
“Despite significant investment of £35m over the last six years, there are parts of the hospital that we will never be able to bring up to the standards required to deliver high-quality 21st Century healthcare.
“It is fantastic news that we are moving ahead with plans for this development.”
NHS Lanarkshire is currently consulting on proposals for orthopaedic trauma services to be split between Hairmyres Hospital in East Kilbride and Wishaw Hospital, removing provision at Monklands in Airdrie.
The health board has already agreed to an interim move, which sees emergency operations onbroken and fractured bones done at Wishaw and Hairmyres.