Final approval for the most advanced hospital in Scotland will provide ‘fertile ground for bedding in the country’s innovation ambitions and inspiring a more efficient health service’

Plans to build the New University Hospital Monklands in Lanarkshire are now to go before the Scottish Government — the last step prior to construction which is expected to start on farmland at Wester Moffat in Airdrie next year, with a targeted opening of 2031.

Formal NHS Scotland partner InnoScot Health believes it is a key step towards a more self-sustaining health service with the new hospital’s facilities pointing the way for a more innovative future.

The new facility — replacing the current Monklands hospital in Airdrie — has been called Scotland’s ‘first fully digital, net-zero carbon hospital’.

Head of Innovation at InnoScot Health, Robert Rea agrees and said: “Once complete, this will be a best-in-class centre of innovation — both in terms of facilities offered immediately upon its opening, and for continuously inspiring forward-thinkers with its progressive ambitions.

“From day one, New University Hospital Monklands will be a true showcase for the power of digital healthcare systems and sustainable design — Scotland’s first major acute hospital delivered to net zero standards for both construction and operation.

“It is a meaningful step towards meeting NHS Scotland’s net zero target for 2040 and embracing the benefits of nature with its site layout planned to maximise the green surroundings, aiding faster recovery.”

Designers say New University Hospital Monklands will use cutting-edge technology for real-time patient monitoring and integrate advanced operational command systems, laying the foundations for a futureproofed facility complete with an intuitive layout for better flow.

Robert added: “I am in no doubt that it will help to increase efficiency and wellbeing for staff and of course deliver improved health outcomes as part of a more patient-centred approach.

“Importantly, the hospital also represents fertile ground for bedding in the country’s collaborative innovation drive, drawing on a range of expertise, and inspiring a more agile health service by example.”

Last week, NHS Lanarkshire's board approved the business case for the project, describing it as a "revolutionary blueprint" for healthcare in the region.

Specialist services throughout Lanarkshire will all be based at the hospital, including cancer care, infectious disease medicine, renal medicine, urology surgery, and ear, nose and throat surgery.

Chair of NHS Lanarkshire, Martin Hill said: "This is the most important decision by the board in recent memory and marks a significant milestone for the people of Lanarkshire.”

InnoScot Health’s Sustainability Innovation Call encourages sustainable, forward-thinking ideas from health and social care collaborators in a bid to help support NHS Scotland to adapt, develop, and strengthen in response to climate change.