First look inside new University Hospital Monklands revealed

You can now take a virtual tour through part of the proposed layout of Lanarkshire’s new hospital.

The exciting Monklands Replacement Project (MRP) video shows computer-generated images illustrating the “village” concept, which recently received planning approval for its construction at Wester Moffat, Airdrie.

It also shows the design vision for the interior ground floor public areas which starts at the East Entrance of the hospital.

You can look at plans now (Image: Sourced)

READ MORE: Possilpark doctors welcome £1 million funding confirmation

Viewers can then see the bright main “street”, which leads to the different “districts” including the public departments and staff areas.

There’s also a view of the reception area, a café, comfortable seating and the entrance to the clinical research department.

The new Monklands has the ambition to be Scotland’s first fully-digital hospital and the walkthrough continues past electronic self-check-in kiosks before reaching floor-to-ceiling windows with a relaxing view of a leafy garden courtyard.

The virtual tour has been revealed (Image: Sourced)

The spacious Mid Square has lifts, room for stalls to be set up by charities and community groups, and a grand staircase in the centre.

MRP architects Keppie Design say the new Monklands takes its concept from a village where different hospital functions are expressed as separate districts, each with their own character.

READ MORE: Mum has accidentally given family scabies in Clydebank

Keppie Director David Ross explained: “The philosophy is an environment on a comfortable scale for people, with interesting spatial experiences for adults and children.

“The main public street is the building’s principal artery, connecting each district via three important ‘civic spaces’, which create places to dwell or hold activities. The idea of a green ‘lung’ within the campus is a constant, providing light and offering aspects to the landscaped spaces outside.”

The space promises lots of natural light (Image: Sourced)

MRP Clinical Lead (Nursing) Fiona Cowan, who has led project design workshops, said: “We’re delighted to be able to paint a picture of the hospital interior for the public and our staff, showing just how bright and spacious we intend it to be.

“I’d like to thank all the stakeholders who’ve contributed to our design process, including patients, the public and our staff.

“Now that we’ve received planning approval, our layout is very close to what will eventually be built, to implement our forward-thinking clinical model that will deliver the best possible healthcare in the future.

“The video doesn’t illustrate everything along the street as we’re still working with stakeholders on our strategies for interior design, artwork and ‘wayfinding’ - signage and other elements that will guide people around the hospital in a way that is also dementia friendly and appropriate for those who have a disability.”

You can watch the video tour here.