Plans for the new Monklands Hospital have taken a step forward.

After the outline business case was approved by the Scottish Government, NHS Lanarkshire has now submitted a planning application to North Lanarkshire Council to build the hospital. 

The Monklands Replacement Project (MRP) has involved input from patient representatives and clinical staff who have engaged with the public, staff and partner organisations to submit ideas for the 'most advanced hospital in Scotland'. 

Expected to open in 2031, the new building would benefit from increased parking with a multi-storey car park and well-being spaces focusing on patients' and visitors' enjoyment and reflection. 

The council will now review and validate the application over the coming days and begin notifying neighbours later in the month, and the public will be able to comment on the MRP proposals.

Glasgow Times:

Colin Lauder, NHS Lanarkshire's director of planning, property and performance, said: “We are delighted to submit a planning application for this hugely significant capital project.

"The new hospital will have massive benefits for healthcare, the economy and the local community across Lanarkshire and Scotland.

“This is another important milestone for what will be Scotland’s first fully digital and net zero carbon hospital.

"The Monklands Replacement Project (MRP) provides an enormous opportunity for Lanarkshire in terms of innovative healthcare delivery, employment as well as broader community benefits.”

Fiona Cowan, MRP's clinical lead in nursing, added: “The collaboration between service users and staff in the planning of the new hospital will transform our clinical model and help to reshape how we deliver healthcare across the county.

"It’s an exciting time for us all.

“The project team will continue to work with staff and patients from across Lanarkshire over the coming months to help shape how the facility will look and feel as we move forward with this ambitious vision for the evolution of health services in Lanarkshire.”

A significant focus of the new hospital is on sustainability, and the building will be specifically located to maintain the existing trees.

The project will also involve the connection to and improvement of the North Calder Water Heritage Trail, in partnership with the council and Forestry and Land Scotland.

Graeme Reid, MRP's director, said: “Sustainability lies at the core of the project’s design philosophy.

"The Monklands Replacement Project aims to be low-carbon, helping NHS Scotland deliver a net zero-carbon health service.

“An Environmental Impact Assessment will be published as part of the planning application.

"This will assess the impact of the project on the natural environment and set out ways to protect and enhance the biodiversity of the area in Wester Moffat, east of Airdrie.”