A redesign of proposals for the build of the new Monklands Hospital is to begin ‘at pace’ after the Scottish Government deemed the current £2.1 billion plans to not offer value for money.
The Scottish Government stated that it is still ‘fully committed’ to building the facility, which is earmarked for a site at Wester Moffat in Airdrie and – under existing plans – would become the country’s first fully digital and net zero hospital.
A comprehensive redesign of the Monklands Replacement Programme will now begin ‘at pace’ this summer between the Scottish Government, NHS Lanarkshire, and partners. Refreshed plans will be presented to ministers for decision in 2027.
While this work is being undertaken, targeted investment will be made in the existing Monklands Hospital to address current infrastructure pressures, the Scottish Government added.
Angela Constance, Scottish Government health secretary, said, “I recognise this will be disappointing for staff and communities who have been engaging patiently for a number of years in the development of plans. However, having carefully considered the affordability of the full business case submitted by NHS Lanarkshire, I cannot approve it in its current form within our current financial landscape.
“The current proposal for Monklands is significantly more expensive than comparable programmes and would represent an unprecedented concentration of capital investment in a single health project. For context, that would be an estimated £5 million per bed to deliver.
“This is not a decision I have taken lightly – we are fully committed to building a new hospital at Monklands. However, it is also my responsibility to ensure that major investment decisions are affordable, deliverable, and aligned with the future direction of our health and care system.
“I am clear that the redesign required will be done at pace and plans are in place to take a decision as early as possible in 2027. In the meantime, I am pleased we will also be providing targeted urgent investment in the existing Monklands Hospital to address the current infrastructure challenges staff are facing.”
