North Lanarkshire Council is to pursue government assurances over the future of the project to replace Monklands Hospital. At a recent meeting of the full council, members voted through a motion asking the council’s chief executive to write to the government asking for confirmation that the business case be approved and the hospital remains on track to open by 2031.
Motion Details
The motion, from independent Airdrie North councillor Alan Beveridge and seconded by Conservative member Sandy Watson (Airdrie South), read: “Council recognises that existing Monklands hospital in Airdrie is in a deteriorating condition and requires significant remedial investment, and therefore supports the development of a new, modern, fit for purpose replacement facility at the Western Moffat site in Airdrie.
“However, it is alarming to read recent reports indicating that the full business case for the replacement hospital has not yet been approved by the Scottish Government and that funding for the project remains unconfirmed.
“Accordingly, the Council requests that the Chief Executive writes to the Scottish Government seeking urgent assurance that the business case is approved and full funding made available to enable the new hospital to be delivered and fully operational by 2031 to provide the modern healthcare facility required and deserved by residents of North Lanarkshire and beyond.”
Cross-Party Support
Councillor Beveridge called upon his fellow members to cast aside political differences and show unity and determination to secure the future of Monklands Hospital. Councillor Watson added that the decision to replace Monklands had been made in 2017 and although staffed by “dedicated and hardworking professionals” the actual building is outdated and in urgent needs of modernisation.
He said that although on a different site to the present hospital, a new facility at Wester Moffat would serve his constituents well for generations and this was why the motion had been tabled.
Urgent Need for Action
“There have been recent reports that the new hospital could face delays while leaked NHS board minutes have highlighted a £45 million repair bill for the existing facility. My constituents deserve healthcare that is modern, efficient and local. Any delay must be properly justified, particularly when the alternative is spending tens of millions of pounds on an ageing building that is already facing significant challenges,” he added.
Councillor Watson warned that the repairs included work on fire safety and heating systems which could affect patient safety if not addressed, while delays in building the new hospital would result in significant costs, with inflation alone costing an estimated £4 million per month to the cost of the project.
Amendment and Vote
Councillor Richard Sullivan (SNP, Airdrie North) led an amendment, stating that his group also fully supports development of the new hospital, calling it “one of the most significant public infrastructure investments North Lanarkshire has seen in generations”.
Referring to the decision to downgrade Monklands emergency services 20 years ago, Councillor Sullivan added: ”That was a decision which caused deep concern and lasting anger across our communities and it was only when the SNP took over the following year that these plans were reversed and the future of Monklands as a full acute hospital was secured.”
He added that people deserved to know when the full business case would be approved, when construction would be completed and the cost. He said the council’s chief executive should write to the cabinet secretary welcoming the Scottish Government’s commitment but also seeking an update on the current status of the project, including the timescale for final approval of the business case, details of construction and the completion date.
The motion was carried with 51 votes to 24.
