University Hospital Monklands

Part of the debate – in the Scottish Parliament at on 24 October 2018.

Alert me about debates like this

Photo of Miles Briggs Miles Briggs Conservative

What is key is that we can all accept that the hospital needs to be upgraded, and we can look forward to that happening and to all the services that have been retained there being transferred to the new site, whether that is in Monklands or involves a new preferred option.

It is clear that serious questions are now being asked about the consultation process, particularly with regard to the removal of potential other location options. Those issues must be addressed. However, we are talking about a major investment of perhaps £400 million to £600 million for a major new-build hospital that will serve the area for decades to come. It is vital, therefore, that the new hospital is developed on the best site that is available and that that choice enjoys as much support as possible from as many local people as possible.

I know from other decisions that have been taken in the past by other health boards, including the one that covers my area, that it is important to future proof the site. Having the potential for future NHS developments and investment is important, and developing a site that cannot provide that flexibility is not good for patients or the future sustainability of our NHS.

I hope that NHS Lanarkshire will listen closely to today’s debate, and I thank the Labour Party for bringing the motion to the chamber. It is important that the health board acknowledges and responds to all the concerns that have been expressed by members of all parties and decides whether it needs to pause and reconsider the consultation process to date. We need to get the location of the new Monklands right and, above all, make sure that the needs and the interests of all the people of Lanarkshire are put at the heart of that decision.