Coatbridge MP Frank McNally has warned that the Scottish Government's decision to reject NHS Lanarkshire's business case for a new University Hospital Monklands could leave local residents with "a scaled-back hospital" after years of "dithering and delays on the project."
The MP attended a packed public meeting held at Airdrie Working Men's Club earlier this month and has vowed to secure "a new Monklands Hospital that delivers the capacity and services Lanarkshire needs for decades to come."
Government Rejects £2.1 Billion Plan
As reported by Lanarkshire Live last month, Health Secretary Angela Constance informed ministers that the estimated £2.1 billion price tag for the new hospital could not be afforded "within our current financial landscape." The announcement, which came just half an hour before the Scottish Parliament began its two-month summer break, was described as a bitter blow for patients.
Speaking after the public meeting, Mr McNally said local people had "been let down once again." He added: "Our communities have waited years for a new Monklands Hospital, and they deserve a modern, first-class facility that meets the needs of future generations."
Concerns Over Reduced Scale
The MP expressed fears that the project could be delivered on a reduced scale compared to original plans. "The Scottish Government says it remains committed to replacing Monklands, but given they are wanting to reduce the cost it is becoming increasingly clear that, even if the hospital is eventually delivered, it will be on a reduced scale compared with the plans that were originally approved," he said.
Mr McNally added: "Local people have every right to feel frustrated. This project has been indefinitely shelved, which creates even more uncertainty for patients and NHS staff alike. Lanarkshire deserves better than broken promises and a watered-down replacement."
Community Meeting Highlights Frustration
Airdrie MP Kenneth Stevenson, who also attended the meeting, posted on Facebook: "I was pleased to facilitate and chair last night's meeting for the Monklands Steering Committee to discuss the future of Monklands Hospital. A number of important and constructive points were raised by those in attendance, reflecting the strength of feeling in the local community and the continued concern about delays to this vital project."
He noted that no representatives from the Scottish Government were present to hear directly from residents and stakeholders, calling this "disappointing."
Scottish Government Pledges Redesign
Health Secretary Angela Constance said a redesign of the hospital "will be done at pace and plans are in place to take a decision as early as possible in 2027." In a statement to MSPs, she explained: "Having carefully considered the Full Business Case submitted by NHS Lanarkshire, I cannot approve it in its current form within our current financial landscape. This is not a decision I have taken lightly. The case for replacing Monklands is well established."
She acknowledged the challenges of the current hospital estate, describing it as ageing and operationally constrained. "Staff have worked in difficult conditions for many years, and they deserve better. Patients deserve better," she added.
