NHS Lanarkshire have reported that plans to construct a new state-of-the-art “digital hospital” have progressed through preparatory works, with ground tests marking the pre-construction phase.

Engineers have been carrying out the work at the site for the new University Hospital Monklands as the Monklands Replacement Project gets underway.

The new hospital, set to be constructed at Wester Moffat, east of Airdrie, is being built around a ‘village’ model, where the building will be divided into separate areas, or districts, each with its own identity in the hope of promoting public and clinical interaction.

Described as Scotland’s first ‘fully digital hospital’, cutting edge technology and digital innovation are being incorporated into the design from the start, with automation, connectivity, and interoperability among the core concepts baked into the plans. 

Currie Brown, the lead advisors on the project, state that real-time data will be used to support an efficient and effective patient journey, allowing safer and better patient care through access to advice and treatment navigation.

Some of this technology is already being used at the existing hospital, such as electronic observations in the emergency suite, but will be central to the design of the new building, which will be equipped with modern patient systems, including rooms with large display screens for tracking patients vital signs on.

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The project, reported to cost around £700 million, aims to become Scotland’s first net zero carbon hospital and act as a pathfinder for the Net Zero Carbon Standard for Public Sector Buildings. Thermal modelling programs will be used to minimise the hospital’s carbon footprint, and alternative fuel sources are to be used throughout the new building.

Colin Lauder, NHS Lanarkshire deputy chief executive & director of planning, property and performance, said: “It’s inspirational to walk the site and see all the activity, and to envision the magnificent, state-of-the-art hospital building that will stand there in the future.”

“We’re currently developing the MRP’s Full Business Case (FBC) and the project timeline is unchanged as we work towards completing the FBC in 2025 and opening our new hospital around 2031.”