The Scottish Government has approved the outline business case for a new facility that will replace University Hospital Monklands.

Claimed to be the most advanced hospital in Scotland upon completion, the new hospital will be a completely digital and net-zero facility.

The Monklands Replacement Project (MRP) is said to offer significant benefits for healthcare and the community across Lanarkshire and Scotland.

The Scottish Government has invited NHS Lanarkshire to submit a full business case for the project.

The final programme timeline and budget will be determined upon submission of the full business case next year.

The new facility will be constructed on a new site at Wester Moffat. It will retain an A&E department and associated specialised services.

Its approval is said to be a notable milestone as the NHS celebrates its 75th anniversary.

Local council leader Jim Logue welcomed the progress and emphasised the importance of infrastructure development, including the East Airdrie Link Road, in facilitating access to the project.

Logue noted: “This is a very significant step forward for the new hospital, and there is no doubt that it would not have been possible without the major investment of the council and Glasgow City Region City Deal in the Pan-Lanarkshire Orbital and East Airdrie Link Road.

“Our ambitions for infrastructure in North Lanarkshire are clear and we will continue to do everything we can to boost the local economy.

“Investments such as the East Airdrie Link Road and Pan Lanarkshire Orbital will make travel across North Lanarkshire and beyond faster, more efficient, and more environmentally friendly.

“That increases investment and makes it easier for local people to access vital local services such as the new hospital.”