Politicians respond to opening delay of new Monklands Hospital

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Monklands’ politicians have responded to news that the new Monklands Hospital is set to open three years later than planned, calling it “disappointing” but welcoming the latest progress on development of its business case.NHS Lanarkshire announced last week that a new project timeline including a later start to planned groundworks at Wester Moffat has been agreed – meaning the new facility is now set to open in 2031 rather than 2028 as anticipated.Board members say the revision, meaning that advance funding is not now being sought before the outline business case is approved, will “give the project the best chance of moving through the approval process” by allowing more time to determine the financial position of the health service in Scotland.The Lanarkshire Live app is available to download now.

Get all the news from your area – as well as features, entertainment, sport and the latest on Lanarkshire’s recovery from the coronavirus pandemic – straight to your fingertips, 24/7.The free download features the latest breaking news and exclusive stories, and allows you to customise your page to the sections that matter most to you.Head to the App Store and never miss a beat in Lanarkshire - iOS - Android Neil Gray, the Airdrie MSP, campaigned for the replacement hospital to remain located in the town in his previous role as the area’s MP.

He told Lanarkshire Live: “Clearly a delay is disappointing as we have worked hard for a new hospital as quickly as possible due to the condition of the current building. “However, I am pleased that the development of the business case and overall planning works is continuing following the successful recent purchase of the Wester Moffat site; and I will keep working hard with NHS