The Scottish Government has formally approved the outline business case for the new hospital at Wester Moffat and a full business case will now be developed and submitted for the Monklands Replacement Project.

The development of the new East Airdrie Link Road, allowing access to the site of the new hospital, was a key element in allowing the project to progress.

Michael Matheson, Cabinet Secretary for NHS Recovery, Health and Social Care, said: “We welcome the outline business case for the replacement of University Hospital Monklands and look forward to the development of the full business case.

“The new Monklands Hospital will retain an A&E department along with associated specialist services.

“It is a major capital investment for the Scottish Government and we are committed to delivering a new hospital for everyone living in the Monklands catchment area.”

North Lanarkshire Council supported the development of the business case for the new hospital and contributed an additional £53.3 million to the Glasgow City Region City Deal funding of £149m for three key infrastructure projects. These projects include the Pan-Lanarkshire Orbital, of which the East Airdrie Link Road is a key component.

Council leader Jim Logue said: “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.”