Work has begun at University Hospital Monklands in Airdrie to create an ‘Immersive Suite’ that will use the latest digital technology to share a virtual vision of the new hospital.

The facility reflects the commitment to innovation that is key to NHS Lanarkshire’s current drive to transform and reform its clinical and operational services for the benefit of patients and staff.

The Immersive Suite will use ultra-modern technology to engage with NHS staff and the public about the plans for the replacement University Hospital Monklands, to be built at Wester Moffat, Airdrie, which has the ambition to be Scotland’s first digital hospital when it opens around 2031.

Kathryn Henderson, Monklands Replacement Project (MRP) senior project manager, said: “Staff and the public may have already noticed construction work going on adjacent to the Emergency Department at the current Monklands site.

“The MRP’s construction partner Laing O’Rourke has installed welfare cabins for the crew working on the Immersive Suite. They’re now carrying out foundation works before placing the cabins that will form the suite.

“The Immersive Suite gives us an exciting opportunity for a learning space, initially for our colleagues and later for members of the community.

“It will also help to deliver the MRP’s programme of community benefits, which include training, job creation, economic opportunities and environmental improvements.”

Full details of the futuristic facility, which will use technology to give an immersive virtual experience of the new hospital, are being kept under wraps until the suite’s official opening later this year.