The outline business case for the development of a new replacement for University Hospital Monklands has been approved by the Scottish government.

North Lanarkshire Council's proposed Monklands Replacement Project will now move forward to the development of a full business case.

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.

The 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 £149 million for three key infrastructure projects. These projects include the Pan-Lanarkshire Orbital, of which the East Airdrie Link Road is a key component.

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Councillor 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."

The news gives NHS Lanarkshire and the people of Lanarkshire an extra special reason to celebrate the NHS’s 75th Anniversary as they look to a future with the most advanced in Scotland when it opens.