A cutting-edge immersive suite is being constructed at University Hospital Monklands to support the planning and engagement process for Lanarkshire's new hospital.

The facility, which will utilise the latest digital technology, will offer a virtual experience of the proposed hospital design. This innovative approach reflects NHS Lanarkshire's commitment to innovation and its ongoing efforts to transform and improve clinical and operational services for patients and staff.

The immersive suite will engage NHS staff and the public in discussions about the plans for the replacement University Hospital Monklands, to be located at Wester Moffat, Airdrie. The new hospital aims to be Scotland's first digital hospital when it opens around 2031.

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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.