North Lanarkshire Council and NHS Lanarkshire have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on the delivery of two major infrastructure projects: the East Airdrie Link Road and the new University Hospital Monklands.

The MoU aims to ensure that the development of the East Airdrie Link Road, which will provide access to the new hospital site at Wester Moffat, meets the needs of patients, staff, and visitors.

"Our Memorandum of Understanding underlines the partnership between the council and NHS Lanarkshire to ensure the hospital and road meet the needs of patients, families and hospital staff," said Des Murray, Chief Executive of North Lanarkshire Council.


"I was delighted to visit the site with Mr Murray to sign this important Memorandum," said Colin Lauder, NHS Lanarkshire Interim Chief Executive. "It spotlights the importance of the partnership working in the development of the road proposals to support our plans for Scotland's most advanced hospital, which will bring fantastic healthcare benefits for communities across Lanarkshire."

The East Airdrie Link Road is a key component of the Pan Lanarkshire orbital transport corridor, connecting the M8 to the A73 south of Cumbernauld.

The new University Hospital Monklands is a flagship project for NHS Lanarkshire, with the Scottish Government expected to consider the Full Business Case later this year.

The East Airdrie Link Road is expected to be operational by 2030, with the new hospital set to open in 2031.