Abstract

The Monklands Replacement Project (MRP) is NHS Lanarkshire’s exciting and positive vision for University Hospital Monklands and the local and wider community it serves, proposing a major investment in Lanarkshire’s hospital estate by rebuilding the hospital on a new site. The existing Monklands Hospital is now more than 40 years old and will struggle to adapt to the rapidly changing needs of the future healthcare environment and its associated infrastructure. NHS Lanarkshire aspires to deliver a sustainable design for the new hospital, minimising negative impacts on the environment and improving the health and safety of all building occupants.

On a national level, in line with policy drivers and the Scottish Government’s Net Zero Public Sector Building (NZPSB) Standard, and recognising the valuable link between sustainable development and health and wellbeing, NHS Scotland has identified, through the Sustainable Design and Construction (SDaC) Guide, priority themes that aim to positively influence the future development of healthcare facilities in Scotland.

“The relationship between building design, green and blue infrastructure, and wellbeing is one that is well documented and recognised as having significant impact on an individual’s health and wellbeing. For a development to be considered truly sustainable, the health and wellbeing of all users should be prioritised and considered alongside the environmental and economic impacts.” – SHTN 02-01: Sustainable Design and Construction (SDaC) Guide