This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Go ahead for health service changes in Lanarkshire
21/08/2006
Modernisation of health services in Lanarkshire will receive £300 million of investment under the NHS Board's future plans which were endorsed by Scottish Ministers today.
In addition to existing plans, the Executive will make provision for up to £100m of investment for the regeneration of Monklands Hospital, while the Minister has asked NHS Lanarkshire to speed up its own £100m programme to revolutionise primary care in the area.
This will include a range of new or upgraded facilities, starting in Airdrie and Coatbridge. More than £100m will also be spent increasing capacity at Wishaw and Hairmyres Hospitals.
Changes to acute services will see emergency services re-organised with Monklands becoming a Planned Care Hospital with a 24-hour Community Casualty facility.
Ahead of that change, Ministers will accelerate provision for the establishment of a Community Casualty Unit in Cumbernauld.
In addition, patients in that part of Lanarkshire who wish to access A&E facilities at the new hospital in Larbert will be able to do so when it opens in 2009.
The Minister also announced a significant expansion of ambulance services in Lanarkshire which will see more than 40 new paramedics and ambulance technicians along with a number of new vehicles.
The Board has also agreed to meet local demands for the introduction of a shuttle bus service.
Deputy Health Minister Lewis Macdonald said:
"The NHS cannot stand still. It is vital for the health of communities that all Boards look carefully at how they deliver services and whether that can be done in better ways.
"With the dual challenges of an ageing population and areas of significant deprivation, much of the health service in Lanarkshire is having to focus on patients who have chronic and often multiple conditions like arthritis or heart disease. This means the service needs to be built more around looking after people on a continuing and preventative basis, rather than isolated episodes of acute emergency inpatient care.
"The Board's plans to spend £100m on the development of a number of new Health Centres and Community Casualty Units will bring patient centred, preventative care into the heart of some of the area's most deprived communities. I have agreed with the Board this work will now be speeded up, starting with brand new health centres in Airdrie and Coatbridge.
"I also recognise the part that Monklands Hospital plays in the North Lanarkshire community. I am providing up to £100m which will transform the site into a first class example of modern healthcare. Having a 24-hour Community Casualty Unit will mean Monklands can continue to provide unscheduled care to the vast majority of those who currently use the A&E. Along with new Community Casualty Units in Lanark and Cumbernauld, this service will support the two A&E's and Community Casualty Units at Wishaw and Hairmyres.
"I also expect the Board to consider carefully the disposition of cancer services right across Lanarkshire. In particular, I would need to be convinced about any proposals that suggested a location other than Monklands Hospital for inpatient services and planned care.
"NHS Lanarkshire's proposals are fully consistent with our drive to build a more preventative NHS, as outlined in our blueprint for the future of NHS Scotland Delivering for Health. Now I want to see the Board working to deliver it as soon as possible.
"Finally, I'm satisfied there has been extensive community engagement by the Board and the independent Scottish Health Council has verified that the Board have carried out their consultation correctly and have engaged with the community in this process. As work continues, I want NHS Lanarkshire to continue that engagement."
The Board's proposals, A Picture of Health, were submitted to the Minister on June 29.