A virtual tour has been created for Scotland’s ‘first fully-digital hospital’ in Lanarkshire – which will feature electronic self-check-in kiosks.
The computer-generated walkthrough shows online visitors around the proposed University Hospital Monklands in Wester Moffat, Airdrie, which is set to open in 2031.
The ‘village’-like facility, which will be a net zero carbon hospital, leads visitors in through its east entrance at one end of an ‘airy main street’, leading to three different districts.
There’s a view of the reception area, a café, comfortable seating and the entrance to the clinical research department.
The new Monklands has the ambition to be Scotland’s first fully-digital hospital and the walkthrough continues past electronic self-check-in kiosks (illustrative design only) before reaching floor-to-ceiling windows with a relaxing view of a leafy garden courtyard.
The spacious Mid Square has lifts, room for stalls to be set up by charities and community groups and a grand staircase in the centre. Above the ground floor are two levels and there is also a lower ground floor as well as the ward block. The MRP website has a full illustration of departments and services on each level in the project information section.
Past the entrance of the outpatient department and along the West Street, the viewer sees a spacious seating/waiting area and “digital walls” to show information.
Next, the West Atrium, home to retail outlets that will be decided later in the project. The hospital restaurant and research & education department are shown as the video moves to the West Entrance, which accesses the “active travel” (pedestrian/cycle) route towards nearby Drumgelloch train station.
From the welcome desk and check-in, the walkthrough illustrates the Small Atrium and route to access more stairs and lifts.
MRP architects Keppie Design say the new Monklands takes its concept from a village where different hospital functions are expressed as separate districts, each with their own character.
Keppie Director David Ross said: “The philosophy is an environment on a comfortable scale for people, with interesting spatial experiences for adults and children.
“The main public street is the building’s principal artery, connecting each district via three important ‘civic spaces’, which create places to dwell or hold activities. The idea of a green ‘lung’ within the campus is a constant, providing light and offering aspects to the landscaped spaces outside.”
MRP Clinical Lead (Nursing) Fiona Cowan, who has led project design workshops, said: “We’re delighted to be able to paint a picture of the hospital interior for the public and our staff, showing just how bright and spacious we intend it to be.
“I’d like to thank all the stakeholders who’ve contributed to our design process, including patients, the public and our staff.
“Now that we’ve received planning approval, our layout is very close to what will eventually be built, to implement our forward-thinking clinical model that will deliver the best possible healthcare in the future.
“The video doesn’t illustrate everything along the street as we’re still working with stakeholders on our strategies for interior design, artwork and ‘wayfinding’ – signage and other elements that will guide people around the hospital in a way that is also dementia friendly and appropriate for those who have a disability.”