Graeme Reid, the project director for the replacement of the existing hospital, told the Daily Record:
“We are interested in hearing from the community if they think there are any additional sites which meet the five-point criteria; we will then fully assess all those identified along with the existing sites.”
It is crucial that any potential location fits in well with the wider map of healthcare provision. For instance, the catchment areas of other hospitals should be respected. This may well rule out recommendations which suggest that buildings ought to be placed near amenities in Glasgow or the Forth Valley.
Any potential site must have the necessary transport infrastructure for it to be a practical proposition. In addition, the area should be a minimum of 40 acres in size. It is also important to know whether or not the local council has approved the space in question for the purpose of development. Printing services can be useful for organisations wanting to engage with the public.
2020 will see further progress on the hospital replacement scheme. If Coatbridge residents want to make their suggestions in time to have an impact, they will have to act promptly and have them submitted by December 13th.