SNP sends £2.1bn Monklands hospital back to drawing board weeks after election (opens original article in a new tab)

The Scottish Government has rejected the £2.1bn business case for the Monklands hospital replacement, ordering a redesign and delaying the 2031 opening. Health Secretary Angela Constance called it a 'reset' but acknowledged the project's complexity and financial constraints.

• Scottish Government rejected £2.1bn business case for Monklands hospital replacement, ordering redesign and delaying 2031 opening.
• Health Secretary stated decision was a 'reset' not 'stop', aiming to build hospital with retained A&E and shift focus to community care.
• Opposition criticized the move as a 'complete halt' and questioned funding sources, while SNP faced internal criticism over delayed plans.