Arin with Stuart

Through the Monklands Replacement Project (MRP), school student Arin Khan teamed up with NHS Lanarkshire’s Biodiversity Manager Stuart Ward on a work placement.

Lesley Aitken. MRP Community Benefits Engagement Lead, explained:

“The initiative was part of the MRP’s Community Benefits programme, which holds a key objective to create opportunities to give young people the skills to achieve success and to provide NHS Lanarkshire with potential future employees.”

“The offer was made to all schools across Lanarkshire and is the first of a programme that will continue to develop.

“Arin, who’s a pupil at Caldervale High in Airdrie, came to University Hospital Monklands and spent time with Stuart, learning about the importance of biodiversity and green space throughout our estate.

“Arin was able to demonstrate his aptitude for planting with a hands-on session, helping Stuart in the garden of the Lanarkshire Beatson radiotherapy centre.

“He told us he really enjoyed his time with us and it’s increased his confidence in a workplace environment. Stuart said he was impressed with Arin’s practical capabilities and his attention to detail.

“Arin also met a member of Stuart’s team to find out about the roles and career opportunities in this area.”

The enthusiastic student also spent time with Kirsty Platt, NHS Lanarkshire’s Energy and Sustainability Manager.

Kirsty said:

“It was a pleasure to work with Arin and demonstrate how designing our healthcare estate to include meaningful green spaces can support patient wellbeing and strengthen the connection between health and the natural environment.

“This aligns with the NHS Lanarkshire Climate Change and Sustainability Strategy, which recognises the importance of nature-based solutions in reducing carbon emissions, supporting biodiversity and promoting staff and patient wellbeing.”

The new University Hospital Monklands is being designed with sustainability as a priority and has the ambition to be the first in Scotland to be net zero carbon.

Social media ads designed and targeted to over 16s, encouraging applications for biodiversity work placements at Monklands.