Q. What excites you most about your role in building this new hospital?

A. “Leading the team through design development allows me to ensure that clinical workflows, patient safety standards and compassionate care principles are embedded into the very fabric of the hospital’s design and culture. I’m energised by the chance to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams – architects, engineers, clinicians, support staff – to create environments that truly support staff wellbeing and optimise patient outcomes.

It’s a privilege to translate frontline nursing experiences into practical solutions that improve efficiency, reduce errors and enhance the overall patient journey. Ultimately, the opportunity to lead and support the design will help deliver a space where patients receive exemplary care and staff can perform at their best is what drives my passion every day.”

Q. Could you please share a bit about your professional background and how your skills or experience are helping shape this new hospital?

A. “Throughout my career I have been passionate about improvement, both for patients and staff experiences. I have spent the majority of my career (circa 30 years) linked to peri-operative services (care delivered before, during and after surgery). I was fortunate to be offered the chance to work in Sweden in the early part of my career and this opportunity to work in an innovative health system very much ignited my passion for improvement and driving change to improve patient outcomes.

I have been fortunate to be part of a number of projects and leading service redesigns in terms of whole system services and also single service improvements, for example the inception of NHS Lanarkshire’s Theatre Academy. This new approach to workforce planning for the peri-op teams has allowed new roles and opportunities for professional development across the peri-op areas.

As I progressed through project work I wanted to formalise my understanding of project management and so completed PRINCE2 training. This has very much supported my day-to-day management of tasks and deliverables so that we can achieve programme milestones. One of the largest aspects to my role is stakeholder engagement and ensuring that everyone that should have a view on the hospital design has one and that it is taken account of. This includes public engagement and is crucial to ensure the voices of patients are heard also.”

Q. What values or principles guide you in your work, and how have they influenced your approach to this project?

A. “Compassion drives everything I do, reminding me that at the heart of every decision is the wellbeing of patients and their families. This keeps the focus on delivering care that is not only clinically excellent but also respectful and empathetic.

Integrity ensures transparency and accountability in all aspects of the project, from resource management to stakeholder communication,  fostering trust among the team and the wider hospital community.

Collaboration is essential because no successful hospital project happens in isolation. I actively seek input from frontline staff, clinicians and patients, valuing diverse perspectives to shape a facility that truly meets everyone’s needs.

Continuous improvement encourages me to challenge the status quo, embrace innovation and adapt to emerging best practices, ensuring the project results in a future-proof hospital environment.

These principles influence my approach by helping me prioritise patient-centred design, nurture a positive and inclusive team culture, and maintain a clear focus on quality and safety throughout the project lifecycle.”

Q. Can you please describe a personal highlight of the project so far?

A. “A personal highlight was the inaugural MRP Summer School. What started as a ‘let’s do this’ conversation has now evolved into a well-established programme where the young people of NHS Lanarkshire can engage with the project and consider future career opportunities.”

Q. In what ways do you think the project will leave a lasting legacy for the Lanarkshire community?

A. “There will be improved access to high-quality care. By bringing state-of-the-art facilities to NHS Lanarkshire the hospital will afford the residents, patients and visitors improved patient pathways alongside safe, effective and efficient services.

Then there’s the patient-centred environment. Designed with the community’s needs in mind, the hospital will provide a healing environment that respects dignity, privacy and cultural diversity – enhancing the overall patient experience.

We’re aiming to support the local workforce and economy. The hospital will create hundreds of jobs – both during construction and in ongoing operations – boosting local employment and skills development opportunities.

In terms of integrated health and social care, modern infrastructure is designed to support partnership working across health and social care services. The hospital will enable better-coordinated care pathways, improving long-term health outcomes in the community.

There’s a focus on sustainability and innovation. Built with sustainability at its core, the hospital will be energy-efficient and environmentally responsible.

Finally, the hospital brings community engagement and pride. The hospital will stand as a symbol of Lanarkshire’s commitment to health and wellbeing – a source of community pride and a foundation for ongoing health initiatives.”