Primary school pupils are using Minecraft Education Edition to create an imaginary vision for Lanarkshire’s new hospital.

NHS Lanarkshire’s project to replace University Hospital Monklands has teamed up with North Lanarkshire Council education colleagues to launch the engaging digital learning initiative.

The NHS Monklands Build Challenge harnesses the creative world of Minecraft Education to give learners the chance to produce their theoretical designs for departments and infrastructure for the new University Hospital Monklands at Wester Moffat in Airdrie.

The initiative is part of the Community Benefits programme for the Monklands Replacement Project (MRP), which has had significant engagement with young people in Lanarkshire through its aim to target learning opportunities, apprenticeships, job creation, environmental enhancements, and support for businesses large and small in the local area and further afield.

Lesley Aitken, MRP Community Benefits Engagement Lead, said:

“The use of Minecraft Education is a fantastic way for the young people to feel engaged in the project and perhaps spark their interest in a career in healthcare, architecture or construction.

“The exciting build challenge has a series of introductory videos featuring staff from University Hospital Monklands and the MRP team, giving the pupils information and tips to help them create their virtual infrastructure.

“MRP Director Graeme Reid tells the young people about our real-world project to build a digitally-advanced, net zero hospital. Colleagues then talk about the planning process and the areas to be designed in the challenge – the main hospital building, the A&E department, a ward, an operating theatre, a laboratory, and transport and access routes.”

Callum Croughan, North Lanarkshire Council Digital Pedagogy Practitioner, said:

“The project builds on previous work by the council using Minecraft Education and the NL Minecraft MAYhem Build Battle – a dynamic, school-based project where learners from all over North Lanarkshire collaborate, design and compete in themed building challenges. The initiative encourages creativity, problem-solving and teamwork, while linking directly to real-world contexts and curriculum areas.

“Inspired by this success, the NL Digital School team identified a meaningful opportunity to connect learning with the local community by collaborating with the new hospital project.

“The result is a unique learning experience that empowers pupils to have a voice in envisioning what a future hospital could look like.

“Through a series of engaging lessons, the collaboration helps pupils better understand how hospitals are designed, built and operated, providing authentic context and inspiration for their designs.

“The NHS Monklands Build Challenge not only supports curriculum learning but also empowers young people to engage with real-world issues in a meaningful and inspiring way. By combining digital creativity with community partnership, this project highlights the potential of innovative learning to shape future thinking.”

Throughout the challenge, learners will develop a wide range of skills, including:

• Collaboration and teamwork – working together to plan, design, and refine shared ideas
• Creativity and innovation – designing imaginative yet functional healthcare environments
• Problem-solving and critical thinking – overcoming design challenges and making purposeful decisions
• Digital literacy and computing skills – using Minecraft Education as a tool for design and communication
• Understanding of real-world contexts – exploring how hospitals function and meet community needs
• Communication skills – presenting and explaining their designs and ideas