CAMPAIGNERS calling for a small local hospital to be saved for the community last night welcomed a move by ministers to overturn a proposal by health bosses to close it.
Ivan McKee, the SNP MSP for Glasgow Provan, said he was “absolutely delighted” that Lightburn Hospital in his East End constituency will remain open.
NHS Greater Greater Glasgow and Clyde health board planned to close the facility but following a consultation with people living in the area and the final decision fell to Health Secretary Shona Robison.
Robison yesterday rejected the board’s plans for what she described as “the removal of the only significant, established and highly valued healthcare facility from one of the most deprived communities in the country”.
McKee, who has been part of the local campaign to preserve health and social care service provision in the East End, made two written submissions to the consultation.
“I’m absolutely delighted Lightburn will stay open and that the site could be developed to incorporate the planned East End Health and Social Care Hub.
“The case for a local community hospital in the East End has been proven beyond contention. I’ve long maintained it is consistent with and supportive of the principles outlined in the Scottish Government’s National Clinical Strategy but, more importantly, it’s gratifying that through this decision the Cabinet secretary has acknowledged the strength of feeling locally on this issue and the work that has been put into campaigning by local people determined to save their local community healthcare facilities.”
He added: “The East End of Glasgow, an area of multiple deprivation, needs and deserves a community hospital facility offering ... quality services to the people it serves.”
Meanwhile, Robison approved closing a children’s hospital ward at the Royal Alexandra Hospital (RAH) in Paisley, saying it was in patients’ “best interests”. She agreed to transfer inpatient and day case paediatrics from Ward 15 at the RAH to the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow.
Labour MSP Neil Bibby said: “This is a disgraceful political decision. The families and staff of the Children’s Ward and everyone who uses the RAH have been stabbed in the back by the SNP government.”
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