The SNP were defeated in parliament yesterday when opposition parties backed a Labour motion calling for the protection of local NHS services.
Labour’s motion said Health Secretary Shona Robison should call in a number of health board proposals for changes to hospital services that are currently classed as minor, and therefore don't need government approval.
"The bucks stops with Shona Robison and the Cabinet Secretary is accountable to this Parliament," Labour’s Health spokesman Anas Sarwar said.
"That is why it is vitally important that the Cabinet Secretary calls in the proposals so that all of us in this chamber who represent different communities and constituencies can ensure that all the various voices can be heard.”
Labour says maternity services at the Vale of Leven Hospital in Alexandria and Inverclyde Hospital in Greenock, paediatric services at the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Paisley and trauma orthopaedics at Monklands Hospital in Airdrie are all at risk.
Robison insisted no final decisions have been made on any of those proposals, adding that an established "robust" process is in place.
"This government remains committed to robust, evidence-based policy making. I am prepared to take difficult decisions where the evidence supports it.
"What we will not countenance is change being dictated to local communities as has happened in the past under a Labour administration.
"Local people can be assured that this government will always focus our approach on providing as many services locally as possible, and our record in government stands in stark contrast to that of the previous administration."
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