20,000 Turn Out to Protest Hospital Cuts

By GORDON THOMSON

A MARCH in protest at controversial recommendations to downgrade services at the Vale of Leven Hospital attracted 20,000 people.

The marchers are angry about cutbacks which would force patients to travel from Alexandria in West Dunbartonshire to Paisley in Renfrewshire.

Organisers had predicted at least 10,000 protesters would march from Christie Park to Argyll Park in Alexandria on Saturday.

Instead local MSP Jackie Baillie said twice as many people joined the protest and urged Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon to listen to campaigners when deciding the hospital’s fate.

Health chiefs want to shut wards for mentally ill patients, close the accident and emergency department and axe midwife-run maternity units.

Ms Baillie claimed the proposals by Greater Glasgow and Clyde Health Board would trigger “substantial downgrading of services” with patients instead having to travel at least 15 miles to the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Paisley for treatment An independent review of services at the Vale of Leven is due to be completed by November 2007.

Ms Baillie, the Labour MSP for Dumbarton, said: “In the past decisions have been taken by clinicians and hospital managers but this is different. This decision will go to ministers.

“Nicola Sturgeon has already said public opinion will count in decisions on health service reconfiguration.”

Referring to the 20,000 marchers, she added: “All those people have made their voices heard and I believe it would be a foolish politician that would ignore such strength of feeling.”

Jim Moohan, senior union organiser with GMB Scotland and chair of the Hospital Watch Group said he fears more cuts could result in the hospital eventually being axed despite offering a lifeline to 100,000 people.

Originally published by Newsquest Media Group.

(c) 2007 Evening Times; Glasgow (UK). Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved.