20,000 Protest at Hospital Cutbacks

THE campaign to save services at Vale of Leven Hospital in Alexandria was buoyed at the weekend by the huge turnout for a rally at the hospital.

Up to 20,000 protesters took part in the demonstration on Saturday, supported by MSPs from all the main parties.

Local MSP Jackie Baillie urged Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon to listen to campaigners when deciding the fate of services at the hospital.

Maternity services and accident and emergency services at the Vale of Leven have already been downgraded.

Ms Baillie claimed current proposals, put forward by Greater Glasgow and Clyde Health Board, would see “substantial downgrading of services” with patients instead having to travel 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 that public opinion will count in decisions on health service reconfiguration.

“And today 20,000 people come out to make their views known about what this community wants.

All those people have made their voices heard and I believe it would be a foolish politician that would ignore such strength of feeling.”

Annabel Goldie, the Conservative leader, said the rally was one of the most impressive demonstrations of local opinion she had ever seen.

And SNP West of Scotland MSP Gil Paterson said the number of demonstrators showed that local services were desired and needed by the people.

He said he would press Ms Sturgeon to appreciate that the hospital “could be, should be and must be saved”.

Originally published by Newsquest Media Group.

(c) 2007 Herald, The; Glasgow (UK). Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved.