Published: Tuesday, 22nd May, 2007 09:41
HOSPITAL CUTS LOOK CERTAIN
By Kirsteen Paterson
Print Article
PLANS to implement the worst set of cuts ever at the Vale of Leven Hospital have been described as a disaster for the area.
As well as losing more vital services around 150 jobs are being threatened under Health Board plans.
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (GGC) wants to axe services including anaesthetics, unscheduled medical care and rehabilitation.
There are also fears over mental health services at the Christie Ward.
The axing of anaesthetics will have a knock on effect for other services and mean emergency patients being taken on a 15-mile dash to the Royal Alexandra Hospital (RAH) in Paisley.
On Friday, GGC bosses gathered Vale staff for three official meetings with Helen Byrne, director of Acute Services and Planning.
The proposals, if approved by the board in June, will be put out to public consultation for three months, before being sent to the Scottish Parliament for approval.
But opponents vow not to let the scheme reach that stage.
New council leader Iain Robertson said: `We will fight this decision all the way. Since 1995 we have been accused of scaremongering about plans to cut services at the Vale. Now the axe has finally fallen on the hospital thanks to Greater Glasgow and Clyde Health Board and the previous Scottish Executive's centralisation policies.
Jackie Baillie, the MSP for Dumbarton, said: `This is not only devastating news for patients. It is bad for staff, from consultants to nurses to ancillary staff, who face losing their jobs or seeking new employment elsewhere within the Health Board area.`
Del.icio.us
Digg
Facebook
Reddit
Stumbleupon
Christmas songs played to sharks