Dumbarton Reporter | News | LACK OF DEMAND FOR PUBLIC VALE MEETING

Wednesday, 9th July, 2008

Published: Tuesday, 29th April, 2008 11:00

LACK OF DEMAND FOR PUBLIC VALE MEETING

By Andrew Gibson

IN SEPTEMBER an estimated 20,000 people marched to save the Vale — this week the health board insists that there is not enough demand for a public meeting on its plans to close the hospital’s birthing unit.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (GGC) has blamed a lack of interest for its refusal to organise a large-scale meeting outwith working hours.

In less than 52 days the much criticised public consultation on maternity services will close and GGC will re-analyse its preferred option to strip the birthing unit.

This week campaigners to save the Vale are urging all those people who marched for the hospital to get involved in the consultation.

Without considerable protest to the closure of the unit, it is likely it will shut just four years after opening.

GGC has still to hold two further community engagement meetings at the unit on May 7 (2pm to 5pm) and May 21 (9.30am to 12.30pm).

However, it will not commit to holding a full public meeting outside office hours for people to air their views fully and grill health board members. unless the public demands it.

A GGC spokeswoman told the Reporter: “When we launched the consultation we gave a commitment to organise a public meeting if there was sufficient demand. To date, the level of interest has been relatively low, however, we will continue to monitor demand over the coming weeks."

Jackie Baillie MSP has called for more to be done to make the public aware of the public consultation which will end on Thursday June 19.

She said: “I have seen very little promotional material. The local people would be forgiven for not knowing this consultation was in process."

All you have to do is call 0800 027 7246 or post a submission to NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, 350 St Vincent Street Glasgow, G3 8YZ.

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