Dumbarton & Vale of Leven Reporter | News

Thursday, 20th November, 2008

Published: Tuesday, 3rd June, 2008 10:15

Last stand for the Vale

By Mike Farrell

D-DAY for one of the key services at the Vale of Leven Hospital is approaching and only you can make a difference.

That’s the message from campaign groups who are calling for a large turnout at an public meeting tomorrow night (Wednesday) into proposals to close the specialist birthing unit with the hospital’s Community Midwife Unit (CMU).

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde’s (GGC) launched a public consultation earlier this year, and is proposing to transfer all births to the Royal Alexandria Hospital in Paisley, while pre-natal and post-natal care would remain at the Vale.

Jim Moohan of Hospitalwatch called on all residents in Dumbarton and the Vale to turn out in force and support their hospital.

He told the Reporter: “The people who have seen and used the maternity care at the Vale — the mums and the grannies — need to come out and tell the health board about their experiences.

“If a lot of people turn out and express their wish for the Vale maternity unit to remain then we may be able to save it, because once you start taking away one service, then only others will follow.”

Nicola Sturgeon MSP, Health and Wellbeing minister, will not be attending the meeting, despite the final decision on the Vale’s future resting with her.

Ms Sturgeon said: “Given my position in the decision-making process, I do not feel that it would be appropriate for me to become directly involved in the consultation meeting.”

The meeting will be held at 6.30pm at Dumbarton FC’s Strathclyde Homes Stadium.

A separate public meeting set for Tuesday June 17 will discuss the proposed relocation of mental health services from the Vale.

Those wishing to attend either public meeting should call 0800 027 7246, or visit www.nhsggc.org.uk for more information.

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