HEALTH Secretary Shona Robison has been invited to visit West Dunbartonshire for a meeting with members of the Hospitalwatch campaign team and local councillors.

Local MSP Jackie Baillie has written to the SNP minister to request a meeting to discuss the plans from NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde to close the birthing unit at the Vale of Leven Hospital.

Shona Robison declined an invitation from West Dunbartonshire Council to be questioned by Hospitalwatch and local councillors in November, claiming it would be “inappropriate” while the health board was still considering their plans.

The health board’s engagement process ended in December and formal public consultation has not started yet because NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde is waiting for the publication of the Scottish Government’s national maternity review.

The Scottish Government also confirmed in December that it would accept local campaigners’ calls for the final decision to be taken out of the hands of the health board.

Ms Baillie believes it is now time for the Health Secretary to meet with Hospitalwatch and local elected representatives to hear their views.

Jackie said: "Local campaigners asked for a meeting with Shona Robison two months ago to make the case for protecting services at the Vale of Leven Hospital. I hope there is now an opportunity to do so.

"The Health Secretary will have the final say on closing the birthing unit and it is important that she listens to the views of local campaigners and elected representatives.

"I hope she will agree to a meeting in West Dunbartonshire as soon as possible to get a proper understanding of how much local people value the birthing unit at the Vale of Leven Hospital.

"The formal consultation will begin shortly so it is vital that we keep the momentum going to show that local campaigners will not stand aside while our hospital services are cut."