In June, we revealed the visitor shop at the Vale of Leven Hospital had been earmarked for closure by the Royal Voluntary Service (RVS), which runs the shop staffed by volunteers.

RVS had initially told both the Reporter and its volunteers that the decision had been made by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (GGC).

However, RVS later admitted the decision was entirely theirs and was down to the financial viability of the shop.

It was Lily Kennedy, long-time hosopital campaigner and chairwoman of the West Dunbartonshire Community Care Forum (WDCCF) who first alerted us to the closure.

Speaking last week, Ms Kennedy said: “I am very disappointed that the shop will close so soon. The volunteers had been told that the health board was to blame for closing the shop, but clearly this wasn’t the case.

“We have also been told that the shop is running at a loss, but many people find this hard to believe since it’s extremely popular with both visitors and patients and only has one paid member of staff. The shop is a valuable community asset and I am absolutely appalled that RVS is being allowed to get away with this.” A replacement trolley service will be introduced by RVS, which will sell newspapers, magazines and a selection of snacks, fruit and drinks.

One trolley will be at the hospital entrance and another will go round the various wards each day.

However, Dumbarton and Vale MSP Jackie Baillie has said this is simply not enough for patients and visitors. The MSP told the Reporter: “Apparently RVS managers attempted to pass the buck to the health board but it is clear that NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde played no role in the decision to close the shop.

“Indeed, it seems that the health board actively tried to persuade RVS to change its mind and keep it open. From the feedback I have received from staff, patients, and even volunteers themselves, it is crystal clear that the whole community bitterly oppose this closure and agree with me that a trolley service is not a suitable substitute for a shop.

“I have yet to receive a reply from RVS which is very discourteous, not just to me, but to the community, particularly after all the years of voluntary service given by local people.” Margaret Paterson, head of operations for RVS Scotland, had previously told the Reporter: “As a charity, we must ensure all our services are sustainable and that every penny goes towards helping older people in the community.

“We would like to thank all of our volunteers and staff for their hard work at the service; we know their efforts have been very much appreciated by those using the shop.”