Published: Tuesday, 4th November, 2008 10:15am

'False hope' fears over Vale plans

by Mike Farrell

NEW plans for the future of the Vale of Leven Hospital have been slammed by campaign groups.

The long-awaited consultation document, released on Friday, was welcomed by the health board, which it claims will save the Vale after a decade of decay.

But campaigners say such a rosy picture of the long under-threat facility"s future is not accurate.

And although there has been movement from health bosses on some of the major issues, the problems of anaesthetic provision and ambulance cover have still not been solved, protesters insist.

Jim Moohan, of Hospitalwatch, told the Reporter: 'A picture has been painted of a future vision for the Vale which is not totally open and transparent.

'This could easily put the community into a false sense of security, as they are being told that all is well when there are still no answers given for anaesthetics and other services.

'I would hate to think that a false dawn of hope is being created - it is too early to say that everything is safe and that the hospital has been saved.'

Over the next three months, the public will be consulted on the future vision for the Alexandria hospital.

Following recommendations of two separate independent reviews, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (GGC) is proposing to replace on-site anaesthetists with a GP-led unit.

These doctors would treat between 70-80 percent of current unscheduled medical admissions.

And nearly a third of unscheduled patients would have to travel to the Royal Alexandra Hospital (RAH), in Paisley, to receive treatment with anaesthetic cover.

Jackie Pollock, of the United Campaign Group, said: 'We have to be clear here - although there are a lot of good things in this, nothing is safe with the future of the Vale.'

But Andrew Robertson, GGC"s chairman, believes there is a prosperous future for the Vale.

He said: 'Our vision is that [the hospital] will continue to be a vibrant and busy NHS site and that it will continue to play a central role in the provision of NHS care to local communities.

'After a decade of debate and uncertainty, we think we have proposals now that will bring about stability and certainty.'

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