CAMPAIGNERS have asked the community to rally together to support the Vale of Leven Hospital shop after it was saved at the 11th hour.

The Reporter understands the news follows an intervention from NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (GGC) and the Royal Volunteer Service (RVS).

A six-month trial will now be carried out to deem how viable it is to keep the shop open, with closure still a possible option.

Now Jim Moohan, of campaign group Hospitalwatch, is asking residents to build on this announcement and ensure the safety of the hospital services in the future.

Mr Moohan told the Reporter: “Although it is a good sign, I’m not overly confident that this is indicitive of the hospital’s future.

“We really need the community to keep a close eye on this now, speak with their MSPs and express how important it is for the community that services stay here.

“It’s a cost effective hospital and its a comfort for both patients and their families knowing they don’t have to travel far from home.

“We can organise another meeting to allay any fears residents would have. I’m more than happy to make a case for it, but we need the community support.” The RVS had proposed replacing the shop with a trolley service which would visit the wards.

In an open letter to GGC bosses, Mr Moohan also said: “I acknowledge this does not take away the overall threat of closure of the shop facility, but I am sure the community remain confident that with the right spirit and commitment by both parties — the NHS board and the RVS — then a solution can be achieved which will retain a service which we believe is an important link to the Vale of Leven Hospital.” A spokeswoman for GGC confirmed the shop was staying open, she said: “The shop in the Vale of Leven Hospital is operated by the RVS which originally made the decision to close it.

“We have provided support to the charity which has agreed it will continue to operate the shop for a further six months to assess its viability long term.” “We will continue working with them to promote the shop to staff, patients and visitors.” Jackie Baillie MSP said: “I am delighted NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde has intervened to halt the closure of this vital community asset. The shop is operated by the Royal Voluntary Service and, while it was their decision to close it, I am grateful to the health board for stepping in to offer a short-term solution. I had been in contact with RVS management to ask them to reconsider their original position and I will continue to make the case for keeping the shop open permanently.” Despite numerous attempts to contact, the RVS were not available for any comment at the time the Reporter went to press.