Public meeting

Published 3 Aug 2010 09:30

THE United Campaign group is giving you, the community, the following information.

After attending a meeting on Monday July 26, it has become very clear that the health board is leaning towards closing the Christie Ward.

Of course, the health board will deny this.

Does it think our heads zip up the back?

We want the Christie Ward retained at the Vale of Leven Hospital.

Under the Vision for the Vale, it was proposed to look at the viability of the Christie Ward and that the health board had to come with justifiable reasons for transferring mental services to Gartnaval.

At this point the health board has not justified that.

Its main excuse at the moment will be the fire at the Christie Ward.

It will try to persuade folks that it will be to expensive to refurbish and re-open the unit

Do not be fooled by the health board.

Did you know that at the meeting it was confirmed that the NHS does not have insurance for the hospital?

On investigation it has been said that the premium to be paid for insurance would not be viable, so there is no insurance.

Can the health board please explain all of this to the community?

Please remember that the United Campaign Group is holding a public meeting on September 22 at 7.30pm in Bonhill Church. Hopefully in attendance at that meeting will be Grant Archibald, director of medical services and emergency care, and Jane Grant, chief operating officer for acute services from the health board, and a representative from the mental health service.

The Scottish Ambulance Service has been invited as has Soumen Sengupta from the West Dunbartonshire Community Care and Health Partnership.

Jackie Baillie MSP and Shona Robison MSP have also been invited.

It is hoped transport will be provided from Dumbarton and some areas of Alexandria to the meeting.

We will keep you informed of this.

Please turn out to this meeting.

Bonhill Church will hold 1,000 people - be there and grab your seat.

Show the health board that yet again, the community means business.

Jackie Pollock, United Campaign Group

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This letter appeared in Dumbarton & Vale of Leven Reporter 03 Aug 10

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