HUNDREDS of workers from Dumbarton and the Vale employed by NHS 24 will be able to keep working in West Dunbartonshire, the area’s MP has vowed.

The medical call centre posts are set to leave their current home at the Golden Jubilee in Dalmuir, starting in November, to allow the hospital to expand its services.

But Martin Docherty-Hughes MP has pledged to keep the 470 posts in the local authority against a current reported threat to move them to Renfrewshire.

The MP told the Reporter: “While welcoming the further expansion of the Golden Jubilee, I am deeply concerned that NHS 24 is considering moving out of West Dunbartonshire, critically the impact on local jobs.

“I have been contacted by a range of constituents who will not be able to travel further afield. I am in constant dialogue with the cabinet secretary for health seeking clarity on this decision.”

But officials remained cagey and the Scottish Government would not even confirm contact with the cabinet secretary.

One member of staff, who asked to remain anonymous, claimed a deal had been done to move workers to the Hillington industrial estate, causing huge problems for transport and also safety for overnight access.

A potential plan to move to the council-owned Aurora House in Clydebank had reportedly fallen through.

They said: “Staff do not all drive, and many depend on public transport. There are no buses to Hillington Industrial Estate. The nearest train station is at least a 15 minute walk away, very often in darkness.

“For staff from Dumbarton, for example, it would entail taking three trains.

“We are devastated and very, very angry. This will affect nurses, call handlers, health information advisers and cleaners. NHS 24 will not sack them, but they will lose many staff.

“Who in their right mind would walk through a dark, deserted industrial centre to start work at 11pm, or leave work at 2.30am?”

The worker added: “We should have been moving into the Aurora Building in Clydebank. Then, out of the blue they were told the Aurora Building was not fit for purpose.”

A council spokeswoman said: “As part of plans for the expansion of the Golden Jubilee, council officers have been working closely with colleagues at NHS 24 to identify suitable alternative accommodation in Clydebank which would retain jobs in West Dunbartonshire and also create opportunities for further employment in future.

“Ultimately it is for NHS 24 to decide on the location.”

A spokeswoman for NHS 24 said: “Potential properties are being considered by NHS 24 in and around the Clydebank area. Minimising disruption to staff is a key consideration, in addition to the suitability of the building to allow us to deliver our services 24/7.  

“NHS 24 will follow the guidance set out for public bodies in respect of its estate and ensure any future arrangements represent best value for money.”

The Scottish Government did not address questions about contact from the MP or potential taxpayer money paying for a private facility in Renfrewshire.

A spokesman said: “NHS 24 is currently looking at options for changes to their estate as a result of the requirement for them to vacate their current premises at the Golden Jubilee Hospital from next year.

“The potential impact on staff of this move and the ability to secure premises which allows NHS 24 to continue to deliver its services are the key considerations for this move and we will continue to work with the service to take this forward.”