A WEST Scotland MSP has slammed a decision to ditch security guards at the hospital housing Dumbarton and the Vale’s nearest A&E department.

Labour’s Neil Bibby this week wrote to the chief executive of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Health Board Jane Grant demanding answers.

He says staff including nurses are concerned that security guards are no longer in place at the Paisley hospital entrance – even at night.

Security guards have became a permanent fixture since the onset of the pandemic 30 months ago to protect staff.

Hospital workers say they have been phased out over the past few months without members being informed or consulted.

Mr Bibby, who represents the West Scotland region at the Scottish Parliament, was contacted last week by officials from the Unison union over staff concerns.

They confirmed there had been no consultation about the change to the hospital’s security policy.

Mr Bibby said: “We need to get to the bottom of this and that’s why I’ve written to the chief executive.

“Attacks on frontline health workers are far too frequent. We must do everything to prevent them.

“It’s also about staff feeling safe and secure at work.

“That’s the least they deserve, yet they’ve told me the removal of the security guards makes them feel less safe.

“Security guards also have a deterrent effect, and can ease the burden on already-overstretched police and law enforcement officers.”

Mr Bibby added: “I’ve therefore appealed to the health board to consider reinstating entrance security guards, and to enter into proper discussions with staff about security.

“We need those security guards back. You can’t put a price on safety.”

In addition to hosting the nearest A&E department to Dumbarton and the Vale, the RAH is also used by hundreds of local residents to access other healthcare services.

A spokesperson for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde said:“In early 2020 third-party personnel were contracted at RAH, alongside other sites, for customer service purposes to encourage those entering the hospital to wear face coverings, sanitise hands and manage access where there were visitor restrictions.

“These staff have never fulfilled a security remit and nor were expected to.

“In line with changes in Covid-19 restrictions, the reduction and removal of these personnel is being completed on a phased basis.

“This information was communicated with facilities teams, nursing staff and local clinicians.

“The matter was also communicated at the Clyde Facilities Partnership meeting on June 7, which is a regular forum to discuss service provision with staff, and this normally includes union representation.

“We take the security and safety of all our staff extremely seriously.”