Local MSP Jackie Baillie used a health debate at Holyrood this week to put the SNP Health Secretary Shona Robison on the spot over the future of key services at the Vale of Leven Hospital.

A leaked paper from NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde health board revealed plans to cut a number of services, including emergency care and the maternity unit, in a bid to save £69 million.

Health Secretary Shona Robison failed to give a cast-iron guarantee on the future of emergency care and maternity services at the Vale. The SNP and the Tories then voted together against Labour’s motion to ‘ensure the continuation of current services’ at the hospital.

Speaking after the debate, Jackie said:

“I will do everything in my power to protect services at the Vale of Leven Hospital and I will work with any government of any political stripe to do so. However it was profoundly disappointing to hear the interventions from many SNP MSPs who spent more time criticising Labour rather than demanding a clear guarantee on the future of our local services.

“It is equally disappointing that local constituents are being kept in the dark about the health board’s plans until after the election. We deserve to know the truth now.

“This should have been an opportunity for the SNP Health Secretary to set the record straight and pledge once and for all to reject the cuts to local services mentioned in the secret health board paper. Instead she voted against Labour’s motion to protect all current services at the Vale of Leven Hospital and offered nothing but warm words in return.”

<