Jackie Baillie has welcomed moves to make outpatient appointments available at the Vale of Leven Hospital for local people.

The Dumbarton constituency MSP recently met with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Chief Operating Officer William Edwards and Clyde Director Melanie McColgan to discuss local healthcare concerns.

One issue which she raised on behalf of constituents was that they were concerned at being sent to other hospitals across NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde for procedures which could be carried out locally at the Vale.

Both William and Melanie advised that people are allocated the earliest appointment available which may not always be at the Vale of Leven Hospital but they are welcome to rearrange for a more local slot, a move which has pleased Jackie Baillie.

Jackie Baillie said: “I want to thank both William and Melanie for taking the time to meet with me.

“Locally, patients heap praise on the Vale for the high standard of care they receive there however I don’t feel that it is being used to its full capacity. I have heard about people being offered appointments at other hospitals across NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde even though they stay a short distance from the Vale.

“I was pleased to hear from both William and Melanie that patients are given the earliest appointment available and, if this isn’t at the Vale, there should now be information on how to rearrange an appointment for a more local facility. I would encourage anyone concerned about being sent elsewhere to get their treatment at the Vale and I would be delighted to hear feedback from my constituents on how well this is working in practice.

“This is just one issue which is important to address to ensure the Vale of Leven Hospital continues to thrive. I was pleased to be able to raise this, along with other concerns when I met with William and Melanie and I look forward to future meetings.”