Jackie Baillie has called for clarity over the future of dementia wards in Dumbarton and Alexandria after it was revealed local services are under review.

The Dumbarton constituency MSP has been inundated with correspondence after raising concerns about the potential closure of both the Glenarn Ward at Dumbarton Joint Hospital and the Fruin Ward at the Vale of Leven Hospital.

Current and previous staff, as well as relatives of people who have been cared for at the units, were dismayed that these services could be withdrawn with no adequate response from West Dunbartonshire Health and Social Care Partnership to the reports.

The chief officer Beth Culshaw eventually responded two months after Ms Baillie’s original letter asking for reassurance over the services.

Her response in late December advised that patients have already been sent to other sites across the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde area and that community support for older people with mental health problems would be subject to review.

She advised in her response that there are no “current” plans to close either Glenarn Ward or Fruin Ward but provided no guarantee over their future.

Jackie Baillie said: “Any threat to local mental health services must be opposed. Dementia treatment is most effective when it is accessed close to the patient’s home and to hear that patients have already been referred elsewhere is extremely worrying.

“There has been no consultation with staff or patients on changes within the service. Any review must be robust and any changes need to be in the best interests of those who receive treatment.

“This cannot be a money saving exercise and a move towards further centralisation. We already know that doesn’t work.

“There needs to be a cast-iron guarantee that these wards remain open in the long-term to meet the demand, protect jobs and provide the treatment which is vital to those who need it.”