Local MSP Jackie Baillie has challenged Health Secretary Shona Robison to visit West Dunbartonshire, Helensburgh and Lomond to meet patients who are concerned about the threat to services at the Vale of Leven Hospital.

Speaking at the Scottish Parliament, the Scottish Labour MSP blasted NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde for launching at least a dozen service reviews affecting the Vale of Leven Hospital, including the GP out-of-hours services.

Shona Robison did not respond to Jackie’s invitation to meet local patients and appeared to blame local GPs for the staff shortages at the out-of-hours services.

Jackie said:

“The health board has launched at least a dozen service reviews affecting the Vale of Leven Hospital and hundreds of local people are turning out at public meetings to oppose the cuts. Local GPs are warning that centralising out-of-hours services in Paisley during the week would put patients at risk and hit the most deprived families.

“How much longer do we have to wait before Shona Robison is willing to meet local patients and listen to our concerns? The SNP Government has been in charge of our NHS for over a decade and it’s time for the Health Secretary to accept responsibility. Blaming local GPs for staff shortages created by the health board simply isn’t good enou