Published: Thursday, 21st August, 2008 12:30
Births safe at Vale
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THE campaign to save services at the Vale Hospital is still being waged despite a decision this week to maintain current maternity provision — for at least three years.
In contrast to reports that the Vale’s future has been ‘secured’ Helensburgh Central Councillor Vivien Dance warned that there is still ‘a grave danger’ that the facility could be downgraded to become a cottage hospital.
The co-chairwoman of campaign group, Hospitalwatch, said: “After two years of campaigning the Vale is now at the top of everybody’s list. It is not the forgotten hospital anymore. We feel there is a lot of understanding about the Vale but there is a grave danger that the health board will want to turn it into a cottage hospital.”
Births will remain at the hospital's maternity unit but the unscheduled medical admissions service faces change.
Tom Divers, GGC Chief Executive, welcomed the report, saying the community hospital approach would see emergency patients who might require the support of skilled anaesthetic staff go directly to an acute general hospital.
He said: “It is now for this Board to take forward these new ideas to help inform a consultation that will secure a sustainable and safe long term future for the hospital backed with a programme of investment.”
Helensburgh MSP Jackie Baillie said the decision on emergency facilities was “hugely disappointing” and branded it a “betrayal of patients, doctors and staff”, although she welcomed the maternity service u-turn.
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