Helensburgh's MSP has called for a full explanation of why local diabetes patients are being forced to travel out of the town to attend clinics.

Jackie Baillie wants to know why patients in the Helensburgh and Lomond area were not consulted on a move by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde to transfer the clinics from the town's Victoria Integrated Care Centre to the Vale of Leven Hospital.

The health board says clinicians had raised concerns about the scope of the service which was being provided in Helensburgh.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde provides a diabetic service for patients living in Helensburgh, even though the town is located in NHS Highland's operating area.

Ms Baillie said: “I have already been approached by constituents and have contacted NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde to seek a full explanation of why the transfer has taken place so suddenly and with no public consultation whatsoever.

"Local patients who use the diabetes clinic in Helensburgh should never have to find out about its transfer after the decision has already been taken.

“People in Helensburgh and Lomond deserve the best possible care delivered locally, and existing arrangements between NHS Highland and NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde for the provision of services to ensure that patients with diabetes can attend clinics in Helensburgh must be maintained.

“This latest decision has taken place against the backdrop of increasing centralisation of local health services and the main drivers of change are more often than not the huge financial pressures on our NHS, rather than clinical benefits.”

Diabetic patient Edward Matheson, who lives in Helensburgh, said: “I've had no concerns about the service I've received in Helensburgh. I don't understand why they've decided to move services away from the local area and force patients to travel further for clinician appointments.”

In a statement NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde said: “Concerns were raised by our clinical staff that the service being offered in Helensburgh is not as comprehensive as the service provided to NHSGGC patients.

“The service is currently run without podiatry and adequate blood glucose monitoring facilities.

“Following concerns raised by clinicians and coupled with the fact there is a high DNA rate for the clinic, we have taken the decision to transfer the service from Helensburgh to the Vale of Leven which will provide patients with a more efficient 'one stop' service.”