HELENSBURGH'S MSP has claimed the NHS is planning to slash services available to cancer patients at the Vale of Leven Hospital.

Jackie Baillie says NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde wants to reduce the number of consultant-led sessions for haematology clinics at the hospital from 19 to 12.

It is understood that the changes will come into effect in a matter of weeks even though there has been no consultation with staff or patients.

The service at the Vale of Leven Hospital is used by patients undergoing chemotherapy, so they do not have to travel as often to the Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre in Glasgow, and for patients suffering from conditions like anaemia.

Ms Baillie has accused the health board of failing to take action to maintain the current number of sessions, despite knowing services were under threat because of shortages in staff.

She said: “This is yet another example of services at the Vale of Leven Hospital being undermined because of the staffing crisis in our NHS.

“The health board has employed expensive locums to run these vital clinics for six years and they have known for some time that the service was at risk due to staff shortages.

“Why have they waited until the very last minute to cut the number of sessions with no consultation whatsoever?

“This is a much-valued service used by local cancer patients and they deserve much better from NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.

“Reducing the number of consultant sessions will also put even more pressure on nurses and other staff who are already under-resourced.”

A spokeswoman for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde said: “Haematology services will continue to be provided at the Vale of Leven Hospital.

“We are confident that we are providing the appropriate level of service for local patients who will all continue to receive their treatment at the hospital.

“Locum specialist haematology staff will be on site the days the service currently operates until a consultant post is filled.

“The outpatient clinic at Vale of Leven will continue, as will day case services which are provided on a Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

“We are happy to meet with any patient who has concerns and offer them reassurance that the service will continue to be provided.”