AFTER spending much of the summer asking MSPs to support my motion on protecting our services at the Vale of Leven hospital, I finally got the chance to lead the debate in the Scottish Parliament. This was the first opportunity for MSPs to discuss the plan to close the maternity unit and I am grateful to the Conservatives, Liberal Democrats and Greens who supported my motion. It is disappointing that the SNP chose not to do so.

The Vision for the Vale made a very clear commitment to “sustain and promote” the local maternity unit. It was so central to the Vision that the health board put a picture of the Community Maternity Unit on the front page of the newsletter that was delivered to tens of thousands of households across our area. No amount of spin can make local people forget that.

It also promised a high-profile marketing campaign to increase the number of births. We were told that it would involve leaflets, posters and positive stories in local newspapers, and much more besides.

Over the summer I contacted every local GP practice to see if they thought that enough had been done to promote the maternity unit. I was astonished to find that three quarters of the GPs who responded to my survey were not aware of any marketing activity whatsoever. And how many local GP practices have information leaflets in their waiting rooms or posters on their walls? The answer was none.

Given the past record it is no surprise that many local people believe the fate of the unit has already been sealed. But to close the birthing unit would mean tearing up the Vision for the Vale – despite the SNP government reaffirming its commitment to the Vision during the election campaign. That’s why I am now calling on the health secretary to declare this as a major service change. This would give her the final say on any cuts the health board want to make. It may be our only chance of protecting this vital local service. If she refuses, then the health board will surely close our much-loved service – and the health secretary knows it.