HELENSBURGH residents are being encouraged to attend a public meeting next month on the future of health services in the area.

Helensburgh and Lomond MSP Jackie Baillie will hold two open meetings, in Dumbarton and Helensburgh, on Tuesday, April and Thursday, April 11 respectively.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) is currently consulting with local people on their Moving Forward Together programme and they previously held a meeting in Alexandria which was attended by approximately 20 members of public.

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However, Ms Baillie, in collaboration with the Vale of Leven 'Hospitalwatch' campaign group, is very keen for more people to be engaged in the process, as there could be major changes to hospital services as a result of the programme.

The meetings will give local people an opportunity to tell the health board what matters to them with NHSGGC representatives in attendance.

Ms Baillie said: “The health board’s Moving Forward Together programme has the potential to change how local health services are delivered and it is not yet clear what impact this will have on the Vale of Leven hospital.

“The health board have said that they have not yet developed service change proposals and want to hear the views of local people. Whilst I do not believe there are blank sheets of paper and proposals do exist, it is essential that local people are given an opportunity to tell the health board what is important to them.

“I hope these additional public meetings will give more patients an opportunity to engage in the process.

“I would encourage as many local people as possible to attend these meetings, we need to make sure that our health service is shaped by us.”

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The first meeting will take place in the Concord Centre in Dumbarton on Tuesday, April 9 at 7pm, and the second meeting will take place in Helensburgh Parish Church on Thursday, April 11, also starting at 7pm.

Jim Moohan, chair of Hospitalwatch, said: “Hospitalwatch now have regular meetings with the senior management of the health board and it is vital that the communities complete that link in the chain by taking part in these important meetings.

“We can then raise important issues on your behalf and of course for the hospital.”