VIDEO: Campaigners claim cuts to cancer services at the Vale
A call is being made for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde to commit to retaining all Haematology Clinics at the Vale of Leven Hospital in Alexandria
Last updated 3rd Apr 2017
Campaigners are accusing NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde of "salami slicing" services at the Vale of Leven Hospital.
A Dumbarton MSP, a minister and a former consultant are joining forces to raise their concerns about Haematology clinics at the hospital in Alexandria.
They claim due to staff shortages the consultant-led clinics which help some patients with cancer will be slashed from 19 to 12 a week.
Dr Clarke, the consultant haematologist, has just retired and she says despite telling her bosses a year ago she planned to leave they were in no rush to recruit a replacement.
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Scottish Labour says 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.
They claim the changes will come into effect in a matter of weeks even though there has been no consultation with staff or patients.
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde have given Clyde News a statement:
"After hearing your news report this morning about claims of cuts to Haematology services at the Vale of Leven Hospital (VoL) we want to make it absolutely clear to you and your listeners that patients who currently receive these services at the VOL will continue to do so.
"We would like to give the assurance that all patients currently receiving treatment there will continue to do so.
"A Haematology Consultant has recently left our employment but until this post is filled, we will ensure that patients are seen by locum specialist Haematology staff at VOL on the days the service currently operates.
"The outpatient clinic at VOL 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."
It comes as the future of the maternity unit there hangs in the balance and the out-of-hours service has been forced to shut a number of times because of staffing problems.