Parkinson's campaigners fears about future of Glasgow hospital

It is claimed the Lightburn Hospital in the city's east end is being prepared for closure before a board meeting takes place to decide its fate

Published 15th Aug 2016

Parkinson’s campaigners are raising concerns about the future of the Lightburn Hospital in Glasgow.

Parkinson's UK in Scotland says the old day hospital building facility, which still offers inpatient beds and busy outpatient facilities, has been boarded up since last month.

Proposals to consult the public on plans to permanently close the site in the city's east end will be discussed at a meeting of the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Health Board today.

Local campaigner Gerry McCann , who persuaded the then Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon to overturn a previous Board decision to close the hospital in 2011 is again leading the fight to save Lightburn.

Mr McCann said: “Local people are already concerned about the future of Lightburn and now they are confused too, as it looks like the hospital is already shut. We’ve heard of people missing essential appointments because the whole site looks closed.

“No decision has yet been made about Lightburn’s future and it is imperative that the Health Board makes it clear that the hospital remains open for business. It’s hard not to be cynical about the Health Board’s consultation when it looks as if Lightburn has been closed before the consultation has even started.

"That is unacceptable - at the very least the Health Board must improve signage on the site. The Save Lightburn group remains committed to fighting for the hospital’s survival.”

Clyde News contacted the health board for a statement but they said they were unable to comment until after the board meeting.