CAMPAIGN GATHERS MOMENTUM AS MSP VISITS LOCHMABEN COMMUNITY HOSPITAL

7.24.00pm GMT Tue 8th Dec 2009

Jim Hume, Liberal Democrat MSP for the South of Scotland, visited Lochmaben Community Hospital on Saturday (5th) to hear from staff about the importance of such a facility for communities like Lochmaben itself, Moffat, Lockerbie and even as far as Kirkcudbright.

The MSP and colleagues, local Councillor Michael Dickie, Councillor Richard Brodie and Catriona Bhatia Libdem Westminster candidate for the area, then spent the rest of the day with supporters gathering signatures on a petition against the health board's proposed closure plans.

Jim Hume said:

"The visit to Lochmaben Community Hospital was enlightening because the building itself is in good condition and the skilled workforce within take a great pride in the service they provide which is so obviously second to none.

"The building is modern as it was only built thirteen years ago and it would seem nonsensical to get rid of this invaluable local service.

"The strength of feeling within the workforce, but also within the general public was clear. Each of the hundreds of signatures that have been gathered so far represent someone who will have had some direct or indirect experience of a community hospital, whether through an elderly relative or friend.

"It was clear that no one wishes to see any community hospital closures across the region."