MSP LAUNCHES NEXT STAGE OF COMMUNITY HOSPITAL CAMPAIGN

4.30.00pm GMT Mon 22nd Feb 2010

Jim Hume, Liberal Democrat MSP for the South of Scotland, launched the next stage of his community hospitals campaign in Thornhill at the weekend.

The MSP who has been campaigning for several months was joined on Saturday in Thornhill by Westminster Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale candidate, Catriona Bhatia, where they and supporters delivered petition letters to Thornhill residents and the surrounding villages.

Jim Hume said:

"The strength of feeling around the potential loss of community hospitals is immense and whilst the consultation has been suspended, the campaign very much continues.

"I intend to deliver the petition letters to all households in the five communities affected over the coming months, and will also use the time to meet with action groups, community councils and local activists. I would urge everyone to sign the petition and return it to me as this will be used as evidence when the times comes to illustrate that our rural community hospitals are an essential service.

"I also took the opportunity to meet with local campaigners including Scott Jardine to discuss the various aspects of the health board's preferred option. The meeting was incredibly useful and I shall be working with Scott Jardine and others as the campaign continues."