COMMUNITY HOSPITAL CAMPAIGN CONTINUES AS MSP SECURES HEALTH SECRETARY'S PLEDGE TO MEET LOCAL DELEGATION

1.53.00pm GMT Wed 3rd Feb 2010

Jim Hume, Liberal Democrat MSP for the South of Scotland, has welcomed news that Health Secretary, Nicola Sturgeon MSP, has accepted his invitation to meet with people in Dumfries and Galloway to hear the case for the retention of the region's community hospitals.

Mr Hume's invite was issued following hundreds of letters and emails from constituents, and mass attendance at a Langholm public meeting organised by the MSP at which there was a resounding "no" to the health board's preferred option.

Jim Hume said:

"The Health Secretary effectively has the final say on the health board's proposal ad she holds the power either to approve or reject it.

"In making such a huge decision about local healthcare across the region, it's absolutely imperative that Ms Sturgeon hears direct from local patients, relatives and NHS staff about exactly how needed community hospitals are.

"Although the details are yet to be set in stone, ideally I want the Health Secretary to do a tour of all the five facilities in question and that is what I have asked of her. This will not only demonstrate the high quality of care being provided at each hospital, but will also serve to illustrate the geographical expanse of the region and, therefore, the problems associated with travel."

ENDS

Notes to editors:

Mr Hume and local campaigners will be hand delivering letters on the subject in Thornhill on 20th February 2010.