Two protests at hospital

Dear Editor

Following the article on the Save the Monklands campaign’s “hands around the hospital” event [Advertiser, September 14], we would like to respond to the comments reportedly made by SNP spokesperson Councillor Sophia Coyle.

Councillor Coyle led a counter demonstration distributing leaflets amongst those who attended the event, alleging that Monklands Hospital is not under threat and that it is safe under the present NHS Lanarkshire board and SNP government.

The real facts are that the trauma and orthopaedic units in Monklands are being downgraded – which according to retired orthopaedics consultant Mr Sathar Thajam, will have a direct impact on A&E services and will require patients to be transferred to either Wishaw or Hairmyres Hospitals in a time of emergency for essential treatment.

The Save the Monklands committee has drawn on the experience of the fight nine years ago, attempted to be non-party political and has invited those of political affiliations and none to join the campaign and work with us to protect all services currently provided by Monklands Hospital.

I was shocked at the material distributed by the SNP members at the “hands around the hospital” event, which claimed that services at Monklands were not threatened at this time, despite the recent health board decision to cut orthopaedic and trauma services.

We call on the health board and SNP government, including local elected politicians, to be open and for any decisions taken regarding the hospital to be carried out in an open and democratic manner, with full public consultation before any decision about reducing services is reached.

The citizens served by the Monklands Hospital deserve the right to be fully consulted before the board makes any decision on the future of public services, and it is a duty of local elected members to represent the views of their constituents, especially on such a vital matter.

The campaign committee would welcome the opportunity for any member of the board or elected politician to come along and address a public meeting to explain fully the proposals and defend their support for downgrading Monklands Hospital, especially A&E services.

Peter M Owens, Save the Monklands spokesperson