Health cash backlash
A pledge that health services will not be hit by cuts in local government spending was described as “a smokescreen” in September 1979.
The outburst came from Paisley MP Allen Adams after Argyll and Clyde Health Board secretary Mr William G Ayling had revealed that their allocation of Government cash was to be £50 million – virtually the same as last year.
He stressed that work on the building of the new general hospital and two health centres in the Paisley area would continue.
Mr Ayling said: “Contrary to many reports there have been no closures withing the board’s area.
“There may have been temporary closures of some wards – but that was for maintenance and upgrading.”
He added that plans for two community clinics costing a total of £1 million in Paisley and Barrhead were going ahead.
And the £19 million 700-bed hospital at Meikleriggs was under way.
Mr Adams, who was to address a rally in Paisley of health service workers protesting about Government cuts, said: “The statement was a smokescreen by the board in an effort to placate their own employees.
“There may be no cash cuts as far as Argyll & Clyde Health Board is concerned – but there is no increase either.
“It is the status quo and that is totally unacceptable.
“On a recent visit to Dykebar Hospital I was told there was one trained member of staff for three wards – and the Royal Alexandra Infirmary is also over-crowded.”