Health board plans to invest in Lightburn

A GLASGOW MSP has welcomed a letter from the health board stating it is increasing staff and looking at improvements to a hospital that was saved from closure.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde wanted to shut down Lightburn Hospital in the East End, which provided services for older people including rehabilitation after a stroke.

Shona Robison, then Health Secretary, however rejected the plan earlier this year and told the board to invest and improve services at the site.

Ivan McKee, Glasgow Provan SNP MSP, has seen a letter from the board to a constituent setting out the current position and some plans for the future.

The letter states the board is working to ensure the hospital “provides safe and effective care for all patients whether inpatients, outpatients, or those using the Day Hospital facility”.

It added that work to improve the fabric of the building, which had been largely boarded up before the closure plan was rejected, has been carried out and meetings have taken place to identify where more improvements can be made.

The letter continued: “Nursing staff levels have been enhanced and we have a Lead Nurse based at the site who oversees this on a daily basis”

Mr McKee, along with other MSPs and local health campaigners argued for the hospital to be retained welcomed the response.

He said: “I’m very pleased the Board appear to be making good on the directive to improve and invest in Lightburn Hospital.”