THE Health secretary has let the “cat out of the bag” over plans to axe health services in Glasgow, a city MSP has said.

Shona Robison said in a radio interview that the opposition should stop attempting to block services changes in the NHS in an ongoing row over the proposed cuts by NHs Greater Glasgow and Clyde.

She spoke after Audit Scotland produced a critical report into the state of the health service.

Her comments sparked a request for an emergency question form Labour’s health spokesman, Anas Sarwar at the Scottish Parliament, which was refused by the presiding officer, Ken Macintosh.

Labour wanted a ministerial statement from the Health secretary following her comments about service changes while there is still a consultation going on and Ms Robison and the First Minister have repeatedly said no decisions have been made.

Ms Robison said on BBC Radio Scotland: “What the opposition need to do is get behind that plan instead of putting blocks in the way to any changes to acute services in parliament.

“That is not constructive and not helpful.”

The plan she referred to was, she said, a shift towards primary and community healthcare which required a shift of resources.

Mr Sarwar said the health secretary’s statement was an admission she was in favour of the proposed changes.

He said: “Shona Robison has let the cat of the bag. She has clearly said Labour is the block to service changes.

“Service changes she wants to make.

“Changes that mean the closure of Lightburn Hospital, the CIC at Gartnavel and cuts to maternity services at the Vale of Leven and Inverclyde.

“Well if that is the case, then I’m proud to be a block to these changes.

“Shona Robison should now say exactly what these changes she wants to make are.”

Ms Robison admitted that the government has asked health boards to make savings that were “higher than previously asked to make”.

Greater Glasgow and Clyde Health board has said it will struggle to balance its budget with increasing demand and the need for cuts.

Nicola Sturgeon faced questions from opposition leaders Ruth Davidson of the Conservatives, Labour leader Kezia Dugdale and Willie Rennie of the LibDems on the state of the health service.

Labour however said the Health Secretary must face the questions.

Mr Sarwar added: “Shona Robison has been silent on the crisis facing our health service, she should address the Parliament as soon as possible rather than have the First Minister cover up for her failings.”

The Scottish Parliament has already voted in favour of the Health Secretary calling in the Greater Glasgow proposals and taking the decision herself.