A NEW community health hub should be built at Lightburn hospital adding to services not closing then according to the local MSP.

The health board wants to shut Lightburn Hospital in the east end and transfer patients to Stobhill, to two care homes in the east or treatment and rehabilitation at home.

The plans have attracted criticism from politicians and sparked anger among local people and patients who argue services are being taken away from communities and centralised in large hospitals.

Ivan McKee, SNP MSP for Glasgow Provan has said the health board has not made the case for closure and wants the plans halted.

Mr McKee said: “The health board has talked about siting some services in a new Community Health Hub at Parkhead, but there is no approval to build this and no timescale for its completion.

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The health board expects the people of the east end to manage without a local health facility for an undefined period, which could be several years.”

He said this should have been in place before closing Lightburn.

The MSP wants to see the in-patient wards retained and other services that would be in the new hub also located on the site.

He added: “I would argue that the Lightburn site is the perfect place for a Community Health hub in the east end. It already has rehabilitation wards and a day hospital, there is a GP surgery and pharmacy in the immediate vicinity and an ambulance station.”

Mr McKee is meeting with the health Secretary, Shona Robison next week to discuss the health board’s plans and is alternative solution.

Ms Robison has said no decision has been taken and she will make a final decision if it is deemed to be a major service change.

The Health board has said that modern health care means Lightburn is now out of date.

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Catriona Renfrew, Director of Planning said in an interview with the Evening Times said

that the services would be better for patients as many would be at home and that apart from those who need acute services, others would be receiving services in the community.