CAMPAIGNERS are urging the Health secretary to save Lightburn Hospital from closure.

The health board made a final decision to shut the rehabilitation hospital this week which has been slammed as a “slap in the face to the east end”.

They are protesting outside the hospital today calling on Shona Robison, who now has the final say, to overturn the decision.

The health board said services have changed since 2011 when Nicola Sturgeon saved it from closure and said patients will get a better community based service by closure.

Gerry McCann of the Save Lightburn Hospital Action Group said they would be writing to Ms Robison.

He said: “This is a slap in the face for the people of the east end, but I’m still hopeful. People gave up the last time but it was saved and it can be saved again.

“By protesting we hope to highlight the issue. We expected this decision from the health board but we hope to convince Shona Robison like we did Nicola Sturgeon when she was health Secretary.”

The campaigners say the east end needs the hospital and the services it provides.

Mr McCann added: “We can put up a strong enough case. It’s ludicrous that one of the most deprived areas and with the poorest health record in the country can lose its last major health facility.

“The consultation was a sham. We now need the health secretary to listen and make the right decision to save Lightburn.”

Politicians have called for the Scottish Government to overturn the decision.

Anas Sarwar Labour health spokesman said: “Local people are angry Lightburn is set to close after SNP politicians assured us that the hospital was safe.

“Campaigners in Glasgow will send a loud and clear message to SNP ministers in Edinburgh – hands off our hospital.

“It’s time for Nicola Sturgeon to keep her promises about Lightburn.”

Ivan McKee, SNP MSP for Provan also backs the calls to overturn the decision.

He said: “I will now be in contact with the current Cabinet Secretary to make the case that it is high time the Heath Board was forced to commit to provide the well-funded, high quality facility that her predecessor envisaged in 2011 and that the east end needs and deserves.”