THE closure of an East End hospital will lead to, “considerable extra cost and difficulty” for patients, a Glasgow MSP has warned.

Labour MSP Pauline McNeil said plans to shut Lightburn hospital in Carntyne and divert care elsewhere had not taken into account the large numbers who travel to the hospital on foot or public transport.

Members of the board of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde last week signalled their support last week for the closure of the hospital.

The final decision now rests with Health Secretary, Shona Robison.

The Labour politician lodged a motion in parliament yesterday, opposing the closure which calls on Ms Robison to overturn the decision.

Under the plans, elderly patients requiring inpatient care will be treated at Stobhill or Glasgow Royal Infirmary, with others accommodated in care homes or treated in their own homes.

The health board say the plan is in keeping with a national strategy for care of the elderly where only patients requiring acute care are treated in hospital.

The motion is also critical of a plan to reduce return appointments which, Ms McNeil said, would result in a “reduction of access to healthcare for people in one of the most deprived areas in the country.”

Meanwhile, a petition has been launched by a Parkinson’s support group, which is based at the hospital, which will relocate to the Royal Infirmary under the plans.