Published: Thursday, 22nd May, 2008 16:30
'Last chance' for birth suite
By Russell Steele
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LAST CHANCE: The birthing suite at the IRH is under threat.
A RALLYING call has been issued as the fight to save the birthing unit at Inverclyde Royal enters its final stages.
Councillors are urging a big turn-out at a public meeting which will discuss controversial plans to axe the birthing suite and switch all deliveries to Paisley’s Royal Alexandra Hospital instead.
The talks, arranged by health board bosses, will take place early next month — and campaigners have urged the people of Inverclyde to stand up for their maternity services by going along.
Councillor Joe McIlwee, pictured below right, Inverclyde Council’s health and social care convener, said: “This is the last chance to make your voice heard.
“We are trying to regenerate the area by attracting jobs here and building housing. That means we need local health services.
“The health board consultation runs until 19 June and this is our last chance.”
The public meeting will be held in the IBM suite of the James Watt College Waterfront Campus on Tuesday 10 June from 6.30 to 8.30pm and will allow people to pose questions in public over the proposed changes.
Mr McIlwee added: “It would be great if people could get ideas of questions down and use this chance to ask them.”
If given the go-ahead, the health board’s plans would mean no more babies would be born in Inverclyde, but campaigners believe a show of strength could force the board to think again.
Former provost Ciano Rebecchi, pictured left, who led the fight to safeguard IRH services four years ago, said: “We showed last time that we were united to save our hospital and pushed them all the way to fight the cuts — let’s do it again.
“Let’s voice our opinions. Don’t be frightened to go along and have your say.
“The more people who speak up the stronger our voice is. We have to crowd the place out, and help each other and the area.”
Anyone wishing to attend the public meeting should call 0800 027 7246 to register.
Comments on the maternity plans can be emailed to clydematernity@nhsggc.org.uk before 19 June. They can also be sent by post to: NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Dalian House, 350 St Vincent Street, Glasgow.
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Man, 23, fighting for life
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