Jo pledges action to protect hospice under threat

6.24.16pm GMT Fri 16th Nov 2007

Jo has backed the campaign to stop the cuts at St Margaret's

Jo Swinson has backed efforts to stop a massive funding cut at St Margaret's Hospice in Clydebank.

Jo met with members of the campaign to safeguard the future of the hospice, as well as hospice staff, in Clydebank today. The hospice campaign is being headed up by Milngavie resident Marjorie McCance.

Scottish Liberal Democrat Health Spokesperson Ross Finnie is also backing the campaign, and Liberal Democrat MSPs will be taking the issue up at Holyrood.

Commenting after the meeting, Jo said:

"The Health Board must reverse its decision to cut funding to St Margaret's and relocate elderly patients elsewhere. The decision appears to have been taken without any regard to the outstanding level of care that the hospice provides.

"St Margaret's is a centre of excellence. I know from my own family experiences what an extremely high standard of service the hospice provides. There is now a real danger that this unique, holistic care service will be lost.

"I am seeking meetings with Scottish Government Ministers and Greater Glasgow Health Board to urge a rethink over this cut, which defies common sense, as well as the wishes of patients and their families."

Related Link:

Online petition against hospice cuts