When the decision was made to downgrade the accident and emergency services at the Vale of Leven Hospital; who was consulted on this downgr…

While this is primarily a matter for NHS Argyll and Clyde, I am aware that the NHS board decided to engage the contingency plans for surgical services at the Vale of Leven Hospital at its meeting on 12 May. I understand that this decision was not taken lightly and was necessary to preserve local access and clinical safety. I have been assured that the contingency plans were designed with the involvement of clinical and support staff at both the Vale of Leven and Royal Alexandra Hospitals, as well as local general practitioners.I understand that the chairman and chief executive of the NHS board briefed the local constituency MP and MSPs on the contingency plans from 7 May.