Sandra White, SNP MSP for Glasgow has reacted to the news from the Health Minister that Maternity and Paediatric services are to be moved from Yorkhill.

She said: "My first reaction is one of disgust and anger that this world class facility is to be broken up.  Many, many people have raised their voices against this proposal and it appears that they have been ignored. The consultation process has been a complete sham.  I am still of the opinion that Glasgow requires 3 maternity hospitals and one of those should certainly service the north and west of the city.

Rally to save Queen Mum's, March 2004

This recommendation raises more questions than it answers. The umbilical chord that is the link between Maternity and Paediatric care is to be lost for a period of anything up to 4 years. This is outrageous and defeats the purpose of the whole thing.  Professor Calder in his report says that the Southern General has to be completely gutted yet he is proposing that the Queen Mothers is closed! If the Southern general is in such a state why has this hospital been chosen?  Are we to be left with just one maternity unit in Glasgow whilst this process goes on?

The Health Board and the Health Minister must ensure that the health of mothers and babies does not suffer from this fracture.  They MUST be categorically clear that what they propose is broadcast to all affected and ensure that the health of mothers and babies is paramount.

I sincerely hope that the morale of the wonderful staff is also taken into account because it is real people that make hospitals work not accountants and officials.

I will be writing to Andy Kerr to ask him to explain exactly what provision is to be made for pregnant women and children and to ask him to think very seriously about reversing this decision.