Local councillor, and previous Save the Rankin Unit campaigner, Jim MacLeod today spoke out in support of the decision by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde to save the local birthing unit at Inverclyde Royal.

The council's SNP health spokesman said: "It is great news that NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde has decided to retain the midwife-led unit at Inverclyde Royal Hospital.

"It is encouraging to see that this health board, unlike the previous NHS Argyll and Clyde board who closed the local consultant-led maternity service in 2003, has listened to the concerns of the people of Inverclyde and the views of an independent scrutiny panel that was set up to look into the issue.

"There is no doubt that on this occasion the health board has paid heed to the thousands of people who have spoken out about plans to close the range of services offered in the community maternity unit.  From members of the public speaking out through the Telegraph, to others signing petitions, local medical professionals, members of the SNP and to a number of us as local councillors who spelled out our thoughts to the board's chairperson in our meetings with him this year.

"I also cannot help thinking that the visit by the Scottish Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon in July may also have had an effect in helping the health board reach this decision.  I know that Nicola has listened carefully to the views of local people on health matters.  We have seen this where previous decisions taken to shut Accident and Emergency services in various parts of the country where overturn when she took on her health role in the Scottish Government.

Cllr. MacLeod continued: "It is welcome news to hear the health board will now actively campaign to increase awareness about the services at the local birthing unit and show that for a great many women, and their families, that giving birth at Inverclyde Royal Hospital is a safe and good option for them.  So the quicker this marketing campaign begins the better.

"I sincerely hope that over time that many women in Inverclyde, and beyond, can be encouraged to have their babies safely delivered at our local hospital."