Scottish Catholic Observer

St Margaret of Scotland Hospice is celebrating the announcement by Greater Glasgow and Clyde Heath Board that it no longer intends to remove funding for 30 continuing care beds at the facility.

There had been fears over the survival of St Margaret’s after NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde said it would phase out ‘continuing care’ provision at the West Dunbartonshire site. The health board had intended to move the care facilities to a new building at Blawarthill but that move fell through last month.

Andrew Robertson, the health board chairman, said the decision ended the uncertainty for hospice staff.

“I was pleased to inform St Margaret’s Hospice chairman, Professor Leo Martin, at a meeting today that we are lifting the notice to the hospice,” he said. “This will end the uncertainty for the hospice staff, patients and supporters while assuring the better facilities for NHS patients.”

Professor Martin said it was a great result for the hospice and its supporters.

“Special tribute is paid to all our campaigners and supporters and in particular to Provost Denis Agnew, Des McNulty, Jackson Carlaw, Ross Finnie, Gil Paterson, Hugh Henry, Jackie Baillie and Margo MacDonald, who have all been staunch supporters of the Hospice during a very stressful and challenging time,” he said.