Jackie Baillie has pledged that if Labour win the next Scottish election we will save St Margaret’s Hospice. More than 100,000 people have so far signed a petition in support of the hospice.
 
Labour’s commitment to funding continuing care beds at St Margaret’s Hospice, in Clydebank, is in addition to the new facility planned by NHS Greater Glasgow at Blawarthill Hospital.
 
Shadow Health Secretary Jackie Baillie said:
 
“If elected in May 2011, I give the commitment that an incoming Scottish Labour Government will fund continuing care beds at St Margaret’s Hospice. This will be in addition to those planned by the health board at Blawarthill Hospital.
 
“St Margaret’s has offered compassionate and dedicated care to patients for almost 60 years. It is an excellent facility and we will do whatever is necessary to ensure that it has a future for many years to come.”
 
Clydebank & Milngavie MSP Des McNulty said:
 
"Nicola Sturgeon was asked time and time again to intervene to prevent the Health Board removing funding from St Margaret's Hospice. She failed to act. I am delighted that Labour has committed itself to keeping the continuing care beds at St Margaret's, ensuring the hospice has a safe future."

3 February 2010