Reprieve for 30 hospice care beds

Patient campaigners have welcomed the news that 30 care beds are to remain at St Margaret's Hospice in Glasgow after a deal to revamp nearby Blawart- hill Hospital fell through.

However, Margaret Watt, of the Scotland Patients Association, said plans to close St Margaret's must not be reconsidered if the Blawarthill plan goes ahead in future - backed by politicians who called for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde to make a long term commitment to the future of the hospice.

Labour health spokeswoman Jackie Baillie said: "While the decision is a step in the right direction, it does not provide the hospice with clarity about its long-term future. More than 100,000 people have signed a petition in support of St Margaret's and they deserve to know that the hospice will have a secure future for many years to come."

Andrew Robertson, health board chairman, said: "We are disappointed that the Blawart- hill redevelopment will not now proceed as planned, but I was pleased to inform St Margaret's Hospice chairman, Professor Leo Martin, at a meeting today that we are lifting the notice (of closure] to the hospice.

"This will end the uncertainty for the hospice's staff, patients and supporters, while assuring the better facilities for patients while we decide the longer-term future of the Blawarthill beds."