Another one

A SURGEON today announced he is standing for the Scottish Parliament in protest at NHS changes.

David Smith, who intends to stand as an Independent in the Glasgow Cathcart ward, is demanding better healthcare provision across the south of Glasgow.

His campaign will see him go head-to-head with former city council leader Charlie Gordon.

Mr Smith claimed the local health board has been reducing services in that part of the city over the past 15 years.

The consultant surgeon is particularly concerned at plans to replace the 362-bed Victoria Hospital with a new building, which he claimed, will not meet local needs as it provide only day surgery and out-patient departments.

The other services currently offered, including an A&E department, are being transferred to the Southern General Hospital.

But Mr Smith, who has worked at the Victoria Hospital for 34 years, argued that those new facilities are planned for the wrong location.

He added: “I’ve been a consultant here for 30 years and I’m saddened by the way in which the health board in the last few years have decided to strip away the services from people in Cathcart.