Aug 16 2008 By Lachlan Mackinnon HEALTH secretary Nicola Sturgeon has been accused of effectively axing Vale of Leven hospital's A&E unit. Labour MSP Jackie Baillie made the claim yesterday after Sturgeon welcomed the findings of an independent review on its future. The review panel recommend downgrading the unit in Alexandria, Dunbartonshire. They said Vale of Leven should provide unscheduled 24-hour care. But only cases first assessed by a GP and deemed suitable for treatment would be dealt with there. Emergency patients who might need anaesthetic would be sent to Paisley's Royal Alexandra. Stressing no decisions had yet been taken, Sturgeon said: "This report clearly shows there are alternatives to closing the emergency unit." But Baillie said: "This is hugely disappointing. "To all intents and purposes, Nicola Sturgeon...
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