SAVE Stobhill campaigners have issued a final rallying call as they mount an 11th hour bid to retain the hospital's casualty department.
At an emotive public meeting on Wednesday, campaigners urged residents to join them at the Scottish Parliament to present a petition calling for the creation of an independent scrutiny panel.
The hospital's casualty department is to be downgraded
to a minor injuries unit next year when a new ambulatory care and diagnostic centre (ACAD) opens.
Around 7,000 people have already signed the petition supporting a panel similar to those that saved A&E departments at Ayr and Monklands hospitals.
Save Stobhill chairman Charles Kennedy said: "After many years we are now very close to the final hour.
"We intend to have a coach filled with people to go through to Holyrood and show the strength of feeling people have for Stobhill in this area.
"On the recent Save Stobhill leaflet there is a picture of the clock at the hospital which is stuck at 11.45. It is our goal that before that clock strikes 12 we will have saved casualty and, in doing so, saved lives."
Around 120 people turned out for the Save Stobill meeting.
A £100million ambulatory care and diagnostic centre (ACAD) is due to open at Stobhill next year, but the hospital is to lose it's in-patient services and beds. Stobhill casualty department will also be downgraded to a minor injuries unit.
For more on the Stobhill campaign see next week's Kirkintilloch/Bishopbriggs and Springburn Herald.
