The following is the statement on behalf of NHS Greater Glasgow (also included in the press release from the Scottish Executive Health Department).

A spokesperson for NHS Greater Glasgow said: "We will play our full part in helping to make the consultation effective.We will also be doing all we can to get to a position where we can implement whatever the final decision may be.

"NHS Greater Glasgow is pleased to note that the Health Minister has confirmed that this consultation should not re-open any historic debates on decisions that have already been taken.Glasgow will therefore continue with business as usual-taking forward the hospital modernisation plan which is currently at an advanced stage of implementation."

FOR INFORMATION

The £100 million state of the art West of Scotland Cancer Centre (the new Beatson) is already starting to take shape and will open for business early 2007.

Work will begin on the new Victoria and Stobhill Hospitals in the first few months of 2006.Both these new hospitals will open during 2008.

ENDS

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