PROTESTERS battling to stop the closure of two casualty units are preparing for another massive demonstration against the cuts.
An estimated 2000 people attended Saturday's demonstration against the closure of Monkland's accident and emergency department.
The crowd, who linked arms to form a chain around the hospital, were joined by defence secretary John Reid, whose constituency includes Monklands.
Scottish Socialist MSP Carolyn Leckie, a member of the Lanarkshire Health United group, said: "We don't agree with the health board's rationale that one of the casualty units has to close."
And Dr Reid said: "In this area, we have more social deprivation.
"Many people don't drive so transport to a hospital further away is an issue and this area has a 30% higher mortality rate for over-60s than the rest of the country."
Evening Times
