We will look at all the options in securing the best health service for Scottish patients

Jack McConnell First Minister

Scottish National Party health spokeswoman Nicola Sturgeon pressed Mr McConnell on the issue at First Minister's Questions at Holyrood on Thursday.

He told the Scottish Parliament: "We have said all along that we would maximise the use of health facilities in Scotland, private and public sector, for the benefit of NHS patients.

"But that will not involve spending hundreds of millions of pounds on the HCI hospital in Clydebank.

"That would be a silly and irresponsible proposal."

However, he added: "We are in discussions, quite rightly, with them and others about how best to maximise the use of that facility and other facilities.

Renting space

"We will look at all the options in securing the best health service for Scottish patients."

Last year, the executive said it was involved in talks to rent space at the 540-bed HCI complex.

It was confirmed in January this year that hundreds of NHS patients would be treated at the hospital.

The executive said it was looking at the possibility of using the private sector to reduce NHS waiting times.