Protesters gathered outside the Scottish Parliament

Members of the Save Stobhill Hospital Campaign were joined by representatives of the union Unison for the demonstration at Holyrood.

The Glasgow hospital's accident and emergency unit is due to close in 2005.

Lex Gaston, chairman of the Save Stobhill Campaign, said it could turn into "a glorified day hospital".

About 4,000 people joined a human chain protest at the Vale of Leven Hospital on Saturday over similar changes.

We are actually having poorer services set up because of trying to clear debt Jean Turner Independent MSP

Stobhill, in Springburn, provides acute medical and surgical services to north Glasgow, part of Cumbernauld and east Dunbartonshire, a population of more than 200,000 people.

Mr Gaston said: "They want to take all the beds at Stobhill, so all it will turn out to be is a glorified day hospital.

"We cannot understand where they are going to put everybody, because if you go to Stobhill today you will see thousands of cars."

Independent MSP and hospital campaigner Jean Turner said the closure would put patients' health at risk.

"We are actually having poorer services set up because of trying to clear debt, but not putting patients first," she said.

Hospital reform

"It is the responsibility of the Scottish Executive to make sure patient care is exactly the same, if not better after every move."

Scottish Socialist Carolyn Leckie urged a rethink of health policy.

Ms Leckie said: "It does not surprise me there are demonstrations outside the new parliament and it is about health.

"It is the biggest public service issue and the biggest public service campaign since the poll tax."