Campaigners want a fresh look at the St John's situation

Andy Kerr said there would be no major change of policy after he was appointed to replace Malcolm Chisholm on Monday.

But campaigners, like those fighting to retain services at St John's Hospital in Livingston, want the new minister to bring in a new strategy.

Protesters took their case to Holyrood on Tuesday - and the local MSP is seeking an early meeting with Mr Kerr.

Bristow Muldoon wants to discuss plans to shift emergency treatment and major surgery from St John's Hospital in Livingston.

Reorganisation plans

Current proposals would see patients treated at the Royal Infirmary in Edinburgh instead.

The Labour MSP voted against the Scottish Executive last week because of the reorganisation plans.

Another local MSP Mary Mulligan - who represents Linlithgow - resigned her ministerial post on Monday over the same issue.

The Save Our Services campaign is hopeful that the change of health minister will help its case.

Andy Kerr said there would be no change in policy

John Corcoran said: "I would like to think that we are pretty close to success.

"The campaign has been long, the campaign has been varied, and I think the executive have to understand the feelings of the general public on healthcare."

Two separate petitions against cuts in other parts of the country came before MSPs on Tuesday.

Members of the petitions committee supported a 24,000-strong petition from Vale of Leven Hospital campaigners calling for local health boards to get together to plan their services.

Another petition from the Belford Hospital campaign in Fort William also won support for the retention of local services.

The board of NHS Highland has also come out in favour of creating a joint campus with the Lorn and Isles Hospital in Oban.

Alternative solutions

There were protests after an independent report recommended that the two hospitals should either merge or be downgraded to carry out day surgery only.

The decision was put on hold and the West Highland Health Solutions Group was created, bringing together opponents and supporters of the original plans.

It produced its alternative solution last week, arguing for more co-operation between the two hospitals.

Last week also saw a reprieve for the closure-threatened Queen Mother's Hospital in Glasgow.

Mr Kerr has already said there will be "no big change of policy" over hospital reform.