Protesters have demonstrated against possible downgrades

Merchiston, Ravenscraig, Argyll and Bute, Dumbarton Joint and the Victoria Infirmary in Helensburgh are all set to shut.

But it was agreed that the closures will only take place once alternative facilities are found.

The measures are being taken to help address a �100m financial crisis at the board.

A decision on proposals to end accident and emergency (A&E) and acute surgery provision at hospitals in Greenock and Alexandria has been postponed.

Officials are facing a �100m overspend over the next four years and talks were held with Health Minister Andy Kerr last week.

The NHS Argyll and Clyde area covers a population of more than 400,000, stretching from Oban to Paisley, and includes 26 inhabited islands.

Centralisation fears

Officials have proposed the closure of A&E departments at hospitals in Inverclyde and Vale of Leven as part of ongoing cuts.

Following last week's talks, Mr Kerr said his first priority was delivering efficient health services.

The Scottish Executive has made it clear that ministers will intervene if the health body does not resolve its financial problems.

In July, about 4,000 people opposed to plans to downgrade Inverclyde Royal Hospital marched through Greenock.