Campaigners are opposed to changes proposed for Stobhill

They argue hospitals and departments should not be closed until alternative services are up and running.

The Scottish Health Campaigns Network wants to discuss the detail of NHS reforms with the minister.

Mr Kerr will stress that while some services are being centralised for good reasons, others are being devolved.

In recent years there have been protests over the loss of services from many Scottish hospitals, such as Stobhill in Glasgow and Monklands in Airdrie.

Dr Robert Cumming, the chairman of the Scottish Health Campaigns Network, believes accident and emergency departments need to be retained at local level, even though central trauma units are being created for the most seriously injured.

He also argues that local GP-based services for follow-up care need to be in place before taking steps like centralising cancer services at the Beatson in Glasgow.