The A&E at Ayr will close with the introduction of community units

Conservative MSP John Scott made the claim at Holyrood the day after NHS Ayrshire and Arran decided to close the A&E department at Ayr Hospital.

The health board claimed locals would benefit from a �70m investment over the next 10 years.

The scheme is awaiting final approval from Health Minister Andy Kerr.

The plans will leave the region with one accident and emergency department at Crosshouse Hospital, in Kilmarnock.

'Huge distances'

Mr Scott, the MSP for Ayr, argued the distances people would have to travel in an emergency would put lives in danger.

He raised the issue with Mr McConnell during First Minister's Questions at the Scottish Parliament.

Mr Scott said: "The geography of south west Scotland demands that the A&E unit at Ayr should be kept open to compensate for the huge distances involved in time-dependant emergency situations."

Mr McConnell said the issue will now be considered by ministers.

He said: "It is absolutely vital that ministers make a balanced judgment on the proposals that come forward from the health board."

He added that the overall package would lead to more than �40m being invested in the hospital.

This is about more than just an accident and emergency department - this is about a suite of investment Dr Bob Masterton NHS Ayrshire and Arran

Former ambulance man, Robert Case, who worked in the area, told BBC Radio Scotland: "After 30 years in the ambulance service, I feel qualified to speak on the area, the geography and the problems involved in getting to patients and getting them to definitive care.

"I feel closing the unit will have a detrimental effect on certain casualties."

The health board plans to set up five community casualty units around Ayrshire to deal with minor injuries.

Dr Bob Masterton, medical director of NHS Ayrshire and Arran, said: "I believe the right decision has been made.

"This is about more than just an accident and emergency department. This is about a suite of investment across Ayrshire and Arran.

"It's about better, closer care in the community with greater access to sustainable, safe specialist care in centres."