Local MSP John Scott said the fight would go to save Ayr's A&E

The unit will be replaced with five Community Casualty Facilities (CCFs).

Mr Kerr said he had received reassurances from NHS Ayrshire and Arran that the A&E at Ayr would not close until CCFs were in place.

Scottish Conservatives Ayr MSP John Scott condemned the decision as a "shattering blow to southern Ayrshire".

Mr Kerr said: "These proposals provide a sound basis for comprehensive, high quality and sustainable health care."

A specialist cancer unit will be established at Ayr Hospital.

I believe NHS Ayrshire and Arran's plans will, over time, transform health services and deliver much improved patient care Andy Kerr Health Minister

It will be the site for a number of Ayrshire-wide services, including general surgery, ophthalmology, urology and orthopaedics.

CCFs will be provided in the hospitals at Ayr and Kilmarnock and the community hospitals at Girvan, Irvine and Cumnock.

Unscheduled and emergency services will be provided at Crosshouse Hospital, Kilmarnock.

Mr Kerr added: "Service change and modernisation is never easy.

Fight goes on

"I believe NHS Ayrshire and Arran's plans will, over time, transform health services and deliver much improved patient care."

Sam Kennedy, general manager of the Scottish Ambulance Service, said staff were well-prepared, trained and equipped to support the changes.

Mr Scott said the fight to save the A&E department at Ayr Hospital would continue.

The politician added: "It's clear that the view of tens of thousands of local residents have simply been brushed aside by ministers.

"So far as I am concerned, for as long as the A&E unit at Ayr Hospital is still open the fight to save it will carry on."