A �700m modernisation plan for Glasgow's hospitals has been given a green light by Health Minister Malcolm Chisholm.

The Greater Glasgow Acute Services Review paves the way for sweeping changes in the way medical care is delivered in the city.

Part of the plan, which covers five sites in the city, will see the Western Infirmary completely closed.

It follows a three-year-long consultation process over the plans by NHS Greater Glasgow to modernise acute services across the city.

Malcolm Chisholm has backed the plan

The new strategy, which got Mr Chisholm's backing on Monday, will mean two full accident and emergency units at Glasgow Royal Infirmary and the Southern General.

There will also be a �60m investment at the Victoria Infirmary and Stobhill Hospital to create two new Ambulatory Care Hospitals providing outpatient consultations and day care surgeries.

The Royal Infirmary and Gartnavel General Hospitals will also have re-developed inpatient services while there will be a major new development at the Southern General Hospital.

All five sites will have orthopaedic outpatient, day case and minor injury units while Paediatric Accident and Emergency services will be provided at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children at Yorkhill.

Mr Chisholm claimed the investment would allow Glasgow to have 21st Century healthcare in 21st Century buildings.

Glasgow Royal Infirmary will continue as an A&E centre

He also said it would mean an end to the system where patients were required to move around sites and different buildings for diagnosis treatment.

He said: "While this will not happen overnight I believe over the next 10 years patients in Glasgow will receive quality healthcare, access to appropriate specialists across Glasgow in modern buildings."

He added: "I want to reassure patients that there will be a constant review process to ensure that patient needs come first."

That review is to be carried out by Audit Scotland, which will take part in the implementation of the scheme before continuing to provide an independent overview and monitor inpatient activity.

This is the culmination of years of planning and consultation

Professor Gordon Dickson NHS Greater Glasgow

The shake-up means there will also be a new framework for casualty services, which will mean a Minor Injury Unit at each of the five hospitals with two specialist centres at the Royal and Southern General.

Professor Gordon Dickson, interim chairman of NHS Greater Glasgow, said: "The minister's decision brings Glasgow's acute hospital services to a vital turning point in their history.

"This is the culmination of years of planning and consultation.

"We are now about to embark upon an exciting and long overdue period of reconstruction of our hospitals and the services they deliver."