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The Scottish Government has announced Paisley's much-loved children's ward is to close.

Health Minister Shona Robison revealed ward 15 at the Royal Alexandra Hospital will shut and all services will be transferred to the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow.

Ms Robinson delivered the devastating news this afternoon, saying it is in the best interests of patients.

Campaigners were left shellshocked after the decision, warning it will have a devastating impact on the families who use the ward. but vowed to fight on.

Carolann Davidson, from the Kids Need Our Ward group said: "Kids Need Our Ward have been campaigning since August 2011 and we feel totally betrayed by this decision.

"Shona Robison claimed to listen to local families, she did speak to them, but clearly didn’t listen.

"I think kids will die as a result of this decision."

Health Minister Shona Robison said: "Having carefully considered all the available information and representations, I have decided to approve the Health Board’s proposal to transfer inpatient and day case paediatrics from Ward 15 at the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Paisley to the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow.

"This has been a difficult decision but in doing so, I recognise that only inpatient and day case paediatrics will be transferred.

"The majority of patient cases will continue to be seen and treated locally; with the A&E Departments at Inverclyde Royal Hospital and at the RAH continuing to receive paediatric patients who self-present alongside the continuation of outpatient clinics, as well as specialist community paediatric services. "