Controversial decisions to reconfigure hospitals services in some areas of Scotland will be revisited now the Scottish National Party has taken power.

The SNP has formed a minority government after gaining one more seat than Labour in the Scottish Parliament elections but failing to form a coalition with any other party.

Despite this, the new cabinet secretary for health and well-being Nicola Sturgeon and first minister Alex Salmond have indicated that the party will try to honour its manifesto commitment to reverse decisions to close two accident and emergency departments in Ayr and Monklands.

The SNP manifesto also promised 'a presumption against centralisation of core hospital services to protect local access to healthcare'.

This goes against recommendations, set out in the Kerr Report in 2005 under the previous administration, which called for less emphasis on hospitals and more on community services.

The SNP's pledge met its first test last Friday when NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde announced proposals to further restructure services at Vale of Leven Hospital, which has already closed A&E and maternity services.

Ms Sturgeon promised an independent review of the plans - but said she would not shy away from tough decisions where necessary.

A spokeswoman for NHS Lanarkshire, which took the decision to close Monklands A&E, said it had not yet discussed the closure with Ms Sturgeon.

The new first minister has named the rest of the Scottish health team. Former SNP health spokeswoman Shona Robison has been appointed minister for public health, while Stewart Maxwell has been made minister for communities and sport.

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