A GLASGOW hospital trust yesterday reaffirmed its plans to replace the city's Western Infirmary with a new hospital.

West Glasgow Hospitals University Trust, which runs the present infirmary, plans to build the new Western on the Gartnavel General Hospital site.

Trust Chairman, Mr Ronnie Cleland, yesterday restated the health organisation's intention to push ahead with the plans despite recent concerns that difficulties may result from a forthcoming re-organisation of health trusts in the north of Glasgow.

He said: ''Our commitment to the development of the Gartnavel General site, and the phased transfer there of services from the Western Infirmary, has never been stronger.

''It is demonstrated by our continuing programme of development on-site, including the recent completion of a new infectious diseases unit, the forthcoming transfer of opthalmology services, and start of work on a new #10m radiotherapy facility.''

Mr Cleland added: ''Our outline business plan for the New Western Infirmary will be completed by the end of this month. We will continue to work toward the realisation of the new infirmary whatever the final configuration of trusts. Our approach for taking forward the project on a modular basis has been received positively by both the Scottish Office and Glasgow Health Board.

''The Western Infirmary project is a key strand in the future of health-care services for the people of Glasgow. It is vital that the development of facilities on the Gartnavel site progresses to enable the continued future delivery of quality care.''