A Labour MSP has called on the SNP to overturn her own party�s decision to downgrade Monklands General Hospital if it forms the next Scottish Executive.

A Labour MSP has called on the SNP to overturn her own party's decision to downgrade Monklands General Hospital if it forms the next Scottish Executive.

Elaine Smith lodged a motion in the new parliament yesterday calling for "this iniquitous decision (to be) reversed as soon as possible".

The Coatbridge and Chryston MSP said the extent of local anger at the decision to cut capacity at the hospital's accident and emergency department must be recognised by the new administration.

Ms Smith said the original decision, which was taken by NHS Lanarkshire, was based on "flawed" information and did not take health needs or social circumstances into account.

She said: "I hope that any administration would at the very least review this decision - but I want it reversed."

The SNP manifesto said the party would "reverse the decision" to downgrade if elected, while local Nationalist candidates in the election lodged themselves on ballot papers with "Save Monklands Hospitals" in brackets beside their names.

Ms Smith added: "Given that they did that and given that Alex Salmond did make a commitment to reversing this decision, I think they ought to do that."

Mr Salmond yesterday confirmed his party's intention to reverse the health board's decision, but warned that the SNP would need the support of other parties in parliament.

"Our priorities are well known and I think you can assume that if we form the government, then we'll follow these priorities," he said.

"It's also the case that if you're in minority government, a great number of things you do are subject to parliamentary will. We understand that as well."