CAMPAIGNERS have lost their fight to save an overnight ward at Glasgow's Centre for Integrative Care.
Health board members voted to close the 7-bed unit at the former Homeopathic Hospital, with a majority of 21 to 9.
While there was widespread support for the care provided, other members were not convinced about the need for overnight care.
One board member said he did not believe it was the responsibility of the NHS to provide this type of service for complementary therapies.
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde is expected to save around £400,000 a year.
The chairman of the board, John Brown, said he did not support the plan.
As the health board meeting got underway, campaigners could be heard outside chanting, "No, no, no more cuts."
Dozens of people had gathered to protest against cuts to the CIC, Lightburn Hospital, the Royal Alexandra Hospital and community maternity units.
Audrey Forbes, who is currently being cared for in the inpatient ward at the CIC, said: "Its devastating.
"Chronic ill health is on the rise. "There should be more of these services not less."
The board voted to press ahead with consultation on Lightburn and cuts to community maternity units at the Vale of Leven and Inverclyde Royal.
A consultation is not required for the CIC and the board's decision does not require ministerial approval.
It has been argued the Glasgow based service should be designated a national service and funded by the Government, because it is the only one of its kind in the country and is used by patients form other health board areas.
The support for keeping it open has come from MSPs in the city and from outside.
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