Campaigners say the coronavirus crisis has strengthened the case to keep Inverclyde Royal's intensive care unit open

Former healthcare worker Dr Jacci Stoyle, who will be standing as the LibDem candidate at next year's Holyrood elections, wants the health board bosses to finally end the uncertainty and guarantee its future.

Activists started a petition to save the ICU after it emerged in January that there was a review into its future because of a recruitment crisis.

Weeks later the unit was at the centre of the response to the Covid-19 outbreak, in the worst affected area in the whole of Scotland.

Campaigner Jacci Stoyle said: "It is tragic that our call to keep the ICU open has been proved right in the light of the Covid-19 pandemic.

"Anyone can become seriously ill and require ICU support.

"Thankfully, we still had an ICU in place at the IRH when the pandemic started."

It was a request from the local LibDem party which first prompted a full response from the government setting out the threat to the intensive care unit.

A recruitment crisis and reduction in activity at the unit was blamed for the decision to review its future.

But the unit has been right at the forefront during the coronavirus, saving many lives, while staff have also given outstanding care to those who tragically did not make it.

Jacci added: "We want to pay tribute to all the staff in our local hospital who have worked so hard and so courageously, battling this virus.

"They have been working long hours, coping with PPE issues and trying their best to keep themselves and their families safe.

"Each and every person at our hospital, including cleaners and porters, have played their part and risked their own lives.

"Equally, those working in care homes and key workers in the community have been risking their lives and deserve the same accolades of praise and gratitude."

Ms Stoyle says the LibDems will continue their campaign to keep the ICU open and protect all health services locally.

She told the Tele: "Inverclyde Liberal Democrats will be fighting for better remuneration for key workers and will continue to scrutinise any future plans for the IRH, not only for the intensive care services, but for all the health and social care services in our area."

A health board spokeswoman said: "We are incredibly proud of our staff at Inverclyde Royal Hospital and the intensive care unit team for their hard work and dedication.

"They have continued to support and care for patients to the highest standard in these exceptional circumstances.

"We regularly review our services so we can provide the right care for our patients in the most appropriate setting."