AN Inverclyde charity is backing an action plan to help the most vulnerable as leading doctors warn the cost of living crisis is set to have a huge impact on health.

Compassionate Inverclyde will play a vital role in the safe discharge of patients home from hospital, providing boxes that includes a warm hand knitted blanket and essentials.

The charity is step to step up their efforts as Dr Jennifer Armstrong, Greater Glasgow and Clyde's medical director, admitted the risk posed by people leaving care and returning to freezing cold homes.

Compassionate Inverclyde's founder Alison Bunce says the cause is ready to step up their work as we prepare to enter 2023.

She said: "We work closely with the nurses on the wards and there are tough times ahead.

"We are ready however to provide the support that people leaving hospital will require, now more than ever before."

As the cost of living crisis bites, the charity is braced for a surge in demand.

The social movement was the first of its kind, with its 'Back Home Box' scheme is aimed at giving people of all ages support if they are going home alone.

Since setting up, they have sent out up 5,000 packages packed full of food, toiletries, gifts and a blanket.

Volunteers like Mary Middleton and admin assistant Doris Woods, who started up as a volunteer, says the charity is something Inverclyde should be proud of.

They said: "It is wonderful to be a part of something so special.

"Inverclyde Royal is the only hospital in Scotland to have a set up like this, with a charity in the building able to respond to those on the wards."

At a recent health board meeting, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde bosses admitted there are concerns about patients's wellbeing as we move into the teeth of winter.

Medical director Dr Armstrong said: "If you live in a cold house you are more likely to suffer from falls, you are more likely to have asthma and if you have uncertainty of ­finances, that will impact on mental health. Places covered by this health board are going to suffer a major impact.

"We have families who will be pushed into poverty and that is going to have an impact on all our services."

During the debate it was acknowledge that home care services will play their part along with organisations offering back home boxes.