LAST week I welcomed three Scottish ministers to Inverclyde off the back of my invites to them to visit my constituency.

These invites led to the Health Secretary visiting the IRH, the Community Wealth Minister meeting with new Community Interest Company (CIC) Green Tangerine and the Culture Minister meeting the individuals involved in Inverclyde’s Culture Collective.

It was important for me to invite the new Health Secretary to the IRH so I could demonstrate why I’m so keen to see a new build hospital.

That being said, during the visit we saw the investments taking place within the building which will improve conditions for both staff and patients.

It was also positive to hear how occupational therapists have been integrated into the wards so that patients can more readily access that support during their hospital stay.

I will continue to advocate for more investment for the IRH, and I’m assured that the Scottish Government and NHS GGC recognise how pivotal it is to local healthcare provision.

The next visit to Parklea Branching Out to meet the Community Wealth Minister and Stephen Henry and Vicky Cookson from Green Tangerine was also positive.

Stephen and Vicky have fantastic ideas to boost the local economy whilst also furthering environmental initiatives is inspiring, and the minister was keen to stay in touch with them both as they progress their business ideas.

Finally, it was great to welcome the Culture Minister to Inverclyde to hear about the local Culture Collective.

There is a wide variety of projects taking place through the Collective in Inverclyde, so I was delighted to help showcase some of the talent we have and the impact this creativity has on the individuals and wider community.