A PUBLIC consultation on the future of Inverclyde's under-threat GP out-of-hours-service is set to take place over the coming weeks.

Greenock Telegraph:

The Tele revealed in January this year that NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde health board bosses had decided behind closed doors not to fully re-instate the seven day week service.

It was suspended in February 2020 after years of short-notice closures and staff shortages, prompting 6,000 people to sign a Tele-backed petition demanding a u-turn.

In June this year we revealed that the health board had been ordered to give the public a say on their decision to only have an Inverclyde centre during daytime hours at the weekends and on bank holidays.

Greenock Telegraph: Councillor Martin McCluskey

Councillor Martin McCluskey, a leading campaigner on the issue, now sits on the health board and has welcomed the consultation.

He is urging people to make sure their voices are heard.

Cllr McCluskey said: "It's welcome news that the health board have said that the consultation on Inverclyde's out of hours service will begin in a matter of weeks.

"It's important that this consultation takes place as quickly as possible, so that people across our area can have certainty about the future of the service.

"Over 6,000 people signed the petition against the decision to close the seven day a week service in Greenock.

"Everyone who has an interest in the future of this service and a view on how it should run in future needs to make their voice heard and to respond to this consultation."

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Under the health board's behind-the-scenes discussions they wanted to continue with the set up put in place after the suspension, by making more use of telephone consultations.

Their plan was to set up a permanent centre in Paisley's RAH, with some cover at Inverclyde Royal at the weekends and bank holidays.

But after Councillor McCluskey wrote to the Health Improvement Scotland (HIS) agency they intervened.

Health board bosses were told they would have to fully engage with local people and give clarity on the impact on transport and access to the service.

In an unprecedented move the public consultation will be subject to independent scrutiny by HIS, with NHS GGC having to demonstrate it has genuinely listened.

Cllr Martin McCluskey asked officials for an update on the consultation and was informed by board public engagement officer Sandra Bustillo that it would begin in September.