Inverclyde MP accused of failing to take on health board

In response to a Freedom of Information Act request, NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde say they have had no letters or any correspondence with Ronnie Cowan on the issue since the full service was first suspended four years ago.

The Tele revealed last year that the health board were in discussions behind closed doors to reduce the service permanently in Inverclyde, forcing patients to travel to Paisley or Glasgow to see a GP face to face when surgeries are closed.

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As a direct result of pressure by campaigners including Councillor Martin McCluskey, NHS GGC were ordered to have a more widespread public consultation by Health Improvement Scotland because of the significant impact the change would have locally.

But West Scotland MSP Paul O'Kane - who has called for a full service to be reinstated in parliament - criticised the area's MP for failing to join other politicians and take on the health board.

Mr O'Kane, who submitted the FOI request, said: "For the last four years the permanent loss of a proper out-of-hours service has been hanging over Inverclyde but it seems Ronnie Cowan has either been too busy or uninterested to engage with the board on the matter.

“It is damning that he hasn’t written a single word to them about the out-of-hours service yet ultimately unsurprising if you look at Ronnie’s record.

“Whenever Inverclyde is faced with losing a business or service Ronnie is passive and quiet rather than outspoken and concerned.

“He’s had four years to engage and lend his voice to this fight to keep services local but he’s sadly let it all pass him by.

"The whole point of an MSP or MP writing to the health board, is to put the issue on public record."

In response Mr Cowan has said that he regularly meets with senior management from the health board.

He argued that only one or two people had contacted his office about GP out-of-hours services and passed them to his SNP colleague MSP Stuart McMillan.

He said in comparison he was inundated with calls about the council's decision not to freeze council tax, which they later u-turned on.

Mr Cowan added: "I am at regular talks with the senior management team from NHS GGC so I have no need to write to them or for them to write to me.

"I also have weekly meetings with Stuart McMillan MSP and Councillor Liz Robertson where we discuss all matters whether reserved or devolved.

"When an issue affects my constituents I always follow the most appropriate channels that I believe will lead to the best outcome.

"This was the case with Labour's council tax fiasco which spelled economic disaster for Inverclyde had Labour and its backers been able to force it through.

"Even though it is devolved I did have many constituents complaining to me about the dreadful impact a council tax hike would have.

"The SNP was able to force a u-turn because the public supported our position which led to the council tax freeze victory.

"I respect the devolved powers and while I am happy to question and hold to account Holyrood, I also acknowledge that these are matters ultimately for the Scottish Parliament."

A decision is set to be made on the future of the GP out of hours service at the end of the month.

Both Paul O'Kane and Ronnie Cowan are  due to meet with board chair Dr Lesley Thomson and chief executive Jane Grant next Friday ahead of the health board meeting along with other MPs and MSPs.