Last week saw MSPs return to Holyrood following a summer recess which proved anything but quiet, with a general election and a change of government keeping politics firmly in the foreground – which I’m sure won’t have pleased everyone!

As we get back to work, there are pressing issues to address in Inverclyde. This week, the National Records of Scotland released its latest figures on dementia-related deaths, revealing a concerning picture for our area.

The data shows that Inverclyde has the joint highest rate of dementia deaths in Scotland over the past five years, with 615 deaths linked to dementia since 2019. Between 2019 and 2023, Scotland saw 6,491 dementia-related deaths, marking a 3 per cent rise from the previous year.

But the statistics also reveal that Inverclyde’s death rate is 50 per cent higher than in neighbouring council areas, an alarming disparity.

High-quality care, along with early diagnosis, is crucial to addressing this growing challenge. That is why this week I have written to Neil Gray, the Cabinet Secretary for Health, urging him to recognise the importance of detecting dementia early and addressing regional disparities in mortality and access to care.

As I look forward to discussing with the Cabinet Secretary in further detail, it is vital that the government recognises the importance of locally provided dementia care and supports our services and carers.

Another concerning set of statistics was released this week which highlighted the need for ministers to provide urgent support to community-based healthcare and treatment services.

Figures published this week by National Records of Scotland showed that nationally, alcohol-related deaths are now at their highest since 2008, with Inverclyde once again posting the highest number.

For many of us, these statistics are a sadly familiar sight, as this is the third year in a row that alcohol-related deaths in the area have risen.

This increase makes it absolutely clear that the government’s approach to tackling the harm of alcohol and addiction is simply not working. Ministers must change approach and give priority to increasing the availability of comprehensive treatment for those battling addiction.

Every death related to alcohol is a preventable tragedy, and I am calling on all MSPs to treat this issue with the urgency it requires as we return to Holyrood.

Groups such as Moving On Inverclyde and AA offer help to those affected by addiction issues, and I urge anyone who needs help to reach out to them.