In light of this week’s winter snap, having access to reliable and quick emergency care has become more important than ever.

Which is why I was so frustrated to read in the Tele about the impact that "crippling staff shortages" have had on the wellbeing of patients and hospital staff at the IRH.

Hospital whistleblowers claim that bedbound patients have been left unable to reach vital facilities on their wards, leading to concerns that patients are being subjected to undignified and unhygienic conditions.

There have even been reports of some patients sustaining injuries in the absence of staff to provide mobility assistance on the ward.

READ MORE: Health chiefs slammed over care to 'malnourished' Greenock mum in IRH

Stories from other sources also reported a failure to conduct typical daily blood checks for some patients and increasing pressures creating a demoralised workplace atmosphere for struggling staff.

This is by no means a slight against the very hard-working (indeed overworked) nurses and shift doctors who are often run ragged and do everything they can to ensure the people in their care are safe and comfortable.

There is no doubt that all NHS staff want to do what is best for their patients. My own visits to the IRH with family, friends and constituents are a testament to that.

Much of the blame has been laid at the hands of the Greater Glasgow and Clyde NHS board for diverting funding away from recruitment and training, but this is just a symptom of a wider problem.

READ MORE: Whistleblower claims IRH patients are being neglected because of staff shortages

The real issue lies squarely with the body that has been responsible for funding Scotland’s NHS for the past 17 years and the failure to do so has consequences for healthcare across Inverclyde, leaving health boards to make all the difficult choices and take the blame.

Staffing and resource shortages across the health sector are hurting.  GPs, doctors, consultants, ambulances. It all takes its toll on an over stretched whole system.

I wrote in the Tele in October that emergency waiting times are getting longer, with 326 people waiting over 12 hours in the IRH’s A&E department last year. It’s shocking.

I will be pressing the Scottish Government to set out how it will ensure minimum levels of service to ensure patients receive continual dignified care. I hope to hear their answer at the earliest opportunity and will share their reply with local readers.

READ MORE: Hundreds left waiting for more than 12 hours at Inverclyde Royal A&E, figures reveal

I reiterate the calls that all local politicians should get behind, the SNP government MUST provide Inverclyde with efficient healthcare, and easier access to GP appointments so that IRH’s A&E department does not become the first port-of-call for all health needs.