Greenock Telegraph Archives: Fears were raised about IRH service

Councillor Tommy McVey said he was ‘very concerned’ about the paediatric audiology service at Inverclyde Royal.

Health bosses admitted that there had been a change in the management of the service, which was to be overseen at the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow.

NHS chiefs were adamant that the change would have no impact on the care received by local children.

But local councillor Mr McVey claimed parents were already encountering problems as a result of the changes.

He said at the time: “It is my understanding that they are not taking any more appointments for children at audiology at the IRH after April 1.

“I’m very concerned.

“They keep telling us that the IRH is safe and then they keep reducing the service.

“This appears to be another step on the road to downgrading this service at the IRH.”

Meanwhile, Western Ferries’ new linkspan was put into operation for the first time, with a special ceremony in Gourock to mark the investment.

The ferry operator welcomed the first passengers to use the structure, which was built by Ferguson Marine shipyard in Port Glasgow.

Ferguson Marine project manager Andy Tunnah was invited by Western Ferries to take part in the opening.

It was part of a £6m quayside investment at McInroy’s Point.

The first foot passenger to arrive from Hunters Quay and the people in the first vehicle to drive off were presented with gifts by Western Ferries staff.

Elsewhere, a former Port Otters swimmer was making a splash again — after a break of 20 years.

Andrea Gallacher was inspired to take the plunge and return to the club by her six-year-old son Zak.

The six-year-old recently joined the well-established swimming club and both he and his mum struck gold at the West of Scotland Regional Championships in Scotstoun Leisure Centre.

In other news, kids were set to have breakfast with the Easter bunny at a special event in Gourock.

Youngsters were invited to Cardwell Garden Centre to enjoy a cooked breakfast with the Easter bunny followed by a storytelling session, arts and crafts activities and a bunny hunt.

The children also received a chocolate Easter egg gift.

In sport, Morton skipper Thomas O’Ware told how Jim Duffy’s side planned to give the fans something to cheer about in Livingston.

O’Ware reckoned the Ton owed the travelling supporters a performance after they slumped to a disappointing 3-1 defeat to Falkirk the previous week.

Ton lost three goals inside the first 30 minutes at the Falkirk Stadium, giving them a mountain to climb in midweek.

But the Ton captain was convinced his side could make up for the loss with a result and performance at the Tony Macaroni Arena.

The skipper’s prediction looked set to come true when an 88th minute goal from Gary Oliver put the visitors a goal up, but an extra time strike from Jackson Longridge meant that Morton had to settle for a single point.