I WOULD like to congratulate the clinicians, nurses and ancillary staff at the accident and emergency department at Inverclyde Royal Hospital for achieving 95 per cent of patients being seen within four hours for the week ending 5 July.

This compares with 90.6 per cent for the whole of the health board area and 93.5 per cent for Scotland as a whole.

I am delighted with the news that the numbers of young people in modern apprenticeships in the Inverclyde area has increased from 382 in 2013/14 to 404 in 2014/15.

Apprenticeships are a key part of the SNP in government’s successful youth employment strategy and it is absolutely vital that we continue to attract more young people into the modern apprenticeship programme.

However it is simply wrong that due to the discriminatory regulations from Westminster, many apprentices could find themselves earning less that £3 per hour.

The SNP’s record in supporting and empowering our young people is second to none — and with powers over the minimum wage in Scotland’s hands rather than Westminster we could take further action to deliver a fairer wage for apprentices and ensure they have all the support they need to succeed.

I would like to highlight the issue that some women have to choose between food and heating and sanitary wear. It is a shocking indictment in Inverclyde today that women are risking their health by either not using or the overuse of appropriate protection.

In order to continue my efforts to support the local foodbank I am happy for any donations of sanitary products, disposable razors or toiletries can be handed into my office to First Floor, 4 Argyle Street, Greenock Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.

Even though parliament is in recess work doesn’t stop.

This is when I spend my time getting out and about meeting with local agencies, businesses, official bodies and constituents to hear what issues and concerns they have first hand. This is one of the many aspects of my role that I enjoy the most.