HEALTH chiefs are under fire for their failure to end uncertainty over the long-term future of Inverclyde Royal Hospital.

Councillor Robert Moran, local MSP Stuart McMillan and Provost Martin Brennan led calls for clarity at a recent public consultation meeting held in Greenock's Tontine Hotel.

They raised concerns about the state of the hospital building, pressure on the ambulance service and demanded to know what specialist services will be delivered at the IRH.

It comes as health and social care bosses make the case for a radical shake up - 'Moving Forward Together' - which will mean more people cared for in community settings rather than hospital.

Health and social care committee convener Cllr Moran said: "From what I can see Inverclyde and West Dunbartonshire have the highest levels of deprivation but people who live there have to travel the furthest for treatment because services keep going elsewhere.

"That can't be right.

"They should have the easiest access.

"How is that moving forward together?"

Inverclyde Health and Social Care Partnership director Louise Long was at the meeting to present the Moving Forward agenda.

She said: "I represent Inverclyde and I can assure you that whenever anything is proposed I say, how will that affect Inverclyde, what about transport?"

MSP Mr McMillan raised concerns over the maintenance of Inverclyde Royal, which has a remaining life span of about ten years, and what plans there are for a new hospital.

Under the new plans hospitals would deliver a number of specialist services.

The MSP asked: "In terms of specialisms, what will be in place where people have to travel to Inverclyde as opposed to people in Inverclyde having to travel away?"

Health board representatives said that they would be consulting widely.

Director Marie Farrell also said she was well aware of the issues with the building.

She said: "We do have a building that is tired and sad and we do our best with the upkeep.

"Moving Forward Together is about delivering a real change."

Provost Martin Brennan also voiced his concerns about the direction things are heading in. He said: "This is all very abstract and I guess what people really want to know is, what is the future for Inverclyde Royal Hospital?

"I just don't think it is very clear at all."

Community care forum Your Voice sent representative Margaret Telfer to the meeting.

She is involved in the Moving Forward Together and defended the strategy.

Mrs Telfer said: "There is some great, positive work going on.

"I would encourage people to get involved, we are being listened to.

"Better still join the Your Voice board - we are looking for expertise and you can influence decisions."