Health chiefs have been accused of 'downgrading' Inverclyde Royal A&E

Under new plans people who have life threatening or severe injuries will be taken to the RAH in Paisley or Glasgow's Queen Elizabeth hospital.

Health services campaigner and Labour general election candidate Martin McCluskey is asking NHS bosses to explain their decision to choose the Paisley hospital instead of Inverclyde.

He slammed a lack of consultation and fears the shakeup will increase pressure on our already overstretched ambulance services.

The changes agreed by NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde mean IRH will be reclassified as a 'local emergency hospital'.

The board says this decision will increase trauma patients' chances of survival and allow IRH to become a centre of excellence in other disciplines, such as knee replacements.

But Mr McCluskey said: "This is a concerning downgrade of emergency services at the hospital with no public consultation.

"I question whether Inverclyde Royal will be attractive to surgeons who want experience in all areas.

"In the report there really is no explanation or reason given as to why the RAH in Paisley is chosen instead of Inverclyde."

In a letter sent to the NHS GGC chief executive Jane Grant Mr McCluskey has also raised concerns about why the plans were not put to the public at a recent 'Moving Forward Together' strategy consultation held in the Tontine Hotel, where service provision was discussed at length.

Meanwhile Inverclyde's MSP has come out in support of the IRH changes - and says that he personally would always want to be treated at the major trauma centre in Glasgow rather than his local A&E.

The SNP's Stuart McMillan says the move shows the health board's commitment to the IRH.

He added: "Hopefully this news will stop the summer silly season and the chairman of NHS GGC will not, for the third year in a row, have to make a statement about the future of the IRH following irresponsible comments from local Labour members.

"I can understand some people may have concerns that the IRH may not deal with patients suffering severe trauma, but I personally would always want to be at the West of Scotland Major Trauma Unit, being treated by doctors and nurses dealing with these issues, day-in, day out.

"Evidence shows that you are 15-20 per cent more likely to survive if you are admitted to a Major Trauma Centre.

"I’m sure the people of Inverclyde will welcome this.”

A spokeswoman for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde said: "Inverclyde Royal Hospital will continue to be a 'local emergency hospital 'which will continue to treat medical and surgical emergencies.

"It is anticipated that this development will enhance recruitment to IRH.

"IRH will become a centre of excellence for planned operations with continued access to specialist care and an increase in planned operations such as knee replacements.

"In addition, we expect most local trauma patients to return to IRH for ongoing care and rehabilitation.

"The trauma network, which is being developed nationally, will include trauma units.

"Ours will be based at Glasgow Royal Infirmary and the Royal Alexandra Hospital with these hospitals being chosen as they provide the most appropriate facilities required."