THE health secretary has been asked to intervene to get vital protective gear to intensive care staff at Inverclyde Royal risking their lives to save coronavirus patients.

The Tele reported yesterday that concerned frontline staff did not have the personal protective equipment they need.

MSP Stuart McMillan asked the minister Jeane Freeman to step in after the alarm was raised by local nurses who had been left without eye visors, masks and other essential equipment.

Pressure is increasing on IRH as more patients present with the COVID-19 virus and that is expected to rise significantly in the next two weeks.

Mr McMillan said: "There is real concern at Inverclyde Royal but I am confident that the health board and the government are acting to get the protective equipment needed and that should now be delivered.

"I asked the health secretary to act as well as raising questions in parliament.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde has sent Mr McMillan a letter promising urgent action - and supplies were expected to arrive yesterday at Inverclyde Royal.

In his letter to the minister Mr McMillan said: "I have been contacted by two local nurses raising concerns about the lack of access to PPE at the IRH."

He asked Ms Freeeman to raise the urgent matter with the health board to 'ensure the important kit is available to protect frontline staff and patients'.

A health board operational manager who replied to Mr McMillan said they had spoken to the lead nurse at the ICU in Inverclyde Royal who advised that concerns had been raised about equipment and that this was being dealt with after being 'escalated through the appropriate processes'.

Inverclyde Royal Hospital is braced for even more patients next week as the crisis prepares to peak and the authorities are pleading with everyone in the community to do their bit to reduce the spread of the virus and help our hospital cope.

MSP Mr McMillan said: "I understand it is busy at Inverclyde Royal and the demand is increasing.

"I would ask that everyone continues to follow the government guidelines.

"Please stay in and protect the NHS."

IThe Scottish Government told the Teke it was aware of the situation at Inverclyde Royal.

A spokeswoman said: “We expect all health boards to ensure their staff dealing with coronavirus have the right personal protective equipment for their circumstances, and training, to ensure their safety.

“Health Protection Scotland have issued revised guidance on the different equipment required for a range of different types of staff.

"This is determined by clinical and scientific evidence, and we continue to work to ensure all services have the resources they require.

“We have released personal protective equipment from the national stockpile to meet the emerging demands.

"Given the increase in demand for these items, supplies are being carefully managed both in Scotland and across other parts of the UK.

"The position with supplies is under constant review as the coronavirus outbreak develops.”