PENSIONER Irene Pollard says she felt let down by MSP Stuart McMillan after she unsuccessfully attempted to contact him over her recent IRH and ambulance wait ordeal.

The Tele reported how she was left waiting in a corridor for over seven hours at A&E after being taken ill.

Then just two weeks later she had to wait nine hours for an ambulance after becoming unwell again.

Irene told how she had tried to contact Mr McMillan to discuss her concerns about the hospital, to no avail.

The MSP has now said sorry, saying the lapse had been caused by a breakdown in communication.

Mrs Pollard said: "I gave him the courtesy to contact him first but I didn't hear anything back, so then I contacted the Telegraph.

"I feel disappointed, as I know him personally as the chair of the carers' council and I always invited him to our meetings."

Mr McMillan said: "I have spoken to Irene and have offered my apologies which were accepted.

"Irene initially spoke with a member of my staff about the issues she faced, but she also wanted to speak with me directly which she has every right to request.

“Unfortunately, there was a miscommunication that led to the delay in contacting her, which I take full responsibility for.

"My staff and I have spoken with thousands of constituents over the last 18 months and I can honestly say that Irene's experience is extremely rare, but regrettable nonetheless.

“My staff and I will do what we can to support Irene during this difficult time.

"I would reiterate that my staff and I are on hand, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, to help and support constituents who need advice.

"This is a regrettable but irregular occurrence and to suggest otherwise is completely false."