Ayrshire MSP will focus on women's health and reducing pressure on NHS under new role with Scottish Labour

An Ayrshire-based MSP has said she will use her new role on Scottish Labour’s frontbench to champion women’s health support and find solutions to mounting pressure on NHS staff.Carol Mochan, MSP for South Scotland, has been promoted to the position of Public Health and Women’s Health spokesperson for the party.Ms Mochan joins the line-up as Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar reshuffled his frontbench team, claiming it is now “election ready”.Ms Mochan said she is “delighted to be back at the top table championing these vital issues”.She said: “I fully intend on using my position to raise a number of key issues affecting our region, including the concerning lack of help for women going through menopause and the unimaginable pressure NHS staff are being put under by a lack of capacity and support.“We are seeing beds axed at Ayr Hospital and the social care system put under untenable strain, particularly in remote areas where support is already in short supply. "I want to raise awareness and present solutions to these problems.“It is absolutely imperative that the our region has a voice on the national stage and at all times I will do my best to pursue that whilst doing the vital work of presenting an alternative programme for government here in Scotland and across the UK.”The MSP added on Twitter: “I’m pleased to be leading for @ScottishLabour as our Public Health and Women’s Health spokesperson.“We are on the cusp of serious change in Scotland’s electoral landscape and I intend on helping prepare us for power.” Don't miss the latest Ayrshire headlines – sign up to our free daily newsletter here