Andy Kerr met officials in Argyll and Clyde

Officials have proposed the closure of accident and emergency departments at hospitals in Inverclyde and Vale of Leven as part of ongoing cuts.

They have been trying to tackle a financial deficit which is expected to top �100m.

After the talks, Mr Kerr said he wanted to reassure the public that his first priority was delivering services.

The minister added that every possible option was being actively explored.

The Scottish Executive has made it clear that ministers will intervene if the health body does not resolve its financial crisis.

The auditor general has predicted that the board will run up its predicted overspend within the next four years - just to sustain the current level of service.

He is believed to have received an assurance that this sum will be underwritten, but the executive has issued a statement saying that no such guarantees have been given.