Talks in bid to save care service

MARIE Curie has agreed to work closely with Fife’s Health and Social Care Partnership in a bid to ensure palliative care continues in the region.

The charity announced last week it was stopping its end-oflife services across Fife at the end of May amid fears the rates being offered in a new contract would not allow it to deliver the same level of care.

It warned more people would be at risk of dying in hospital rather than at home as a result.

But following crunch talks, both sides have said there is a clear commitment to maintaining services.

Another meeting in April will establish how Marie Curie and Fife HSCP, as well as others, can “co-design” the service to ensure it is sustainable.

Eamon O’Kane, Marie Curie divisional general manager for Scotland, said discussions had been constructive.

“There is a clear commitment on all sides to maintaining a collaborative approach that supports patients and families in Fife,” he said.

“We all want to ensure the provision of services that are able to adapt to future need as we know more people will need palliative and end-of-life care.

“We look forward to the April workshop to agree a positive and sustainable future for palliative care in Fife.”

Fife HSCP general manager Claire Dobson said it was hoped ongoing discussions would result in an agreement by the end of April.

Clockwise C (from above left) Twister Cathy Connelly at Dundee YMCA in 1980; Dundee High School dance at the Empress Ballroom in 1938; the “biggest disco” held in Caird Hall in 1980; and Mr and Mrs John B Barron lead the class at Fintry in 1973.