Health chiefs point to Dundee as alternative for getting treatment

Health chiefs in Fife have stressed St Andrews students – and other people in north-east Fife – can also travel to Tayside for overnight treatment.

Fife’s health and social care partnership has said it has worked closely with NHS Tayside to secure treatment centre appointments between midnight and 8am at Kings Cross Hospital in Dundee as an alternative to Kirkcaldy’s Victoria Hospital.

In response to the university’s concerns, Claire Dobson, divisional general manager, said Primary Care Emergency Services (PCES) and other urgent care services are under “considerable pressure” not only in Fife but nationally too.

“This is due partly to increasing demand – particularly from people with multiple long-term conditions and complex care needs – as well as the availability of doctors and nurses,” she explained.

“Many of the doctors and nurses working in the service also work in daytime general practice, which limits the time that they are able to commit to PCES. GPS are independent contractors who can, and do, accept shifts on an ad-hoc basis.

“To address these issues, clinical staff and partners across Fife are working to develop a longer term solution for urgent care services alongside other proposals for more joined up care in Fife.

“We hope to consult on those plans later this year.”

Ms Dobson said immediate action had been needed to deliver a “clinically safe and sustainable” service over the next few months, but stressed the partnership will continue to develop plans for longer term measures and will consult the public before permanent decisions are made.

She added that the service will still be available until midnight at St Andrews Community Hospital.

“It is important to say that if someone needs to attend Victoria Hospital or Kings Cross Hospital out of hours and cannot drive we would ask if a family member or friend can help to get them there,” she said.

“However, if this can’t be organised or is not suitable, we will arrange for a clinician to call the patient and take appropriate measures. Where indicated the service will arrange a home visit.”