The principal speaks for us all

Sir, – Everyone in the whole of Fife should thank St Andrews University principal and vice-chancellor Professor Sally Mapstone for highlighting the importance of the out-ofhours hospital service (Courier, April 26). She was using diplomatic language to show concern for the effect this could have on students in distress.

She would have done well, too, to say something about the woeful performance of the Fife Health and Social Care Partnership over this matter.

A body which was set up with the best of intentions – to integrate health and social care provision – has failed its first major test in the region. It has made a mockery of the principle of effective consultation with the public. It has spread fear and alarm among many of the area’s most vulnerable citizens. It has caused confusion about the roles of the health service and the local authority.

Prof Mapstone has at least managed to get a response, albeit an unsatisfactory one, from senior health officials. They failed to turn up at all to a public meeting in Glenrothes, prompting the wrath of local MSP Jenny Gilruth for their disdain.

People there are equally concerned about problems of access to Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy, the cost and availability of ambulances, taxis and so on.

It is simply not good enough to suggest that people who are ill can call on friends and relatives for transport at very inconvenient times in the morning.

This whole affair is not just about efficiency and savings in health. It is about the way our public services are run, how responsive they are to needs.

In that respect the Partnership has been

found wanting over the closures of out-of-hours services in our hospitals. Its attitude must change if it is to win the respect of those it is meant to serve. Bob Taylor. Shiel Court, Glenrothes.