The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Marie Curie care team axed in NHS shake-up
Cash-strapped health board insists move is not cost-cutting measure
An award-winning nursing team has been axed as part of an NHS Tayside shake-up, The Courier can reveal.
The dedicated workforce providing palliative and end-of-life care at the £4 million Cornhill Macmillan Centre in Perth has been replaced by district nurses.
It follows a review of care across the Perth and Kinross patch, although NHS Tayside has insisted it is not a cost-saving measure.
The centre, part of Perth Royal Infirmary, was staffed by three members of the Marie Curie Fast Track service, who offered help and support to terminally ill patients.
The purpose-built unit opened its doors in 2009.
Two years ago, it became the first centre of its kind to win a national accolade, the Macmillan Quality Environment Mark, for good practice and high standards.
A source close to the centre said: “The way the nurses have been treated, after all the work they have put in, is disgraceful.
“There had been rumours for a while, but they all found out in a conference call with management.”
It is understood the staff are being offered support by HR bosses and have been encouraged to apply for other posts within the charity.
Local MSP Murdo Fraser said: “Good end-of-life care is incredibly important, not just for the patient but for their friends and relatives.
“No one wants to see anyone in distress or discomfort and Macmillan nurses provide a hugely worthwhile service at an incredibly difficult time.
“I would hope that NHS Tayside’s decision to take control of the Cornhill centre is in the best interests of patients and that standards remain high.
“Ultimately, as a result of this move, three nurses have lost their positions within the unit and I would hope that their skills are retained rather than lost.”
The fast track team were employed by Macmillan, although the centre has been funded 50/50 between the charity and NHS Tayside.
The service was originally scheduled to end in March next year, although staff were aware the contract could be ended at any time.
A spokeswoman for the Perth and Kinross Health and Social Care Partnership said: “Following a redesign of district nursing services in Perth and Kinross, a service which provides support at home for end-of-life patients in the community is now being delivered by the district nursing service in Perth and Kinross.
“This service, which was formerly run by Marie Curie Fast Track Service, will now be provided by the district nursing teams.
“Patient care will not be affected by this change as the same care and support continues to be provided by our dedicated district nursing teams.”
She added: “This change was part of a redesign of district nursing services in Perth and Kinross to make the best use of resources available to provide flexible, sustainable care for our patients now, and in the future.
“The district nursing service continues to work closely with the Marie Curie Nursing Service delivering the ongoing planned nursing service by Marie Curie.”
A Marie Curie spokesman added: “Marie Curie will continue to work closely with NHS Tayside to deliver care and support to families locally through the overnight nursing service.
“From November, the service will be locally coordinated to deliver tailored care and support.”
The service is coordinated by Marie Curie with charity staff working closely with NHS Tayside, particularly its district nurses.