Out-of-hours GP care ‘shambles’ prompts resignation call

Fife’s health and social care boss been urged to consider resigning over the proposed centralisation of the out-of-hours GP service.

Councillor Bill Porteous said Michael Kellet and integration joint board members should consider their positions in the wake of what he called a shambles of mismanagement.

Following temporary withdrawal of the urgent care provision from St Andrews, Glenrothes and Dunfermline hospitals, Fife Health and Social Care Partnership is consulting on proposals which could see its provision from only Kirkcaldy’s Victoria Hospital made permanent.

Closure of the three centres in April was blamed on a shortage of doctors to provide urgent but non-emergency medical advice and appointments overnight, at weekends and on public holidays.

Mr Porteous, Liberal Democrat member for East Neuk and Landward, said: “Over the months since the service collapsed because Fife Health and Social Care Partnership had no proper forward plan in the event of just one GP leaving the practice, I have seen the process stutter and collapse.

“It is with great regret that I call on Michael Kellet to consider his position in view of this shambles of miscommunication and mismanagement over the last few months. Not just the chief executive but all board members should consider their positions.”

A health and social care spokesperson replied: “The decision to put in place contingency measures was based on clear clinical advice to protect patient safety.”

Consultation begins on Monday on options to provide the out-of-hours service from just Victoria Hospital, from there and Queen Margaret Hospitals or as the status quo.

People will also be surveyed on a proposal to create seven health and wellbeing hubs in hospitals and community centres and more intermediate care beds for older and frail people in care homes.