Fifers urged to have their say at social care consultation events

Fife residents are being urged to have their say on the future of out-of-hours GP cover across the kingdom.

The issue is being considered as part of a consultation on community health services being led by Fife Health and Social Care Partnership.

The overnight service at Queen Margaret, Glenrothes and St Andrews hospitals were suspended earlier this year and centralised at Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy, due to staff shortages.

The consultation has proposed two long-term options – to have out-of-hours GP services in both Kirkcaldy and Dunfermline or to centralise the entire service in Kirkcaldy.

People are also being asked to comment on how health and social care services generally could be improved.

Fife Labour MSP Mr Rowley said: “It is really important that local people take the time to get involved in this consultation and make sure their views are heard.

“There was widespread concern when the overnight services were withdrawn from the Queen Margaret, Glenrothes and St Andrews hospitals and it is important therefore that the public gets involved in the consultation.”

As well as considering out-ofhours care, the partnership is proposing to set up community health and wellbeing hubs and exploring future options for community hospitals and care beds.

A series of workshops are being held for members of the public, starting at the City Chambers, Dunfermline on Tuesday August 21 at 6.45pm.

More information on the consultation can be found at fifehealthand socialcare.org/ joiningupcare