Labour MSP accuses health secretary of failing people of Fife

Scotland’s health secretary has come under further pressure as the row over Fife’s emergency out-ofhours GP cover intensifies.

Shona Robison, who has rejected calls to resign over NHS Tayside’s cash crisis, has been accused of failing the people of Fife after the region’s health and social care partnership closed overnight and weekend cover at three hospitals with just four days notice, amid claims of staff shortages.

Patients who would normally use services in St Andrews, Glenrothes and Dunfermline will instead have to travel to Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy, for treatment between midnight and 8am during the three-month contingency period.

Labour MSP Alex Rowley said: “Fife Health and Social Care Partnership has explained the reason for these closures is due to staff shortages. By failing to recruit adequate numbers of GPs, nursing and medical staff the SNP’s management of our health service has failed the people of Fife.

“We need to fix this problem before it spirals further out of control.”

Conservative councillor David J Ross, Fife Council’s health and social care spokesman, said: “We are all aware of the shortage of GPs across Fife and the entire country and now with punitive tax rises there is little incentive to attract medical staff from other parts of the UK and beyond.”

Ms Robison said the Scottish Government expected Fife Health and Social Care Partnership to work within the resources available to meet patient needs.

“Clinical staff and partners across Fife are working to develop a longer term solution and a public consultation will commence in June prior to any permanent decisions being made,” she added.

“The Scottish Government will continue to liaise with NHS Fife throughout their review process.”