GP shortage causing ‘crisis’ in Fife

A dozen Fife medical practices are struggling to find GPs, as part of Scotland’s healthcare “crisis”, the leader of the Liberal Democrats has claimed.

Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Willie Rennie raised the issue during a fiery First Minister’s Questions session, where he cited problems with primary healthcare and a “major shortage” of doctors.

An NHS Fife source said practices in Auchtermuchty, Ladybank, Newburgh, Glenrothes, Kennoway, Leven, Methil, Lochore, Cardenden, Kelty, Dunfermline and Lochgelly are finding it difficult to recruit.

They added: “We have had one practice close its list earlier this year, but they have re-opened it this week.

“We currently have 270 GPs in Fife, which is a slight increase headcount but, as they have practice contracts, we are not made aware of their individual commitment, so it may be that the number of individuals has increased but the number of sessions provided is less.

“There are currently 13 practices out to recruitment for new partners at present.”

At Holyrood, Mr Rennie said that primary healthcare in Scotland was “heading towards a crisis”, with GPs either retiring early or going part-time, “leading to a major shortage”.

He added: “Twelve medical practices in Fife are short of GPs.

“A practice in Aberdeen has slashed the number of appointments. Elderly patients in Edinburgh have been told to go elsewhere because their medical centre can’t cope.”

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon responded: “I don’t accept that characterisation and I don’t think it’s a fair characterisation either of the Scottish Government but more so of the services that are being provided across the country.”

She added: “Primary care is one of the keys to making sure our NHS is equipped for the challenges of the future.”

The Scottish Government will be holding discussions over the summer recess about reconfiguring the health service to meet the emerging demographic challenges, she said.

Newburgh surgery is one of the practices thought to be suffering.