Ongoing A&E pressures
Our Accident and Emergency Department continues to experience significant and sustained demand.
Members of the public are being encouraged to attend A&E only when urgent medical care is required. For nonemergency health concerns, a range of alternative services are available, including community pharmacies and NHS 24 (111), particularly during evenings and weekends.
Patients who attend A&E with conditions that are not deemed to be critical may be safely redirected to a more appropriate service. Further information is available through the Right Care, Right Place campaign and we would encourage elected members to share this messaging with constituents where possible.
Progress on new medical centre in Lochgelly
NHS Fife remains committed to progressing a new medical centre in Lochgelly, which is recognised as significant priority for the organisation.
Lochgelly Health and Wellbeing Centre has recently been identified by the Scottish Government as one of three lead projects within the first tranche of the national Mutual Investment Model (MIM) programme for Primary and Community Care. This prioritisation reflects the clear health and estatebased need and places the centre in a strong position for early progression once national funding arrangements are confirmed.
We will continue to strongly advocate for a new medical centre in Lochgelly and will keep stakeholders updated as the national position evolves.
Intervention Notice to be issued by Scottish Information Commissioner
NHS Fife has been advised by the Scottish Information Commissioner that a Level 4 intervention notice will be issued in relation to aspects of our Freedom of Information (FOI) processes.
Through earlier engagement with the Commissioner, alongside our own internal audit work, we have already identified areas where our FOI processes can be strengthened, and improvement activity is underway. We expect the notice to set out the specific actions required to support this work.
NHS Fife takes its statutory responsibilities seriously and will consider the notice carefully once received. We will continue to work positively with the Scottish Information Commissioner to ensure improvements are delivered and that our FOI arrangements meet statutory requirements.
Specialist ME/CFS nurse recruitment
We would like to update you that our most recent recruitment process for a specialist ME/CFS nurse has unfortunately been unsuccessful. While this outcome is disappointing, we want to reassure elected members that establishing this dedicated post remains a priority for NHS Fife.
We are now reviewing our approach to recruitment, including how the role is advertised and the ways in which we can strengthen training and development pathways to encourage professionals to specialise in ME/CFS care. This work supports our broader commitment to enhancing the support available for people living with ME/CFS.
In the meantime, our clinical teams remain dedicated to offering compassionate and appropriate care to those affected. We will continue to keep you updated on any further developments.
37 future doctors arrive in Fife as new medical degree programme gets underway
NHS Fife has welcomed 37 medical students to Fife as the latest stage of their new medical degree programme gets underway. Their arrival marks another major milestone in our growing partnership with the University of St Andrews.
Ward 7 at Cameron Hospital has been refurbished by our Medical Education team and transformed into a modern education and simulation hub with teaching classrooms, clinical skills areas, a simulated house and GP areas. The space allows students to develop practical, handson skills in a safe and realistic environment that reflects the care delivered every day in our communities.
The jointly developed MBChB programme means students can now complete their entire medical degree in Fife for the first time, including all clinical placements across hospitals, GP practices and community settings. The first students on this new pathway are expected to graduate as fully qualified doctors in 2028. More information is available here.
Landmark training for medical students on managing airborne medical incidents
NHS Fife has led a groundbreaking training initiative designed to prepare future clinicians for responding to medical emergencies onboard aircraft.
The innovative full day simulation event took place at Edinburgh Airport and is believed to be the first time a medical education programme in the UK has collaborated directly with an airport to deliver immersive, aviation based clinical training.
The programme, created for senior medical students, exposed learners to realistic medical scenarios they may encounter as bystanders during commercial flights, including inflight medical emergencies. The aim was to build confidence, clinical reasoning and situational awareness in environments outside traditional NHS settings.
In a unique collaboration learning experience, Edinburgh Airport Fire Service gave access to the airport’s training rig, with Jet2 providing an aircraft and their cabin crew for further simulation training for the students. More information is available here.
Refurbished Ward 3 at Queen Margaret Hospital formally opened
Our newly refurbished Older Adult Mental Health Ward at Queen Margaret Hospital has been formally opened by Minister for Social Care, Mental Wellbeing and Sport, Tom Arthur MSP.
The opening marks a significant milestone in NHS Fife’s ongoing commitment to improving mental health services. This £3 million refurbishment of Ward 3 provides a safer, more therapeutic and dignified environment for older adults requiring inpatient mental health care, alongside improved facilities for staff and visiting families.
During his visit, the Minister also welcomed confirmation of a further £12 million investment from the Scottish Government to support mental health refurbishment works over the next two years. This funding will help modernise Wards 1, 2 and 4 at Queen Margaret Hospital, as well as facilities at Lynebank Hospital and Stratheden Hospital. More information is available here.
Postural Tachycardia Syndrome services
We have received several enquiries from elected members regarding local Postural Tachycardia Syndrome (PoTS) services.
NHS Fife recognises the significant impact PoTS can have on someone’s quality of life and we remain committed to ensuring patients receive care in line with national guidance and recommendations. Our clinical teams are actively working to ensure equitable and appropriate access to diagnosis, treatment, and support for people with PoTS.
While PoTS is not commissioned as a nationally specialised service, we are reviewing local pathways and working with clinicians to improve awareness and service provision within secondary care. We acknowledge the current challenges and are exploring opportunities to strengthen multidisciplinary support, including improved collaboration between primary and secondary care, to meet the needs of patients living with this condition. We will continue to review local services to make sure they follow national best practice and meet the needs of patients.
Reduced working week
NHS Fife is continuing work to implement the nationally agreed reduction in the NHS working week, while carefully balancing staff wellbeing, patient safety and financial sustainability.
As part of the NHS Scotland Agenda for Change pay agreement, the standard working week for most NHS staff will reduce from 37.5 hours to 36 hours by April 2026, with no loss of pay. The change is designed to improve work–life balance, support staff wellbeing and help retain skilled NHS workers.
NHS Fife has developed a detailed implementation plan, which has been submitted to the Scottish Government, setting out how services will maintain safe staffing levels. This includes targeted recruitment, offering additional hours to existing staff, and service redesign where appropriate, with around 100 whole-time equivalent posts are currently in active recruitment.
All services have completed structured risk assessments to ensure patient care is protected, with close oversight through established governance and partnership arrangements. More information is available here.
Progress being made reducing drug-related harms
Fife continues to see progress in reducing drugrelated harms. A report to the NHS Fife Board shows drug related deaths fell from 73 in 2023 to 69 in 2024. While this is a positive trend, drugrelated harm still has a major impact across communities.
The report also highlights challenges including deprivation, complex trauma and increasing use of multiple substances, with growing harms linked to cocaine, benzodiazepines and synthetic opioids. Other notable improvements include that drugrelated deaths among women are down by almost half and deaths in the 15–24 age group are down 74%.
The Fife Alcohol and Drug Partnership and other local services continue to focus on prevention, early intervention and better access to support, including through KY Clubs across Fife. A refreshed action plan for 2026-27 aims to help strengthen prevention, address emerging trends, and reduce inequalities. More information is available here.
Employment Tribunal
At the latest meeting of the NHS Fife Board, it was noted that the Central Legal Office has received a copy of the appeal lodged against the recent high-profile Employment Tribunal Judgment.
NHS Fife is taking legal advice on the appeal and will provide a formal response when invited to do so by the Employment Appeal Tribunal.
Nicol Street services relocation
Central Primary Care Services delivered from the Nicol Street premises in Kirkcaldy have been relocated.
The former GP surgery, which is not owned by NHS Fife, has been used to deliver services to Path House Medical Practice patients since July 2023, but is no longer considered fit for purpose.
To improve services and ensure resources are used as efficiently as possible, all clinical services delivered from Nicol Street have been relocated and the building will be decommissioned. Relocations include:
- Community Care and Treatment Services delivered from Kirkcaldy Health Centre.
- Midwifery and Mental Health Nurse servicesrelocatedto Path House Medical Practice.
- Addictions Services delivered fromWhyteman’sBrae Hospital.
- Patients at Path House should contact the GP Practice in the usual way.
Energy Efficiency and Decarbonisation Plan submitted
NHS Fife has submitted its Energy Efficiency and Decarbonisation Plan for 2026/27. The plan sets out a programme of investment to reduce carbon emissions, cut energy costs, and improve the quality and resilience of our buildings. The plan includes upgraded LED lighting, smarter energy management systems, improved insulation and windows, and better monitoring and management of energy use.
The organisation is also looking to create its first near Net Zero Campus at Stratheden Hospital. This would significantly reduce reliance on gas, strengthen energy resilience, and provide a model that could be replicated across other community hospitals sites. More information is available here.
Director of Pharmacy and Medicines appointed
Following a competitive recruitment process, Jill Nowell, currently Associate Director of Pharmacy at NHS Tayside, has been appointed our new Director of Pharmacy and Medicines, and will take up post on 1 April.
Jill brings significant leadership experience from pharmacy services across several health boards and a strong track record of service development, national leadership roles and workforce development. We look forward to welcoming her to NHS Fife and to the contribution she will make in leading our pharmacy services.
Maternity open morning for third year student midwives
Our maternity team will be hosting an open morning for thirdyear student midwives at the Victoria Hospital on Wednesday 18 February from 9.30am to 12pm.
The programme for the morning will include a tour of our modern and welcoming maternity unit, opportunities to meet newly registered midwives, and information on the extensive support available to those entering the profession.
Attendees will also have the chance to take part in a questionandanswer session with members of the maternity team and service leads. Elected members are encouraged to share promotion of the morning on social media.
Media statements
All formal statements and responses we issue to local and national media outlets can be accessed from the NHS Fife website here.
Board papers and statistics
NHS Fife Board
The NHS Fife Board holds meetings every two months at the Victoria Hospital, Kirkcaldy. Meetings have set agendas, and accompanying papers are available on our website five days before the meeting.
Papers from the latest Board meeting on 27 January can be viewed here. The next meeting takes place on Tuesday 31 March.
Performance
A wide range of research, guidance and statistical publications relating to NHS Fife can be viewed here.
Workforce
Statistics on staffing and vacancies are published quarterly by NHS Education for Scotland. The latest publication can be viewed here.