Long Covid, ME/CFS and related conditions service
NHS Fife recently received funding through the National Resource Allocation Committee (NRAC) to support the development of services for people living with Long Covid, Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS), and related conditions.
This funding will support the establishment of a dedicated multidisciplinary team service, providing assessment, care planning and interventions for people referred for support. The local MDT will include a service/rehabilitation co-ordinator, nursing staff, psychology professionals and Allied Health Professionals (AHPs), including physiotherapists and occupational therapists, in line with national best practice guidance.
The new service will also operate as part of a regional partnership between NHS Fife, NHS Lothian, NHS Borders and NHS Forth Valley. Through this arrangement, NHS Fife will have access to a regional multi-disciplinary team, including a Medical Consultant, AHP Consultant and Consultant Clinical Psychologist, to support the assessment and management of more complex cases through a shared-care approach.
The development of this model follows longstanding challenges in recruiting to a specialist ME/CFS nurse post. Historically, support was delivered through a single specialist role, but NHS Fife is now moving towards a more sustainable multidisciplinary model that will provide a broader range of expertise and support for patients.
While recruitment to both local and regional posts is underway, people living with ME/CFS continue to receive support through existing long-term condition services, including community rehabilitation and pain management teams, helping to maintain continuity of care. NHS Fife remains committed to strengthening services for people living with Long Covid, ME/CFS and related conditions, and will continue to provide updates as this work progresses.
Car parking at Victoria Hospital
We recognise that demand for car parking spaces at the Victoria Hospital is high, especially during peak periods in the late morning and early afternoon, when large volumes of outpatient appointments, inpatient activity, emergency attendances and visiting can overlap.
Victoria Hospital provides over 1,130 public parking spaces, including accessible and short-stay provision. However, at busy times demand can exceed capacity, which can lead to congestion on site and overspill into surrounding residential areas. While additional capacity was created in 2021 through the expansion of Car Park L, wider opportunities for significant further expansion are limited by land availability.
We recognise the impact this can have and are committed to taking practical steps to improve people’s experience. A range of measures are in place to support this, including:
- Ongoing monitoring of parking usage and peak demand periods
- Improvements to signage and wayfinding to help people find available spaces
- Protection of Blue Badge and accessible parking (currently 104 spaces and 6% of total provision), supported by enforcement, with four additional spaces planned near the renal unit once maintenance work on our medium temperature hot water network is complete.
- Supporting appropriate use of drop-off and short-stay spaces
- Close working with Fife Council wardens to support safe and appropriate parking on and around hospital sites
- Reinforcing responsible staff parking behaviour and promoting use of designated areas
- Encouraging alternative travel options such as car sharing, public transport and active travel
A range of larger-scale options, including park and ride and multi-storey parking, have been considered. However, these are currently constrained by infrastructure requirements, cost, land availability, and operational complexity. There are no plans for major infrastructure developments currently, although the position remains under regular review.
We will continue to monitor parking arrangements closely and remain committed to identifying improvements that support access for patients, visitors, and local communities.
Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme
Following a question raised at our recent meeting with MSPs and MPs regarding changes to the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme and the implications for GP practices, NHS Fife is pleased to provide the following update on how the new arrangements are being implemented across primary care services in Fife.
From 1 April 2025, changes introduced through the Disclosure (Scotland) Act 2020 made membership of the PVG Scheme a legal requirement for individuals undertaking certain regulated roles. The legislation also places responsibility on employers to ensure the appropriate PVG checks are completed before individuals can begin these roles.
As independent contractors to the NHS, GP practices are responsible for obtaining and retaining PVG disclosures for their staff and for receiving the disclosure outcome directly as the employer. NHS Fife continues to provide guidance and support to practices on the new requirements but cannot undertake PVG checks on their behalf.
Importantly, there is currently no evidence to suggest that the changes are having a significant impact on patient services or access to GP appointments in Fife. Practices have been working to implement the new requirements, and NHS Fife's Primary Care team remains available to offer support where required.
Scottish Government funding for mental health services
Further to our update earlier this year, work is now progressing to deliver the Scottish Government–funded improvements to mental health facilities across NHS Fife.
Planning and enabling work is underway to support the next phase of refurbishment across Wards 1, 2, 3, and 4 at Queen Margaret Hospital, alongside improvements at Lynebank Hospital and Stratheden Hospital. This will help ensure services are delivered in modern, therapeutic environments that better meet the needs of patients, families and staff.
These developments build on the successful opening of the refurbished Ward 3 earlier this year and reflect a continued focus on enhancing the quality, safety, and dignity of inpatient mental health care.
The programme remains a key part of NHS Fife’s Mental Health Strategy, supporting ongoing improvements to the care environment and enabling services to respond to growing demand and increasingly complex needs. We will continue to keep elected members updated as this work progresses.
Employability pathways and tackling child poverty
NHS Fife has submitted a proposal to the Scottish Government to support new employability pathways for families most at risk of poverty, with funding decisions currently awaited.
Child poverty affects more than 17,000 children across Fife. As an Anchor Institution, NHS Fife is committed to widening access to employment opportunities, increasing workforce diversity and supporting local communities.
If approved, the proposal would create a number of fixed-term entry-level opportunities for eligible parents, lasting up to nine months. NHS Fife is looking for this to be between 10 and 20 posts. It would also include a pre-employment Sector Based Work Academy for up to 20 Department for Work and Pensions clients, helping participants prepare for and apply for these roles, with the aim of progressing into permanent positions within our Estates and Facilities services.
The programme would provide tailored recruitment support, training, induction, and ongoing development, building on successful approaches such as the Life Chances and Armed Forces Talent programmes. It has been developed in partnership with organisations including Fife International Forum and Fife Gingerbread.
If successful, the programme would help support parents into sustainable employment, improve family wellbeing and contribute to a more diverse and resilient NHS Fife workforce.
Community physiotherapy waiting times
NHS Fife recognises the important role community physiotherapy plays in supporting recovery, independence and wellbeing. While some areas are experiencing longer waits than we would like, urgent rehabilitation needs continue to be prioritised to ensure patients receive timely support based on clinical need.
Like many services across Scotland, community physiotherapy teams have experienced pressures associated with workforce vacancies, sickness absence and increased demand. In response, NHS Fife has invested in additional staffing, strengthened recruitment activity and introduced measures to improve referral management and make best use of available capacity.
A range of improvements are underway, including recruitment to key physiotherapy roles, greater collaboration between teams to manage demand, and enhanced triage processes to ensure people are directed to the most appropriate support as quickly as possible.
We recognise the impact waiting times can have on patients and their families and remain committed to improving access to community physiotherapy services across Fife. Performance continues to be closely monitored, and we expect recent investment and recruitment initiatives to help reduce waiting times over the coming months.
Maternity services update
At our latest meeting with MSPs and MPs, one elected member reported receiving several enquiries relating to maternity services in Fife.
We recognise the importance of maintaining public confidence in maternity services and welcome the opportunity to provide reassurance that we remain committed to delivering safe, high-quality care for women, babies and families across Fife, while continuing to drive ongoing service improvements.
Earlier this year, an unannounced inspection by Healthcare Improvement Scotland praised maternity services at the Victoria Hospital for delivering compassionate, responsive and person-centred care. The inspection highlighted strong multidisciplinary teamwork, visible leadership, a family-centred approach and highly positive feedback from women and families using the service.
While the inspection also identified several areas for further improvement, NHS Fife has developed and is implementing a comprehensive action plan to address these recommendations.
Community hospital transformation
Work continues to progress as part of our programme to transform the way community inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation and care services are delivered.
Detailed plans are in place to remodel and repurpose wards at Glenrothes and Cameron hospitals, with refurbishment of Ward 2 at Glenrothes Hospital now complete.
The planned relocation of patients from Letham Ward and the Sir George Sharp Unit to Glenrothes was completed by 23 June
Robust arrangements were put into place to ensure moves were carried out safely and efficiently between sites, to minimise disruption and ensure continuity of care.
Patients were transferred in a planned and phased way and were carefully reviewed by their care team, with personalised plans in place covering their needs, transport and support.
Staffing, beds and transport were coordinated across sites, with additional support provided to help some patients return home or move to more appropriate settings where possible.
Patients and families have been kept informed and supported, with clear communication throughout. Plans for the next phase will see a refurbishment of Ward 3 at Glenrothes Hospital.
Screening awareness campaign running across Fife
NHS Fife has launched a public awareness campaign to support uptake across all five adult screening programmes: bowel, breast, cervical, diabetic eye, and abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA).
Running until March 2027, the campaign includes targeted activity across local radio, social media, outdoor advertising, and community outreach in venues across Fife. The approach is designed to maximise reach and visibility, deliver consistent and accessible health messaging, and encourage informed participation in screening.
A particular focus will be placed on working with communities where uptake is lower, helping to reduce inequalities and improve overall participation. More information is available here.
First Children’s Rights Report published
NHS Fife NHS Fife has published its first Children’s Rights Report. The publication marks an important step following the incorporation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) into Scots law.
The report highlights how we're working to ensure children and young people in Fife are safe, heard, and treated fairly across our services, with a strong focus on participation, inclusion, and accessibility.
Developed with partners in the Fife Health and Social Care Partnership, it outlines the progress made so far and where we will continue to improve. Alongside the main report, a child-friendly version has also been created to help explain rights in a clear and accessible way. More information is available here.
Fingerprint access enhancing support for families in Neonatal Unit
Families with babies receiving care in the Neonatal Unit at the Victoria Hospital are now benefiting from more flexible access, following the introduction of a new secure fingerprint entry system.
The Neonatal Unit provides specialist care for newborn babies who need additional support, including those born prematurely or with medical conditions requiring early treatment. The new system allows parents to access the Unit 24 hours a day without needing to be let in by staff, making it easier for families to spend time with their baby during what can often be a difficult and emotional period.
The improvement has been made possible through funding from the Friends of Kirkcaldy Hospitals and the system has been designed to improve access while maintaining high standards of safety and security, with fingerprint access limited to authorised parents only.
Feedback from families has been very positive, highlighting the difference this makes in supporting bonding and reducing stress at an important time. More information is available here.
NHS Fife hosts national surgical training masterclass
NHS Fife has further strengthened its role in surgical training by hosting a specialist masterclass in keyhole hernia surgery at Queen Margaret Hospital.
The Fife Laparoscopic (TEP) Hernia Masterclass brought together experienced surgeons from across the UK for hands-on training in advanced techniques. The course combined teaching sessions with supervised operating, allowing participants to develop their skills in a supported clinical setting.
The programme also provided direct benefits for local patients, with several procedures carried out during the training using patients from NHS Fife waiting lists. This is currently the only hands-on course of its kind in the UK, helping to reinforce NHS Fife’s reputation as a centre of excellence for hernia surgery and training.
Queen Margaret Hospital continues to play a leading role in day-case surgery, with a strong track record of introducing innovative approaches that support faster recovery and improved patient outcomes. Events such as this highlight the expertise of NHS Fife staff and their contribution to advancing surgical practice at a national level. More information is available here.
National recognition for neonatal team
The neonatal team at Victoria Hospital has received national recognition after being named ‘Neonatal Team of the Year’ at the Scottish Neonatal Nurses Group Awards.
The award celebrates outstanding teamwork, innovation and commitment to delivering high-quality care for babies and their families. Winners were selected by a panel of experienced neonatal nursing professionals from across Scotland.
This achievement reflects the team’s ongoing dedication to providing compassionate, high-quality care and making a meaningful difference to the lives of local families. More information is available here.
Open access vaccination clinics running across summer
Open access vaccination clinics are running at venues across Fife this summer. People can drop in to get protected, with no appointment necessary. Vaccinations available include Covid, shingles, pneumococcal, HPV, Men B, and RSV.
NHS Fife is encouraging anyone who is eligible to take up the opportunity to stay up to date with their vaccinations and protect themselves and others. Constituents can find venues, times and eligibility here.
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 and senior management
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 Board meetings can be viewed here. The next meeting takes place on Tuesday 28 July.
The NHS Fife senior management team can be viewed here.
Performance
A wide range of research, guidance and statistical publications relating to NHS Fife can be viewed here.
NHS Fife’s annual accounts can be viewed here.The latest accounts were approved by the NHS Fife Board on 30 June and will be published later this year once the Parliamentary approval process has been completed.
Workforce
Statistics on staffing and vacancies are published quarterly by NHS Education for Scotland. The latest publication can be viewed here.
All Information correct at time of publishing. Issued by the Corporate Communications and Engagement Directorate