Main updates
Employment tribunal
As referenced in the last update, all witness testimony in the ongoing employment tribunal NHS Fife has been required to defend has now formally concluded. The tribunal is scheduled to reconvene on Monday 1 and Tuesday 2 September 2025 for oral submissions from both parties and for panel questions. The hearing is expected to conclude on 2 September.
A final judgment is anticipated no sooner than four to six weeks following the close of proceedings. At this stage, we will not be making any further public comment on the tribunal.
Expansion of NHS dental services in Dunfermline, Leven, and Glenrothes
We are pleased to share progress on the recent expansion of NHS dental services across the region.
Black and Brown Dental Practice has now opened in Dunfermline, supported in part by funding from the Scottish Dental Access Initiative (SDAI). The new six-surgery facility is actively registering its first 3,000 NHS patients, helping to improve access in the area.
Leven Dental and Implant Centre (formerly Banbeath Dental Practice) is scheduled to open this autumn. NHS Fife’s Primary Care team is working closely with the new owners to complete inspections and finalise NHS listing arrangements for the incoming dental team.
KY Dental Studio is also preparing to open in the Kingdom Centre, Glenrothes, and will offer NHS dental services to residents.
As highlighted in previous updates, NHS dental services continue to face significant pressures nationally. The number of NHS dental practices has declined since 2019, with some providers reducing or ceasing NHS provision due to business decisions. While Health Boards work collaboratively with practices, they do not hold contractual authority over such decisions.
Despite these challenges, NHS Fife remains committed to maximising access to NHS dentistry. This includes securing funding through initiatives such as the Scottish Dental Access Initiative, which supports practices in areas with limited access by providing financial assistance to retain dentists, establish new practices, or expand existing NHS services. The recent opening of Black and Brown Dental Practice is a direct outcome of this support.
For patients unable to register with a local practice, NHS Fife’s Public Dental Service (PDS) continues to provide emergency dental care. While not a substitute for routine dental access, the PDS plays a vital role in meeting urgent and unmet dental needs, particularly for vulnerable and priority patients. Those requiring urgent care or advice can contact the NHS Fife Dental Advice Line on 01592 226 555. Further information about the Public Dental Service is available on our website.
Update on Methilhaven Surgery and Kennoway Practice
We are pleased to provide an update on the transition of Methilhaven Surgery and Kennoway Practice to new management.
NHS Fife and the Fife Health and Social Care Partnership have been overseeing the operation of both practices since the previous GP contractors ended their contracts. A formal procurement process was undertaken via Public Contracts Scotland, resulting in Denny Cross Medical Group being appointed as the preferred provider. The group currently operates a busy practice near Falkirk and will assume responsibility for both sites this autumn.
Extensive preparatory work has been carried out to ensure a smooth transition, including the consolidation of phone systems and planned IT integration across both practices. During the IT system merge in early September, services will be limited to emergency-only appointments, with full service resuming from 9 September.
Methilhaven Surgery will continue at its current location within Randolph Wemyss Memorial Hospital and will function as a branch of East Fife Medical Practice, offering a mix of morning and afternoon sessions throughout the week.
Patients will be able to attend either site based on convenience, and the practices will operate collaboratively under the new management. Importantly, patients are being kept informed of these changes through direct communications and practice updates, ensuring continuity of care and clarity around the new arrangements. Additionally, the practices will be renamed:
- Kennoway Practice will become East Fife Medical Practice
- Methilhaven Surgery will become The Randolph Practice
These changes reflect ongoing efforts to ensure sustainable, high-quality primary care provision in the area.
Parking provision at Victoria Hospital
We are aware of recent correspondence from elected members regarding parking at the Victoria Hospital site. In light of this, we wanted to provide a general update and some context around the current parking provision and ongoing considerations.
NHS Fife continues to monitor and manage parking provision at Victoria Hospital to support patients, visitors, and staff accessing the site.
There are currently over 1,000 publicly available parking spaces across the hospital grounds. In 2021, Car Park L was expanded to include an additional 139 spaces, helping to ease pressure during peak times. However, further expansion is not currently possible due to planning restrictions, financial limitations, and land availability.
The Victoria Hospital site also includes a substantial number of Blue Badge parking bays, exceeding the minimum required under planning regulations. These spaces are reserved for individuals with mobility challenges and are enforced by Fife Council under a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO). Vehicles parked in these bays without a valid Blue Badge may be subject to a Penalty Charge Notice.
Anyone whose mobility has changed is encouraged to review the eligibility criteria for a Blue Badge. NHS Fife remains committed to ensuring that parking provision supports the needs of all who use the Victoria Hospital site and will continue to explore opportunities for improvement, where feasible.
NHS Fife receives Gold Award from Defence Employer Recognition Scheme
We are proud to advise that we have received the prestigious Gold Award from the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS). This honour recognises our commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community - from reservists and veterans to service leavers and their families.
Over the past five years, we’ve built strong ties with local reserve units, developed peer networks, and created inclusive policies that make a real difference. More information is available here.
1,000 robotic-assisted surgical procedures
Earlier this summer, we completed our 1,000th robotic-assisted surgical procedure. Since introducing the Da Vinci robotic system in 2021, our theatre team at the Victoria Hospital has transformed how surgeries are performed across colorectal, gynaecological, and urological specialties.
The benefits of robotic-assisted surgery include greater precision and control for surgeons, reduced post-operative pain and faster recovery, shorter hospital stays, and fewer complications. The achievement highlights the dedication of our surgical teams and their commitment to bringing cutting-edge healthcare closer to home for patients across Fife. More information is available here.
Professor Deborah Williamson appointed to NHS Fife Board
Professor Deborah Williamson, Dean of Medicine and Head of the School of Medicine at the University of St Andrews, has been officially appointed to the Board of NHS Fife.
Professor Williamson brings a wealth of experience in clinical science, public health, and academic leadership to the role. A globally recognised clinician-scientist, she has held senior positions in public health and academia across Australia, New Zealand, and the UK. She joined the University of St Andrews in April 2024 and officially became Dean of Medicine on 1 February 2025.
Professor Williamson’s appointment to the Board follows NHS Fife being formally being granted University Health Board status, becoming the first Health Board in more than 50 years to do so. This prestigious designation places NHS Fife among a select group of ‘prescribed health boards’ and enables a representative of the University of St Andrews to join the NHS Fife Board.
August NHS Fife Board meeting
Earlier this month, the NHS Fife Board met to review progress on key priorities and oversee the quality and safety of healthcare services across Fife. Performance highlights:
- Emergency care performance improving - highest in two years.
- Focus on reducing long waits for outpatient appointments.
- Best performing mainland Health Board for diagnostics.
- Delayed discharge still a challenge, impacting bed availability.
- £29m in savings planned to support the 2025/26 financial plan.
More information on the Board and its papers can be viewed here.
Consultation for new pharmacies in Glenrothes, Kirkcaldy, and St Andrews
Consultations are now open on proposals for new community pharmacies in Glenrothes, Kirkcaldy, and St Andrews. The consultations are an opportunity for residents to share their views and help shape local healthcare services. Constituents can take part by completing the short surveys here. We would be grateful if you could share this with your constituents to help ensure as many voices as possible are heard.
In-person MSP/MP meeting
The next in-person informal briefing session for MPs and MSPs is scheduled to take place on Friday 19 September between 9.30 - 10.30 am in Seminar Room 2A at St Andrews Community Hospital, Largo Road, St Andrews, KY16 8AR.
The focus of the briefing session on 19 September will be mental health and neurodiversity, and Dr Chris McKenna, NHS Fife Medical Director, and Lynne Garvey, Director of Health and Social Care, will attend. Should you have any other issues you would like to raise, please let us know by email by Friday 12 September.
Media statements
As part of our efforts to be as open and transparent as possible, we have created a new section on our website where we are publishing all formal statements and responses we issue to local and national media outlets. You can access these statements here.
Board papers and statistics
NHS Fife Board
The NHS Fife Board holds meetings every two months at 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 Tuesday 12 August can be viewed here. The next meeting takes place on Tuesday 12 August.
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.
All Information correct at time of publishing. Issued by the Corporate Communications and Engagement Directorate.