Main updates
Funding secured for significant mental health service improvements
NHS Fife is committed to transforming mental health services through a modern, person-centred approach that ensures care is delivered in safe, therapeutic, and recovery-focused environments. Our vision is to provide high-quality, accessible mental health care that meets the needs of our communities now and into the future.
As part of this vision, we are progressing our Mental Health Estate project, which will modernise and enhance facilities across several key sites, including Queen Margaret Hospital (QMH), Lynebank Hospital, and Stratheden Hospital. This phased programme will improve patient experience, support staff wellbeing, and enable more integrated models of care.
To support our vision, the Scottish Government has now confirmed we are to receive £12million in funding over the next three years. This welcome investment will allow us to refurbish three wards at QMH, one ward at Lynebank, and one ward at Stratheden. Works will be delivered over a three-year period in a phased, manageable way.
This funding represents a significant step forward in delivering NHS Fife’s mental health strategy and ensuring our facilities reflect the high standards of care we aim to provide. We look forward to continued collaboration with the Scottish Government and local stakeholders as we deliver these vital improvements.
Resumption of Employment Tribunal
The high-profile Employment Tribunal involving NHS Fife is scheduled to resume in July, following an adjournment earlier this year. While the case has attracted significant attention across both traditional and social media, it would be inappropriate to comment on the specifics while proceedings are ongoing.
As stated in previous updates, it is important to note that NHS Fife did not initiate the litigation; it is responding to it. While there has been some reporting regarding the potential for NHS Fife to stop the employment tribunal case, we are not able to unilaterally stop the proceedings, as we are a respondent and being sued in this legal action.
You can read statements related to the tribunal here.
STV report on the care of three patients
NHS Fife was recently contacted by STV’s Scotland Tonight regarding concerns raised by the families of three patients who sadly passed away following their time in our care.
We have met with the families featured on several occasions to listen to and address their concerns and offer reassurance and we fully acknowledge the failings in care highlighted in the programme.
While these individual cases are of serious concern, we want to reassure elected members that they are not representative of the overall standard of care provided across NHS Fife. We are committed to delivering safe, compassionate, and high-quality care to every patient. When concerns are raised, whether through formal complaints or other feedback, they are treated with the utmost seriousness.
NHS Fife operates a robust and transparent complaints procedure, aligned with national guidance. This process includes a thorough review of the care provided, input from the clinical teams involved, and direct communication with the individuals or families concerned. If a complainant remains dissatisfied following our internal process, they have the right to request an independent investigation by the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman (SPSO), which ensures independent oversight and accountability.
Following the STV broadcast, NHS Fife was asked to respond to a news release issued by an elected member, which alleged a culture of secrecy and a lack of transparency and accountability within the organisation. We strongly refute this characterisation.
NHS Fife is firmly committed to openness, accountability, and continuous learning. Our complaints handling process is rigorous and transparent, ensuring that every concern is thoroughly investigated. Wherever possible, we openly share findings and lessons learned directly with patients and families.
Importantly, individuals who remain dissatisfied with our response have the right to escalate their concerns to the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman (SPSO), an entirely independent body. This external scrutiny is a key safeguard in maintaining public trust and accountability.
You can read our statement following the broadcast here, and our response to the subsequent news release here.
Work underway on specialist rehabilitation sites in Glenrothes and Levenmouth
Following approval by the Integration Joint Board in March 2024, the Fife Health and Social Care Partnership is moving forward with a major transformation of community rehabilitation and care services under the Home First strategy.
This change aims to deliver modern, sustainable, and responsive care for Fife’s ageing population by shifting the focus from hospital-based rehabilitation to care delivered at home or in the community, where appropriate.
Over the next 12 to 18 months, two specialist rehabilitation sites will be developed at Glenrothes Hospital and Cameron Hospital, with preparatory work already underway. These sites will be created through the remodelling and repurposing of existing rehabilitation and community care wards.
As part of this transformation:
- The number of community hospital beds will reduce by 37, from 263 to 226.
- An additional 22 surge beds will be retained to provide extra capacity during winter or periods of increased demand.
- Enhanced rehabilitation and care services will be delivered in people’s homes or homely settings to support recovery and independence.
Staff engagement with those directly affected by these changes has begun, and further updates will be shared as the work progresses.
Valleyfield Medical Practice
We note the concerns that have been raised by elected members regarding the provision of medical care at Valleyfield Medical Practice.
Whist the practice is an independent contractor, NHS Fife is taking these concerns very seriously. We have been and continue to be in regular dialogue with the operators to ensure these issues are being addressed. A more detailed update on Valleyfield Medical Practice will be included in our next update.
Planning approved for Kincardine Health Centre
Our application for a new health centre in Kincardine has been approved by Fife Council’s West and Central Planning Committee.
The approval is the latest step towards ensuring that we are in the best possible position to commence the build as soon as the necessary capital funding is made available by the Scottish Government.
Update on recruitment of ME/CFS specialist nurse
We have recently received several enquiries from elected members relative to our efforts recruiting a specialist ME/CFS specialist nurse.
Recruiting for a specialist ME/CFS remains a priority for NHS Fife. However, this is a challenging post to fill due to the limited number of trained nurses in this specialist field. As such, we are actively exploring all available avenues to recruit a suitably qualified individual and are considering ways to enhance training and professional development opportunities to help attract candidates.
In the interim, we are working closely with our wider clinical teams to ensure that appropriate support remains available to those affected by ME/CFS. We remain committed to delivering the best possible care for these patients and will continue our efforts to reinstate dedicated specialist nursing provision as soon as possible.
HIS unannounced inspection of mental health services report
Earlier this month, Healthcare Improvement Scotland published a report following its unannounced inspection of mental health services at Queen Margaret Hospital in February 2025.
The report highlighted several areas of good practice, noting that patients were observed receiving caring, compassionate and person-centred care and were shown dignity and respect by ward staff. Some areas were identified where action is required, including the use of additional ‘surge’ beds, and staff training compliance.
You can read more about the report and its findings here.
Patient consent forms
Our elected member inbox currently holds several enquiries that cannot be progressed due to the absence of a signed patient consent form. This form is required to authorise the organisation to respond to enquiries relating to individual constituents and their care.
If a completed consent form - signed by the constituent and returned to us as a scanned copy - is not received, we will be unable to proceed with the enquiry. If consent is not received within 14 days of the original enquiry, the case will be closed. You can access the form here.
Community gallery opened at Victoria Hospital
Fife Health Charity has officially opened its new community gallery at the Victoria Hospital.
For the inaugural exhibition, students from Fife College’s visual arts course were tasked with creating inspirational and uplifting artwork, which promoted reminiscence and encourage conversation. The community gallery is in the link corridor between Costa Coffee and the outpatient’s reception and aims to improve the hospital environment for patients, staff and visitors. More information is available here.
Consultants honoured by St Andrews and Edinburgh university students
Two NHS Fife consultants have been recognised for their outstanding contributions to medical education by students at the University of St Andrews and the University of Edinburgh.
Dr Andrew Blaikie, consultant ophthalmologist, was awarded the Outstanding Academic Mentorship prize at the University of St Andrews Students’ Association’s 1413 Teaching Excellence Awards. This accolade celebrates his dedication to supporting the academic and personal development of his students.
Meanwhile, Dr Andrew Storey, consultant physician, has been named Teacher of the Year for the College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine by the Edinburgh University Students’ Association. The award recognises educators who go above and beyond to engage students, support their academic journey, and inspire them through practical and contextual learning.
Changes to childhood immunisation schedule
Following updated advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), changes have been made to the childhood immunisation schedule in Scotland starting July, with further updates in January 2026. These changes, which can be viewed here, aim to optimise protection for children based on the latest scientific evidence.
Vaccines remain one of the most effective tools for preventing serious illness. Parents will be contacted by our immunisation service and are encouraged to attend scheduled appointments.
Dementia Carers Education Programme
The Dementia Carers Education Programme (DCEP) offers free support, education, and practical learning specifically designed people dealing with a dementia diagnosis of a loved one. The programme helps enhance understanding of dementia, develop practical caring skill, connect with other carers and discover community services and healthcare connections.
Sessions are held on Wednesday afternoons from 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM at the Fife Alzheimer Scotland Brain Health and Dementia Resource Centre in Kirkcaldy. Each session is two hours, with time for refreshments and conversation. Constituent can visit our website for more information.
Stay Summer Safe 2025
With summer well underway, we have launched our Stay Summer Safe campaign to help everyone in Fife enjoy a healthy and happy summer. The social media and web campaign
Highlights several hints and tips to help people protect their health and stay out of our hospitals. Please consider sharing these messages via your social media channels. More information is available here.
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 24 June 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.