Main updates
EQIA redesign of staff changing and toilet facilities
NHS Fife is committed to ensuring that all staff have access to facilities which are safe, lawful, and that respect the privacy and dignity of everyone. As part of this commitment, we have published an Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA) in line with our public sector equality duties.
The assessment forms part of our ongoing review of staff changing and toilet facilities across the NHS Fife estate and will ensure that our facilities comply with legislative and regulatory requirements. Our approach includes providing a balanced mix of single-sex, gender-neutral, and accessible facilities so that no staff member is left without access to appropriate facilities.
NHS Fife will continue to engage with staff and partners to ensure our facilities remain fit for purpose and compliant with current legislation and guidance.
Developing needs-based neurodevelopmental support for adults
As outlined at NHS Fife's in-person meeting at St Andrews Hospital on 19 September, work continues to align adult neurodevelopmental (ND) services with national guidance, with a clear shift toward needs-based support rather than diagnosis-led models.
While services for children and young people have progressed, highlighted by the launch of a refreshed neurodevelopmental pathway in August 2024, the adult pathway remains at an earlier stage of development. Currently, there is no dedicated assessment service for adults in Fife, and access is largely limited to those meeting high thresholds within secondary mental health services. This has contributed to 55% of referrals by our community mental health team ND team being declined, with 20% resulting in repeat referrals, placing an additional challenge on mental health teams.
To address this, NHS Fife initiated a pilot between February 2023 and March 2024, funded by the Scottish Government through the National Autism Implementation Team. The pilot responded to a sharp rise in demand, with ADHD referrals up 500% and autism referrals up 400% over the past decade. A multidisciplinary team, including nursing, psychology, psychiatry, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, pharmacy, and peer support, led the work, reflecting best practice for complex ND presentations. The pilot proposed a four-tiered service model to improve access ranging from open psychoeducation to full diagnostic assessment. Workforce development was also prioritised, with enhanced training and the development of a neuro-diverse champions programme through National Education Scotland.
Key initiatives within the pilot included:
- Mood Café neurodiversity hub: Open-access psychoeducation and peer support.
- SPARKS (ADHD): Peer-led group with positive outcomes and community spin-offs.
- ICAN (Autism): Trauma-informed anxiety management group.
- Consultation model: Multidisciplinary input for complex cases.
Strategic recommendations following conclusion of the pilot included:
- Developing a needs-based ND service to reduce pressure on community mental health teams and improve outcomes.
- Avoiding diagnosis-only models, which are costly and ineffective without post-diagnostic support.
- Investing in early intervention, universal access to psychoeducation, and shared care agreements for ADHD medication monitoring with primary care.
Our review of adult ND services is ongoing, with future developments expected to focus on meeting needs rather than expanding diagnostic capacity. NHS Fife remains committed to inclusive, trauma-informed care and welcomes continued engagement from elected members to support this work.
Weight loss medicines
We have received several enquiries from elected members regarding the provision of weight loss medicines such as Mounjaro and Wegovy.
These medicines are part of a class of medicines known as GLP-1 receptor agonists. GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) is a hormone naturally produced in the gut that helps regulate blood sugar, appetite, and digestion. These medicines mimic these effects, supporting weight loss and improving blood sugar control.
NHS Fife is in the process of developing a clinical pathway to support safe prescribing and management of GLP-1 medicines for weight management. This is a complex process, as it is important to ensure appropriate safeguards, monitoring and resources are in place to optimise patient safety and treatment outcomes. These pathways will be finalised and approved through NHS Fife and Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) clinical and medicines governance routes to ensure that the service is delivered safely, effectively and equitably. We continue to monitor emerging evidence and national guidance to ensure that prescribing decisions remain clinically appropriate and financially responsible.
Review of Mental Health Urgent Care Provision
Fife Health and Social Care Partnership is currently undertaking a comprehensive review of Mental Health Urgent Care provision. This programme of work is focused on improving access to urgent psychiatric assessment and care, and on developing clear, effective pathways that lead to better outcomes for individuals in crisis. The review is progressing well, and further updates will be shared as developments continue.
As part of the current provision, mental health assessments within A&E at the Victoria Hospital are carried out by the Unscheduled Care Assessment Team (UCAT). UCAT is a specialist component of Fife Mental Health Services, comprising experienced mental health nurses, supported by Resident Doctors and Consultant Psychiatrists. The team delivers comprehensive assessments for individuals experiencing acute mental health difficulties or presenting in crisis.
We recognise the importance of continuing to strengthen emergency mental health provision to ensure individuals in distress receive timely, compassionate, and effective support.
Lochgelly Health and Wellbeing Centre
NHS Fife remains committed to progressing this development given the importance of the project to the local community. However, except for four Scottish Government priority healthcare projects, the Scottish Government has placed all other new capital investment projects on hold pending a review of national budgets and priorities.
Through forums led by the Scottish Government that we have attended, based on current capital budget projections, we are aware that it could be 2032 before capital funding for construction projects is available. In this context, NHS Fife has been asked to submit its three priority capital projects for consideration in the 2026/27 financial year, although we understand that these submissions will not be reviewed until 2027/28.
NHS Fife is also aware that the Scottish Government is actively exploring alternative funding models, including a revenue-funded approach for Primary Care. This model, if adopted, may offer a more immediate route for progressing the Lochgelly development. We anticipate further information on this model later in autumn 2025, and the proposed Lochgelly Health and Wellbeing Centre could potentially align with its criteria. If the project does not meet the requirements, it is expected to be considered as one of NHS Fife's three priority submissions for capital funding. We will continue to press the case for the Lochgelly Medical Centre and will keep stakeholders updated as soon as there is any change in the national position.
Launch of Acute Frailty Unit
As part of an ongoing focus on frailty and discharge without delay programmes, a new Acute Frailty Unit model has been launched at the Victoria Hospital. This development marks a significant step in improving care for older people living with frailty and supporting earlier, safer discharge from hospital.
Eleven beds within Ward 43 are being reconfigured to operate as the dedicated Acute Frailty Unit. The aim is to provide targeted, short-term care for patients identified as frailty positive and clinically suitable for discharge within 72 hours. Patients will be identified by the front door acute frailty team and the geriatrician, who will work closely with the senior nursing team in the unit to coordinate admissions.
To support the launch, frailty teams have developed clear admitting criteria, a Standard Operating Procedure, and defined pathways into and out of the unit. These have been informed by best practice from other NHS Boards that have successfully implemented similar models. The overarching goal is to reduce hospital length of stay and promote a 'home first' approach, ensuring patients receive the right care in the right place at the right time.
Annual accounts
NHS Fife's Annual Accounts for 2024-25 have now been published and are available to view These accounts provide a detailed overview of the organisation's financial performance and stewardship over the past year, reflecting its ongoing commitment to transparency and accountability in the delivery of health services across the region.
The accounts were formally laid before the Scottish Parliament in September. This process ensures parliamentary oversight and forms part of the wider governance framework for NHS Boards in Scotland.
Appointment of non-executive Board members
Three new non-executive members have now been appointed to the NHS Fife Board. As outlined in the previous update, Professor Deborah Williamson, Dean of Medicine at the University of St Andrews, has joined following NHS Fife's recent designation as a university health board - the first in Scotland in over 50 years.
Also joining the Board are Craig MacDonald and Joni O'Sullivan, both appointed for four-year terms. Craig brings significant experience from the financial sector and public governance, while Joni offers a strong background in strategic consultancy, employee engagement, and inclusion. Joni will also serve as NHS Fife's Whistleblowing Champion. More information is available here.
NHS Fife Annual Review
NHS Fife's Annual Review will be held on Tuesday 28 October at Rothes Halls, Glenrothes. The Annual Review provides an important opportunity to reflect on the performance of healthcare services across Fife during 2024/25, celebrating key achievements and outlining areas where improvement plans are in place.
The agenda is set by the Scottish Government, aligned to national standards and locally agreed performance targets. Members of the public are invited to attend the public session of the event and will have the opportunity to submit questions in advance. More information is available here. We would appreciate you sharing information about the event on social with your constituents to help ensure the event is as widely attended and accessible as possible.
Staff awards 2025 celebrate staff excellence and innovation
On Friday 26 September, the Glen Pavilion in Dunfermline played host to our annual celebration of dedication, compassion, and innovation at the annual NHS Fife Staff Awards.
The event brought together colleagues from across the organisation to recognise the outstanding contributions of individuals and teams who go above and beyond every day to deliver exceptional care and support to the people of Fife. From frontline clinical staff to those working behind the scenes, the awards showcased the breadth of talent and commitment across our health board.
The Staff Awards are a cornerstone of our efforts to foster a culture of appreciation and pride within NHS Fife. More information, including a photograph gallery, is available here.
Hackathon event aiming to find solutions to most pressing challenges
On Thursday 9 October, NHS Fife will host its first-ever Hackathon, an innovative event designed to generate bold ideas and practical solutions to some of the most pressing challenges facing health and care services. Bringing together over 100 staff and partners from across the organisation, the Hackathon will serve as a launchpad for NHS Fife's three-year transformation plan. Unlike traditional conferences or workshops, a Hackathon is a fast-paced, hands-on environment focused on creativity, collaboration, and rapid problem-solving. Participants will work across disciplines and hierarchies to develop and test new approaches aimed at improving outcomes, tackling workforce pressures, and making services more sustainable.
Outputs from the Hackathon will be shared with the wider organisation, with further opportunities for staff and stakeholders to engage as the transformation programme progresses.
Health and social care careers event at Queen Margaret Hospital
We were delighted to host pupils from high schools across Fife for the second of our Health and Social Care Partnership careers events at Queen Margaret Hospital. Over two days, we welcomed around ninety S4-S6 pupils from Dunfermline, Auchmuty, Glenwood, St Columba's RC, Beath and Lochgelly High Schools, along with pupils from Levenmouth Academy and Madras College.
Professions represented included a range of Allied Health Professions, dental, nursing, social work and social care and the Scottish Ambulance Service. The pupils had a great time gaining hands on experience and an insight into potential careers as well as getting to try out state of the art technology in our Education Centre.
Fife Health Charity Community Grants Programme
Fife Health Charity has launched the second year of its community grants programme with a continued focus on children and young people.
To date, the community grants made in the initiative's first year have already realised the following benefits for children and young people across Fife:
- Participation in team activities to improve social skills
- Increasing self-esteem, reducing anxiety, building resilience and confidence
- Targeted emotional support to children and young people facing challenges related to school attendance and engagement
- Support for young people who are feeling lonely and isolated due to mental health problems
- Developing personal and life skills
The annual funding opportunity aims to support charities working across communities in Fife to improve mental wellbeing. Eligible organisations will be able to apply for grants of up to £6,000 to help deliver impactful mental health initiatives. More information is available here.
Patients urged to attend planned surgery
We are using social media to encourage patients scheduled for planned surgery to attend their appointments or notify staff in advance if they are unable to do so. Nearly 120 patients failed to attend their planned procedures last year, many without informing the theatres team. This not only affects individual health outcomes but also prevents other patients from accessing surgery. Senior clinical staff have emphasised the importance of using resources efficiently and ensuring that every available theatre slot is used to support patients across Fife. 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 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 Tuesday 30 September can be viewed here. The next meeting takes place on Tuesday 25 November.
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.