Health care services in Fife under unprecedented pressure

Back to list 04/01/2023

NHS Fife is continuing to tackle the significant and unprecedented challenges on services this winter.

Director of Nursing, Janette Keenan, talks about the unprecedented pressures on the healthcare system in Fife at present.

Increasing numbers of people are requiring admission to hospital after contracting COVID-19, flu and other seasonal illnesses.

Two extended bank holiday weekends have also put additional pressures on already incredibly busy health and social care services. This is in addition to record Emergency Department attendances and very many more patients presenting who are more acutely unwell.

Director of Nursing, Janette Keenan, explained everything possible is being done to maintain services and also praised the ongoing efforts of staff.

“We expected that this winter would be as challenging as we have ever faced.

“Unfortunately, that is reflected in the pressures we are seeing at present, despite the additional capacity we have created across the system.

“Once again, our staff are working incredibly hard in hugely difficult circumstances.

“Their continued dedication and their efforts to try and provide patients with good quality care, despite the incredible pressures on services, is hugely appreciated.

“I’d like to thank them all for the unwavering effort they continue to make as we move into another busy and demanding month.”

Janette Keenan added Fifers can also help play their part and alleviate pressure on the system where possible.

“We appreciate that patients are very often waiting longer to been seen at present.

“We’d like to thank people for their patience and provide the assurance that we are doing all we possibly can to ensure people are seen as quickly as possible, with those who are most unwell prioritised to be seen first.

“Everyone can help healthcare services in Fife by playing their part – this means ensuring you get your Covid and flu vaccinations and knowing where to go for help should you need it, for example.

“Our Emergency Department continues to be extremely busy and it remains vital that those with a life-threatening emergency ensure they call 999 so that they can be seen as quickly as possible. For those who need assessment but it's not critical or life-threatening, please instead call NHS 24 on 111, day or night, where you will be redirected to the most appropriate service for your needs.”

Make sure you know who to turn to this winter and help NHS Fife.

A range of information on who to turn to and getting ready for winter is available: