NHS Fife and the Fife Health and Social Care Partnership have begun efforts to appoint new contractors for two medical practices after the existing operator gave notice of their intention to end their General Medical Services contract.
Valleyfield Medical Practice in West Fife and The Links Medical Practice in Burntisland are currently operated by Ayrshire Medical Group, whose contract to provide services will come to an end on 31 December 2026.
Preparation has already begun to seek new GP contractors to take over the running of the practices, with a formal tender process due to commence in the coming weeks. Robust contingency measures will be in place to ensure that all patients registered with the practices continue to have uninterrupted access to the multi-professional services the practices currently provide.
If new contractors are not in place by the time the contracts end, NHS Fife and the Fife Health and Social Care Partnership will operate the practices until any new operators are appointed.
It is planned that the remaining members of the staff currently working within both Valleyfield and The Links Practice will remain and help provide continuity for patients.
Professor Christopher McKenna, NHS Fife’s Medical Director, said of the developments:
“NHS Fife and the Fife Health and Social Care Partnership were recently notified that Ayrshire Medical Group wished to terminate the contract to provide services at Valleyfield Practice and The Links Practice, and we have formally agreed to do so.
“I want to reassure those registered at both practices that arrangements are being put in place to ensure the continued delivery of safe, high-quality primary care services. Our priority is to maintain continuity of care for patients and support staff throughout this transition.
“Preparation has already begun as we seek new operators to manage these practices, and we are working closely with the Fife Health and Social Care Partnership and the existing contractors to minimise any potential disruption to patients and staff.
“Importantly, the practices will remain fully operational throughout the transition process. We have contacted patients at both practices to make them aware of these developments and are fully committed to keeping patients informed as the efforts to secure new contractors progresses.”
Notes to Editors:
Valleyfield Practice has patient list of around 3,900 and The Links Practice has a patient list of circa 1,900.
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