LOCAL MSP Alex Rowley is continuing to campaign for an immediate review of health and social care services in Fife arguing that there is a need to ‘identify the true picture of health needs’ and the ‘level of funding required to meet those needs’.

Mr Rowley reiterated his call following a meeting to discuss his concerns with Scottish Government Cabinet Secretary for Health and Well being, Alex Neil.

The Cowdenbeath MSP said, “Whilst Mr Neil listened, was very courteous and stated he did not support a independent review on the grounds that he is well aware of what the problems are, he did not offer any detailed solutions, gave no indication of timescales for addressing the problems and crucially, did not acknowledge the funding problems for both hospital and community care.

“As well as highlighting individual constituents’ experiences to demonstrate some of the issues, I also drew to the attention of the Cabinet Secretary that there is a shortage of up to 100 nurses.

“Also that 37.7 consultant posts remain unfilled, that cancellations are becoming more common, there are unacceptably high levels of boarding of patients, and staff under massive pressure with record levels of complaints from staff about the lack of people on the ground.

“Also bed blocking on the rise and community care creaking at the seams, with record levels of people on waiting lists for care packages in the community as the council overspends trying to tackle the bed blocking issues within the hospitals.” He added, “I am sure Mr Neil knows what the problems are but we are not getting the answers or solutions and as we move into winter these problems are likely to get worse.

“This is why we need an independent review that will set out very clearly what the health needs are, what the priorities are and what additional money will be needed”.

Mr Rowley said he would be joining with colleagues from the Parliament and the Council to launch a petition and campaign calling on the Scottish Government to act now and agree an independent review so we can address the issues and pressures and ensure we have an “NHS that is Fit for Fife”.

In response to the ‘Fit For Fife’ petition, Dr Brian Montgomery, Chief Executive of NHS Fife said, “The pressures currently facing NHS Fife are the result of problems affecting both the health service and social care. NHS Fife’s priority is to provide a safe environment for its staff and patients and to deliver care of the highest standards.

“There are currently 131 people in beds in NHS Fife hospitals who do not need to be there. Their needs would better be met at home or in care homes but the necessary support packages and placements are not available.

“Similarly there are people in the community who are not receiving the support needed to maintain them at home and so are consequently at risk of being admitted to hospital.

“The challenges in securing care packages and placements lead to difficulties in treating sick people who need the services of an acute hospital.

“This results in delays in hospital treatment, frequent moves for inpatients, the inability to discharge people when their treatment is completed and cancellation of non-urgent work such as planned operations.

“The majority of complaints received by NHS Fife relate to these issues.” Dr Robert Cargill, Consultant Cardiologist and Clinical Director said, “My colleagues and I have as our first concern patient safety.

“Clinical teams are working incredibly hard to ensure that patients are getting timely access to assessments and treatments but the challenges encountered in discharging patients is making this difficult. I am also concerned that patients’ access to rehabilitation is being delayed and this can result in patients not recovering to the fullest extent.” Mrs Wilma Brown, NHS Fife’s Employee Director added, “All staff are fully committed to delivering the highest quality of care and staff are distressed when circumstances prevent them from doing this.” Dr Montgomery continued, “Significant work is already underway to address the challenges and we will continue to work with patients, staff and local communities to plan, develop and deliver services.

“This includes the recruitment of additional nursing and medical staff to further improve care. In the month of October an additional 84 clinical staff commenced employment in NHS Fife.

“NHS Fife in isolation cannot resolve the situation.

“We remain committed to working in partnership with Fife Council to strengthen services and develop initiatives which allow people to be cared for in the community without the need for hospital admission. Our shared aim is to provide people with the right care, from the right person, at the right time and in the right place.

“It is in no one’s interest to allow this to become a situation where it appears that one partner is seeking to blame the other.

“As we respond to these challenges we welcome all feedback and there is already an established feedback system in place. Any petition will be considered as part of these mechanisms. As always, we are happy to discuss any matters of concern with elected representatives.”