THE medical practice at Kelty is taking steps to make it easier for people to get appointments, the village community council heard.

Lochs councillor, Alex Campbell, told a meeting that he had discussed waiting times with the Kelty Medical Practice.

In a written reply he had been informed that a busy winter, staff shortages and difficulty getting locums, had caused the issues in getting appointments, but the Practice was trying to recruit additional staff and the GP Partners are looking at ways to try and increase the number of patients that they can see in a day.

Councillor Campbell also reported that he had investigated the problem Kelty residents were experiencing when trying to get foodbank vouchers. Vouchers were not available at the Health Centre and anyone going there is sent to the Fife Council Local Office.

The Local Office will issue them but there was some uncertainty amongst CC members about whether there is anyone available on the three days that the office is closed.

To clarify the issue KCC chair, Fred Clarke, will write to Fife Council to establish their procedure for issuing the vouchers in Kelty. He said that he would also like to take up the offer from John Drylie, the chair of Dunfermline Foodbank, to address a CC meeting.