KELTY based Fife MSP, Alex Rowley, has written to the CEO of NHS Fife and the Director of Health and Social Care following the news that the prescription of a new beneficial diabetes technology will be further delayed in the Kingdom despite being approved for use by the NHS nine months ago.

Flash Glucose Monitoring is a new technology that enables people with diabetes to check their glucose levels without the need to prick a finger and draw blood.

Alex Rowley MSP said: “I have been contacted by many constituents telling me of the daily pain they face in finger pricking to test their blood.

"As this is a daily necessity, some have done tens of thousands of finger pricks in their lifetime.

“However, there is a new technology which is available that means this isn’t necessary".

The MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife added: "This technology is easier to use, less painful and improves people’s self-management which can reduce the risk of serious and costly long-term diabetes related complications.

"In addition, it’s cost effective for people with diabetes who are treated with insulin and testing frequently.

“Half of the health boards in Scotland already provide access to this life changing technology and I am disappointed that NHS Fife is still lagging behind. There should be no postcode lottery when it comes to healthcare.

“This is why I have written to the CEO of NHS Fife and the Director of Health and Social Care to ask them for a clearer timeframe for when the decision will be made to prescribe in Fife and how long after the decision is made will people have to wait to actually get the technology.

“I am also asking for the reason why it has taken NHS Fife so long to get to this stage when other health boards have been prescribing this technology for some time. As the longer it is delayed the more time people have to put up with going through the daily ordeal of finger pricking.”

NHS Fife are currently considering the new testing technique and the matter will be examined by the Health and Social Care Partnership's committee structure over the coming weeks.