AN Outline Business Case will be submitted to the Scottish Government by NHS Fife for a new Elective Orthopaedic Centre.

NHS Fife chair, Cowdenbeath woman Tricia Marwick, said: “The number of patients requiring orthopaedic intervention – such as hip or knee replacement - continues to rise and is one of the most common surgical procedures undertaken in the NHS.

“Fife is fortunate to have one of the best renowned and most forward-thinking orthopaedic teams anywhere in the country, and I am delighted we have been invited to produce an Outline Business Case for three new theatres and supporting ward area.

“This is the first stage of approval by the Scottish Government and it would see the construction of a new-build elective orthopaedic centre at the Victoria Hospital, Kirkcaldy. The specialist centre will require significant capital investment to complete and will put Fife at the heart of orthopaedic excellence across Scotland.”