COWDENBEATH MSP Annabelle Ewing is pleased to learn that NHS Fife is to get the use of a mobile MRI scanner to aid cancer treatment.

Ms Ewing participated on Friday in an online meeting at which NHS Fife provided various updates for elected representatives.

Speaking on Friday afternoon, Ms Ewing said: “Once again, I am extremely grateful to officials from NHS Fife for taking the time to update us on how they are developing the response of health care services in Fife, whilst tackling the coronavirus epidemic.

“I was pleased to be able to take the opportunity to echo the introductory statement by the Chief Executive in recognising the tremendous commitment on part of all health and care staff in Fife. I thanked them for their continuing dedication – they really are angels, every one of them!"

The MSP added: “One of the questions I raised was regarding the new arrangements for hospital visits, which are to be resumed from July 13 under certain conditions. This is a move which I know will be really warmly welcomed by patients and their loved ones.

“I noted that while temperature checks are not at present part of the conditions for visiting and that there are different views regarding the reliability and mechanics of such checks, the scientific group will be keeping that under review.

“In addition, I asked for clarification regarding scans with the MRI turnaround for urgent and suspected cancers being 2 weeks so I was pleased to note that with Scottish Government support, both NHS Fife and NHS Tayside, will have access to a mobile MRI scanner for 26 weeks. This will doubtless be a real help in easing pressure on that service.”