UNDER 40 per cent of palliative care beds are currently been used in Fife.

Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Alex Rowley has raised concerns over the figures – the lowest in Scotland – which have revealed that just nine out of 22 beds are occupied.

Questioning Humza Yousaf, Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, in the meeting of the COVID-19 Recovery Committee, Mr Rowley asked what could be done about the 86.3 per cent drop in occupied palliative care beds in Fife, stating “a lot of people want that level of support and it seems to be missing.”

Mr Yousaf confirmed he would make contact with NHS Fife on the subject and confirmed the Scottish Government have committed to producing a palliative care and end of life care strategy to

Mr Rowley said: “It should be concerning to all to see only 39.7 per cent of palliative care beds available in Fife are occupied, the lowest level across Scotland.

“I have written to the CEO of NHS Fife asking why we now offer the lowest numbers of palliative care beds in Scotland and what are the plans to get these beds back up and in operation to support Fifers and their families at the end of life.

“This points to a crucial issue – people in Fife who require palliative care and their loved ones are not receiving the support they need when they need it.

“More must be done to ensure people are being cared for properly and directed to appropriate support available to them, particularly when there is no shortage of availability.”

Responding to the concerns, a Fife Health & Social Care Partnership Spokesperson said: “Following engagement with patient and families at the start of the pandemic the response supported a shift to providing palliative care from specialist teams in the home rather than having to be admitted to hospital for specialist palliative care.

"Throughout the pandemic, a 7-day Clinical Specialist Palliative Care Service within people's own homes has been provided. This model has increased our ability to deliver a patient focused and person-centred approach to a wider number of people in the community.

"We also have palliative beds and hospice care in Fife with a choice on where care is provided now being available.

"A review of the palliative care provision in Fife is planned.”