Board papers and statistics
NHS Fife Board: Papers from the latest Board meeting can be viewed here. The next meeting takes place on Tuesday 30 July.
Performance: Information on key performance data, including A&E, cancelled operations, delayed discharges, and diagnostic waiting times. The latest information can be viewed here.
Workforce: Statistics on staffing and vacancies are published quarterly by NHS Education for Scotland. The latest publication can be viewed here.
Main updates
Welcome to our newly elected MPs
A warm welcome and congratulations to our new MPs for their election earlier this month. We look forward to working closely with you over the next parliamentary term.
NHS Fife provides regular opportunities for you and your constituency teams to stay up to date with the latest developments, including priorities, challenges, and upcoming plans, across the organisation.
In addition to these regular elected members updates, we also host bi-monthly briefing sessions for MPs and MSPs via Microsoft Teams. You will receive invites to these meetings in due course. We appreciate you will have a busy schedule, but we would encourage you to attend these informal sessions whenever possible.
Media reporting of suspended nurse
You may have seen media reports regarding an incident centred on NHS Fife staff facilities and gender.
This matter is subject to ongoing legal proceedings, and we are unable to provide specific comment. However, we recognise this is a sensitive topic and the media coverage, along with subsequent commentary, do not fully reflect the complexities of the situation.
NHS Fife remains a fully committed equal opportunities employer. We strive to create a safe and inclusive working environment where all staff feel welcome, respected, and comfortable using our facilities.
We are actively working with colleagues across the NHS in Scotland to establish comprehensive guidance in this area. This guidance will ensure full compliance with the Equality Act 2010 and implement essential safeguards to protect both our staff and patients.
Landmark accreditation for community mental health team
Our older adult community mental health team in west Fife is Scotland's first to be officially certified by Playlist for Life.
Playlist for Life helps people with dementia create personalised playlists filled with meaningful memories. The playlists help in a range of ways, often bringing happiness and hope at difficult times, as well as a range of therapeutic benefits, including managing stress and distress. More information is available here.
Sexual health launches online booking for young people
Our sexual health service has launched online booking for young people under the age of 25. The service makes functions including STI tests and contraception renewal more accessible.
In addition to online booking, young people can still call sexual health services to book an appointment on 01592 647 979. More information is available here.
Population Health and Wellbeing Strategy update
In March last year, our latest Population Health and Wellbeing Strategy was approved, which outlines our commitment to prioritise population health and wellbeing. One year on, our annual report provides an update on the work being done to implement the strategy.
Vaccination
Drop-in vaccination across July
People who are eligible for immunisation against a range of different illnesses can drop-in to vaccination clinics across Fife this month. We're providing open access clinics for adults eligible for immunisation against shingles or pneumococcal infection, which can cause serious illnesses like pneumonia and bacterial meningitis. The drop-in clinics run until Friday 26 July and more information is available here.
Relocation of Glenrothes vaccination centre
The vaccination clinic at the Kingdom Centre has relocated to a new location within Pitteuchar Health Centre. The clinic at the Kingdom Centre has been in use since April 2021 and was one of several large-scale clinics set-up to support the roll-out of the Covid vaccination programme.
The new permanent clinic at Pitteuchar provides considerable on-site parking at the health centre and the nearby Glamis Centre, it is also on the main Glenrothes to Kirkcaldy bus route and is wheelchair accessible.
Whooping cough vaccination in pregnancy
Following a national increase in the number of whooping cough cases, we are encouraging pregnant women in Fife to take advantage of the whooping cough vaccine.
The vaccine offers important protection during pregnancy and protects babies until they’re old enough to have their routine immunisation at eight weeks old. More information about the benefits of getting the vaccine from week 16 of pregnancy is available here.
RSV vaccination
From August 2024, two new Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccination programmes aim to protect infants (through maternal vaccination) and older adults.
RSV is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms in adults and children, but the severity of illness developed can vary. RSV follows a seasonal pattern, typically starting in October, peaking in December, and declining by March. RSV contributes to pressure across our health and care services over the winter months.
- Infants: Pregnant women at 28 weeks can receive a vaccine.
- Older Adults (75+): Can get vaccinated between August and September.
More information is available here.
Other updates
100-year lookback at Dunfermline at Queen Margaret Hospital gallery
A new art exhibition charting the evolution of Dunfermline has opened at Queen Margaret Hospital.
'Old Dunfermline’ is being displayed within the hospital's community art gallery and looks back at how the city has developed over the last hundred years, featuring long forgotten buildings and streets no longer in existence.
The community art gallery project was funded by Fife Health Charity. More information is available here.
Memorial service for organ and tissue donors
We recently hosted our first memorial service to remember those who have given the generous gift of organ and tissue donation. 'A Light of Love' was held at The Old Kirk in Kirkcaldy.
The moving event offered a space for reflection and remembrance for families of donors, healthcare staff involved in transplant journeys, and recipients who received life-changing gifts. More information is available here.