Fife’s A&E is being besieged by hundreds of people turning up for routine check-ups or with minor ailments every month.
They are being warned they risk robbing seriously ill patients of lifesaving care.
The shock statistic that around 200 people are clogging up the A&E system at the Victoria Hospital every month comes as NHS Fife gears up for the traditionally busy winter.
Emergency medicine consultant Dr Surinder Panpher warned the staff’s priority was to treat those who needed urgent and lifesaving care, and that the behaviour of those turning up with minor problems “risks diverting care and attention away from those who need it most”.
Now the health authority has launched a new campaign to help patients choose the most appropriate route to the services they need so that they can get help in the shortest time without adding to the stress of the A&E department.
It comes in the same week the board revealed many people are simply bypassing the minor injuries clinic at Queen Margaret Hospital and heading to the Victoria.
Meanwhile, in another bid to cut A&E waiting times, Fife’s GPs are to be given a hotline straight to emergency departments.
It is just one of a number of measures put in place as it works to manage the extra demands of winter.
For more on this story see The Courier or try our digital edition.