NHS Fife chief executive Paul Hawkins has said that the organisation is committed to delivering the excellent standards of care it provides, despite the need to make efficiencies in the coming year.
Around £30.8 million of savings will need to be made this year, with talk of cuts sparking protests from unions and activists.
However, Mr Hawkins said work is underway to identify where these can be made without compromising the standards of care offered.
“The needs of our population are changing with many people living longer, often with complex health needs requiring additional services from health and social care services,” he said.
“In addition we are dealing with increasing medicines, supplies and staffing costs which add to the significant challenge we face. Put simply we must work innovatively, making the best possible use of our skilled and dedicated workforce, embracing technologies that will enhance patient care and making certain that every penny we spend provides value for money for the people of Fife.
“We will continue to deliver the high quality services our patients deserve and through NHS Scotland’s ‘No Redundancy’ policy we can ensure that employment is protected for our highly valued staff.”
Mr Hawkins went on to say NHS Fife will “work smarter” by embracing new technologies and reducing unnecessary waste to seek value from resources.
NHS Fife board chairman Allan Burns said he was confident vital frontline services and valued staff would be protected, adding: “We are totally committed to the continued delivery of the high quality care our patients expect and deserve.”