A question mark has been placed over the future of a lifeline service for terminally ill Fifers.
Marie Curie has confirmed that a consultation is under way that could see the removal of its volunteer “Helper” system in Fife, which provides support to those living with an incurable condition.
It is feared that the initiative, which sees trained volunteers assist patients in their homes, could be axed in the kingdom, with one carer stating her fear that services could instead be focused on the charity’s hospices in Edinburgh and Glasgow.
Contacting on behalf of a relative who benefits from the scheme, she said: “We’ve been told that the service will instead run out of hospices, but we don’t have one here in Fife.
“We have not been told of the ins and out of the situation yet but have been advised that they will be reviewing the situation after a consultation period.
“But from reading the letter we think they will be taking the community befrienders away and running things out of the hospices.
“It is a brilliant service and the people who do it are marvellous, but since we received this letter we just don’t know what is going to happen.”
Marie Curie’s Helper service sees trained volunteers spending up to three hours a week with terminally ill people either in person or over the phone.
As well as providing companionship, the volunteers can assist with running errands and other forms of practical help, aiding those living with illness while providing respite for family members and carers.
Councillor David Graham, Fife Council’s health and social care spokesman, described the Helper service as “valuable” adding: “I am sorry to hear that the service may be reviewed by Marie Curie, although I’m aware that the charity are going through a consultation period at present which shall hopefully see a positive outcome to allow this excellent service to be retained.”
Claire Baker, MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, urged those affected to respond to the consultation, adding: “I will be seeking reassurances that those who currently benefit from this service will continue to receive this for as long as they need it.”
A spokeswoman for Marie Curie confirmed that a consultation process had been launched, but could not elaborate on possible outcomes.
“We can confirm that the charity is in a period of consultation with the Helper service in Fife,” she said.
“Regardless of any proposed changes that could be made, Marie Curie is committing to ensuring that all those patients, and their families, already in the service continue to receive support until they no longer need it.
“We are unable to comment further until the consultation ends.”
