Members of staff at Kirkcaldy’s Victoria Hospital have raised concerns about plans to put patients in rooms currently used as cupboards, or for storage.
NHS Fife has maintained no patients will be put in an “unsuitable” environment as part of a programme to optimise clinical care and the use of facilities.
But The Courier has learned employees across the hospital have expressed serious reservations about the proposals to senior managers.
The news comes after similar fears were highlighted about plans to co-locate gynaecology and obstetric services, prompting suggestions new and expectant mothers could be put alongside sick and dying patients.
There were also claims women suffering from early bleeding or miscarriages will be close to women giving birth if proposals to move early pregnancy next door to the midwife-led unit are progressed.
Changes have been put forward as part of NHS Fife’s drive to move clinical wards within the Vic’s ageing tower block to new areas in the hospital and the health board has stressed patient safety will be central to any changes.
However, one member of staff, who wishes to remain anonymous, said there was deep unease about plans to put patients in rooms currently used for storage.
The staff member said: “These rooms were initially designated as examination rooms and do have oxygen.
“But some of these rooms have no windows, none of them have toileting facilities, none of them have showers and many are isolated from the ward and nursing staff.
“Some patients will have to walk through bays of patients to access a shower.
“Staff have been highlighting their concerns and the risks to patients but senior management are ignoring these concerns to save money.”
Clinical wards within the tower block are expected to begin to move to new areas over the coming months.
NHS Fife said this will allow better co-location of services and reduce the need for patients to be moved around the hospital as part of their care.
In response to the latest claims, Jann Gardner, NHS Fife’s deputy chief executive and chief operating officer, said: “Potential ward moves have been considered closely, with key clinicians and service representatives involved in discussions.
“These moves would see patients move to phase 3 of our hospital which has modern, high quality facilities.
“No patient will be placed in an unsuitable environment.
“All moves will ensure that patients are cared for in an appropriate area where safety and quality of care can be maintained throughout.”
