A two-year pilot project aiming to support terminally-ill cancer patients in their own homes has been launched in Fife.
Public health minister Michael Matheson launched the £1 million two-year pilot service at Dean Park Hotel, Kirkcaldy.
The Marie Curie Fife Service, along with NHS Fife, will deliver tailored care and support at home for terminally-ill Fife residents and their families.
It aims to support up to 240 patients a year to complement existing services in the area from April 1.
For the first time in Scotland, Marie Curie is asking Fife residents to help deliver part of the service themselves by signing up to become a Marie Curie helper volunteer.
Volunteers visit patients for a few hours a week to offer practical help at home as well as emotional support.
The new service unveiled by Mr Matheson will be coordinated with a local team. It will offer a range of support at home.
It will provide:
* Short and long periods of nursing care for patients and support for carers.
* Health and personal care, emotional support and practical assistance following a patient’s discharge from hospital.
* Companionship, emotional support and practical information provided by trained volunteers.
Diana Hekerem, divisional business and service development manager for Marie Curie, said: “We’ll be able to offer carers and patients with a terminal illness the choice to receive high quality care at home, where they tell us they most want to be.
“It’s about delivering care at the right place and right time.”
Mr Matheson added: “By working together with patients I believe Marie Curie and NHS Fife will be better placed to provide all the care and support patients need at what can be an extremely difficult time.”
To find out about becoming a helper, contact 0845 073 8697 or email fifeservice@mariecurie.org.uk.