Fifers getting a ‘raw deal’ on health, claims Lib Dem leader

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie has claimed people are getting a “raw deal” from NHS Fife.

Speaking at First Minister’s Questions at Holyrood, the Mid Scotland and Fife MSP said the health board’s standards have been below target in 10 out of 19 areas since October.

Mr Rennie told Nicola Sturgeon there had been “soaring levels” of delayed discharge, missed targets in A&E and cancer waiting times, and “alarming numbers” of staff off work.

“There is an internal review but, as a former health secretary, she must have some insight into why people in Fife seem to be getting a raw deal,” he said.

Ms Sturgeon responded: “NHS Fife, like all of our health boards, is dealing with a range of challenges.

“NHS Fife… is performing well in meeting those challenges but needs to be supported to go even further.

“That is why the Cabinet Secretary for Health discusses these matters with NHS Fife and with other health boards, and we will continue to make sure the health board gets the support it needs to meet these challenges.”

For more, see Friday’s Courier.