NHS Fife to start running new coronavirus asssessment centre

A new coronavirus assessment centre will be started by NHS Fife.

It'll check the majority of patients who might have COVID-19, with those well enough to head home being provided self-care advice.

Anyone who needs an immediate intervention will be taken to Kirkcaldy's Victoria Hospital for inpatient treatment.

The health board has been changing services in the last few weeks, in anticipation of increased demand due to the ongoing coronavirus situation.

Routine procedures at the hospital have now been postponed, but they are continuing as normal at Dunfermline's Queen Margaret Hospital.

Services from the diabetes centre in Kirkcaldy are stopping temporarily from this coming Monday to accommodate new COVID-19 centre there.

There will be a limited service instead from Dunfermline at the Carnegie Unit in Queen Margaret Hospital.

Meanwhile, a virtual hub will also be starting from Monday where clinicians will carry out detailed assessments through a phone or video call.

From Monday 30 March, non-urgent routine outpatient and diagnostic appointments will be postponed.

Any patients affected by the changes will be contacted.

Carol Potter, NHS Fife's Chief Executive, said:

“It’s crucial that we put the necessary measures in place to prepare our services for the significantly increased demand over the coming weeks and months.

“In any other set of circumstances these actions would seem drastic however, with the challenges facing us, we believe this is an appropriate and measured response which enables us to continue to provide a good standard of care.

“In the face of great adversity, NHS Fife’s staff have again risen to the challenge and continue to be a credit to this organisation.

"On behalf of the executive team, I want to assure them that they have our unwavering support, and our confidence that the people of Fife are in the best possible hands.

“Similarly, I want to thank the public we serve for the understanding shown over recent weeks as we sought to put these contingency measures in place.

"I want to urge them to take the very best care of themselves, and their more vulnerable friends and family members, and follow the advice on the NHS Inform – nhsinform.scot/coronavirus.”