Shona Robison visits Fife’s National Treatment Centre

Kirkcaldy: Shona Robison visited Fife’s National Treatment Centre. She expressed confidence in the facility and NHS Fife. This visit comes just before budget debates in Holyrood.

Ms. Robison called the centre a “state-of-the-art” facility. She highlighted the great staff and positive patient feedback. Staff guided her through different wards, discussing equipment and challenges.

The tour was timely, as Budget Stage One debates were set to start soon. Ms. Robison mentioned that if approved, the centre would help reduce waiting lists for procedures like hip and knee replacements.

She stated, “We are going to deliver 150,000 additional appointments and procedures.” This is part of a £21.7 billion investment in health and social care.

NHS Fife will receive over £103 million more next year. Ms. Robison believes these targets are realistic and achievable. She emphasized that the extra funding is a real terms increase above inflation.

“All boards will get a real terms increase,” she said. Staff showed her around, discussing how cost inflation has affected operations.

She acknowledged that investment alone isn’t enough. The focus must be on delivering results. “More resources are only as good as the change they create,” she noted.

Ms. Robison praised NHS Fife’s productivity and efficiency. She believes every pound of investment will benefit patients.

With the new funds, the centre aims to provide about 10,000 additional appointments. This means quicker treatment for those waiting for hip or knee replacements.

“We’ve set out those plans to parliament,” she added. The First Minister is overseeing the delivery of these initiatives.