Health Secretary announces funding boost for NHS Fife

It marks an increase of 5.1 per cent on NHS Fife’s budget level in 2015-16, bringing the board’s overall funding to £604.3 million.

NHS Fife’s uplift includes £16.8 million for investment in social care as part of the integration of health and social care, part of the £250 million committed by the Deputy First Minister as part of the 2016-17 budget settlement.

The funding will be split between the new health and social care partnerships in Fife, which from April will bring together health board and local authority responsibilities by integrating health and social care services across Scotland.

Ms Robison said: “The Scottish Government’s commitment to increasing NHS Fife’s budget demonstrates our continuing investment in improving care. This comes as Scotland’s total health spending reaches almost £13 billion for the first time.

“We’re clear that people in Fife should have access to the right care, in the right place, at the right time. With this increase in funding, health boards are being given more support to achieve this.

“The integration of health and social care is the most significant reform of our health and social care services since the creation of the NHS and our investment of £16.8 million for Fife’s health and social care partnerships will help improve people’s experience of care.

“This funding will allow people to be supported to maintain their independence for as long as possible, in their own homes and communities and mean that fewer people need to go to hospital to receive care. Where hospital care is necessary, they will spend less time there and return home more quickly.”