Worried mums have been given assurances their health is not at risk following allegations that maternity drugs were tampered with.
Health Secretary Shona Robison revealed that NHS chiefs contacted patients to offer support as she came under pressure to appear before MSPs and address the claims.
The Courier revealed that police were called to Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy last week following claims powerful painkillers were removed from bags used to administer epidurals to women in labour.
Dundee City East MSP Ms Robison said: “We are aware of this incident and take it very seriously.
“NHS Fife has sought to assure us that there is no risk to the public, and the board has taken the appropriate and necessary action including, most importantly, speaking to women in their care to reassure them.
“We understand patients, families and staff will be concerned and will be seeking more information.
“NHS Fife’s initial examination of potential impact on patient care and it’s close monitoring of patients suggests that there was, fortunately, no impact on patient safety.
“The health board will provide further information and reassurance to patients and the public where possible, subject to the constraints of the ongoing police investigation.”
Donald Cameron, the Scottish Conservative’s shadow health secretary, called on Ms Robison to appear before Holyrood and offer clarity for patients.
He said: “The Courier’s revelations have raised some serious questions and will be deeply worrying for NHS patients across Fife.
“The police must be left to do their job investigating the alleged offences here but, given the gravity of the allegations, a statement from the Health Secretary giving some reassurance to people is necessary.”
Sources claim concerns were first raised about the staff member around three months ago and calls have been made for an immediate investigation in a bid to instil confidence in the scores of women who may have been given epidurals using the affected bags.
It is understood at least three members of staff have been suspended over the matter. One has appeared in court.
