An MSP has called for a review of all GP services across the kingdom as Fife fails to attract new medics.
Cowdenbeath MSP Alex Rowley has accused the Scottish Government of “burying their heads in the sand and hoping for the best” as he revealed a growing crisis among practices.
Mr Rowley has raised the issue of under-pressure surgeries with Health Secretary Shona Robison amid ongoing discussions with NHS Fife.
Despite making several appointments, there has recently been a flurry of resignations, deepening the crisis, he said.
“In my own constituency we are one and a half posts down in Rosyth, one short in Lochgelly and likewise in Benarty.
“And in all of those areas NHS Fife has said to me they have advertised to recruit but ‘with no interest’.
“There is a similar picture in Dunfermline, in Kirkcaldy, Glenrothes and Levenmouth.
“So I am afraid there are real difficulties in recruiting GPs across Fife.
“I am really worried this is a situation that can only get worse.”
As staff members dwindle, the knock-on effect is a huge difficulty for patients in securing appointments.
“The recruitment issue is, in itself, a massive worry but I know from the amount of constituents speaking with me that many other practices are under pressure and it can be difficult to get access to a GP,” he added.
Now Mr Rowley is pushing NHS Fife to publish a review into access in practices which he was told was being undertaken a year ago.
And he is calling for a review of all HP services in Fife.
An NHS Fife spokesperson said: “The GP recruitment challenges Fife continues to face are not unique to the region rather, these are challenges that are reflected across the country.
“While we acknowledge this is a nationwide issue, NHS Fife continues to explore the ways we can support local practices experiencing particular difficulties and, in instances where we have previously worked closely with them, we are pleased to have been able to achieve suitable solutions.”
“All practices in Fife continue to provide on the day emergency appointments and continually review their access for non-urgent appointments.”