AROUND 32,000 patients had to travel out of Fife last year to undergo NHS treatment, according to figures released recently.

The statistics, from IDS Scotland, revealed that 14.5 per cent of new outpatient attendances in the Kingdom – a total of 17,158 people – also had to go elsewhere to be seen.

Out of 21,405 day cases in Fife, 4,816 were seen in other areas while 4,045 out of 7,160 elective inpatients were treated in another region as were 5,684 out of 32,439 non-elective inpatients, who had to travel for treatment.

Across the country, approximately 225,000 people undergoing a variety of treatments in 2015-16 were referred to different parts of the country for care.

However, the figures were defended by NHS Fife, who stressed that care taking place elsewhere was in the best interests of patients.

“NHS Fife utilises specialist care from across the country to make sure our patients get the highest quality care in the best place, regardless of where they live,” a spokesperson for NHS Fife told the Press.

“In some instances, this treatment may take place in neighbouring health boards and not within the geographical boundaries of NHS Fife.

“For instance, as part of the South East Scotland Cancer Network, all radiotherapy and some chemotherapy is carried out at the specialist Edinburgh Cancer Centre in the NHS Lothian area.

“Our priority is that patients access the right treatment, at the right time and in the best place.”

Health Secretary Shona Robison reinforced NHS Fife’s views. “There are very good reasons why people are treated outside their board areas,” she said.

“Specialist care is provided in the most appropriate environment, regardless of board boundaries – this often provides better outcomes, as the clinicians involved have a sufficient volume of cases to maintain and improve their skills.

"Also, in many cases, it is easier for a patient to go to a hospital in a neighbouring board area, because it is nearer to their home.”