QUEEN Margaret Hospital's out-of-hours service is to be reinstated after health chiefs agreed a new overnight model of care.

The service was suspended last April because of medical and staff shortages however it is now expected to be back up and running by the end of the year.

The decision will mean an out-of-hours service will be available in Dunfermline and at Kirkcaldy's Victoria Hospital while there will also be a flexible service at Andrews Community Hospital.

The Board also agreed to implement a transport policy and continue with engagement with Fife communities.

Director of Fife Health and Social Care Partnership, Michael Kellet, said he was pleased that a decision had been approved.

"We can now move forward to deliver a safe and flexible model of care that meets the needs of a changing population," he said. "This has been a long process, and we appreciate the input and patience from the public to allow us time to get this right.

"There will be challenges along the way and it will take some time to implement the new way of working but it is hoped to have the Out of Hours service up and running by Winter this year."

Partnership board member, councillor Rosemary Liewald, said the decision followed a "real team effort." She added: "By working together with the local communities and using the data from the consultation, we now have a workable solution. We will continue to engage with our communities over the coming months and review how the new model is working."

Dunfermline MSP, Shirley-Anne Somerville welcomed the board’s decision and is now calling on Fife Health and Social Care Partnership to reinstate a full out-of-ours services at Queen Margaret Hospital at the earliest opportunity.

“West Fifers will be relieved that we have finally been given a concrete commitment that our local out-of-hours service will be maintained," she said. “This is a huge vote of confidence in Queen Margaret Hospital, which provides essential services to people in West Fife.

“Dunfermline is a growing town. As we look to the future, it’s clear that services at Queen Margaret need to be maintained and enhanced.

"Whilst this is a welcome victory, I’ll be continuing to fight for further improvements in the long term.

“It’s now urgent that Fife Health and Social Care Partnership take action to reinstate a full out of hours service at the Queen Margaret Hospital as soon as practicable. Local people have been having to travel to Kirkcaldy to access this vital service for far too long.

Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Claire Baker welcomed the news that services were returning to Dunfermline.

“Fife residents have already undergone months of uncertainty surrounding these arrangements and it has taken far too long to reach this decision," she said. "The NHS board must act quickly to put the new arrangements in place and make the public fully aware of the changes and related transport arrangements. "What we cannot see is any further delay or confusion.

“At the core of these changes is a shortage of GPs and the knock-on effects are being felt across NHS services. Urgent action needs to be taken by the Scottish Government to increase GP numbers so services across Fife and Scotland can improve.”