SEVENTEEN home care visits to vulnerable and elderly people were missed in just one day in West Fife, an employee has claimed.

Appointments were cancelled, altered or not completed with no notice last weekend due to a high level of staff absences.

The concerned employee, who wished to remain anonymous, told the Press some people didn't receive their medication on time while others didn't get the assistance they needed in getting to bed.

They said: “Many home care visits were not completed over the weekend due to staffing issues, leaving the elderly and vulnerable without home care visits.

"On Sunday, 17 visits in West Fife alone were cancelled at the last minute, with no notice provided.

“Elderly people were left without their tuck visits, meaning some were not able to get to their beds.

"Visits are being altered on the morning, leaving some not being provided with their medication on time.

"Staff are unable to cope with the pressures.”

In response, Karen Marwick, Fife Health and Social Care Partnership service manager, said: “We are aware that there were a number of staff absences reported over the weekend due to sickness.

“Our teams worked tirelessly to cover these absences and we would like to thank our staff for their continued dedication and commitment.

“We are unable to discuss individual cases but the people who have been affected have been contacted by a senior member of the team and welfare checks have been completed.”