THE future of Queen Margaret Hospice is "still up for debate" amid speculation it's been earmarked for closure.

Claire Baker MSP said there was "no guarantee" the Dunfermline facility would stay open after writing to NHS Fife chief executive Carol Potter.

She told the Press: "They did close the hospice at QMH during the pandemic, and I think they were slow to re-open it, and I've heard from a source that they're looking to close it again.

"I've written to NHS Fife to ask what's happening and they said there will be a review and seem to be saying everything is up for discussion.

"They haven't said they're closing it but they haven't said they're going to keep it open either.

"They've given no guarantee at all."

Back in July 2020, NHS Fife denied claims that the hospice was going to be axed.

At that time, staff had been caring for palliative and end-of-life patients in the community to reduce the risks posed by COVID-19.

Claire Dobson, from Fife Health & Social Care Partnership, had told the Press it would re-open and added: "There are no plans to permanently close Queen Margaret Hospice."

It re-opened the following year but this week, faced with the same question, the answer was that "no decisions" had been made.

Ms Baker, Labour MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, said: "It is very disappointing that NHS Fife cannot at this stage give a commitment to the continuation of the hospice at QMH.

"It would appear that its future is still up for debate and that is concerning for the future of patient choice in palliative care across Fife."

She added: "The facility at QMH is used for respite as well as hospice provision and the only alternative would be in Kirkcaldy.

"That would be a long journey for families from the west end of Fife."

A spokesperson for NHS Fife said that the pandemic had prompted changes in the way care was delivered and this had "enabled a greater balance of specialist palliative care to be provided in patients' own homes".

They added: "We agree that it is important that those requiring palliative and end-of-life care have a say in how and where that care is delivered.

"It is also important that we respond to the increasing and sustained demand in the numbers of people who wish to receive end-of-life care at home.

“Prior to the pandemic, work had already begun to look at the future delivery of specialist palliative care in Fife. Extensive engagement has been undertaken with patients, carers, primary care, social work and the third sector and this, coupled with learning during the pandemic, will help to shape palliative care provision moving forward.

“No decisions have been taken at this stage about any changes to in-patient end-of-life care in Fife.

"It is expected that proposals will be taken to NHS Fife Board and the Integration Joint Board later this year.”

Ms Baker responded: "I can't see any argument for reducing provision and I don't accept there's any lack of demand for beds in the hospice.

"They've said the uptake for hospice at home was good but that was during the pandemic and there wasn't any other choice at that time.

"Having family members cared for at home won't suit every family.

"They're looking at the model for how they deliver end-of-life care and I understand people need different options but it seems they're going to reduce options rather than expand them."