NHS Fife

19/11/2025

Thanks to Neil for contacting us to share his families experience of our services 💙

18/11/2025

Don't share antibiotics with others: they won’t work properly and
could make the problem worse.

Hand in your old or unused antibiotics at any local pharmacy.

18/11/2025

The NHS Fife website is currently down due the ongoing global issues affecting Cloudflare, which provides security and performance enhancements on the site.

We are working to restore the website as soon as possible and apologise for any inconvenience caused.

17/11/2025

📢 Have your say on Urgent Care in Fife!

Urgent Care is a suite of services designed to treat illnesses and injuries that need same-day attention when your GP is closed, but don’t require a visit to A&E.

Your first point of contact for Urgent Care is always NHS 24 on 111.

💬 Take part in our short survey and help us improve how these services are delivered across Fife: https://brnw.ch/21wXyDK

More about Urgent Care services in Fife: https://brnw.ch/21wXyDJ

🚨 In an emergency , always dial 999.

17/11/2025

❄️ Make sure you're winter ready.

💊 Stay on top of repeat prescriptions.

If you rely on regular medication, check your repeat prescriptions and order in plenty of time.

For more advice on staying winter ready, visit: nhsfife.org/winter

14/11/2025

Not sure whether you need to go to A&E?

Calling 111 helps get you to the right care in the right place, often with a scheduled appointment.

nhsfife.org/rightcare

14/11/2025

Our community diabetes nurse specialists held their information stand at Queen Margaret Hospital for World Diabetes Day earlier.

They shared practical advice and resources on:

✅ Keeping healthy with Type 2 diabetes
✅ The nine points of care
✅ How to test your blood glucose
✅ Hypo management
✅ Safe fasting tips for those observing religious practices

💬 The team said: "We are a team of highly trained nurses who support people living with diabetes across the community. Our role includes providing expert clinical advice, education, medication support, and guidance on lifestyle changes by pointing in the direction of the diabetes dieticians team to help people manage their diabetes confidently and safely.

"We work closely with GPs, hospitals and other healthcare teams to make sure our patients receive joined-up, person-centred care.

"As around 90% of people diagnosed with diabetes in the UK have type 2 diabetes, much of our work focuses on helping this group achieve healthier blood sugars and HbA1cs to help prevent complications and feel empowered in their self-management.

"If you see us at clinics, events or sessions in the future, please come over and say hello - we’re always happy to chat, answer questions and offer support."

14/11/2025

14/11/2025

It's World Diabetes Day.

💬 Roy Izatt is another one of our Managed Clinical Network Patient Representatives. Diagnosed at 38, Roy reflects on his journey and the advice that’s shaped his life:

“I was diagnosed with diabetes in 1986, initially thought to be Type 2. My consultant debated whether it was maturity-onset Type 2 or late-developing Type 1.

"I started with diet and Metformin, then added oral medications as things progressed. Eventually, I moved to insulin, first a single mixed dose, then a basal-bolus regime with carb counting, which I’ve followed for over 40 years.

"In 2018, I was reclassified as Type 1.5, but treatment stayed the same. The most valuable advice I ever received? Follow the guidance if you want a good quality of life, and keep active. For me, that means walking my wee dog every day.”

Learn more about living with diabetes: diabetes.org.uk/living-with-diabetes

14/11/2025

It's World Diabetes Day.

💬 Ron McDowall is one of our Managed Clinical Network Patient Representatives. He was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes nearly 20 years ago and shares his message:

"I was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes nearly 20 years ago. Contrary to popular opinion on the cause of Type 2, I was never obese, so it came as a shock to discover I had a progressive chronic condition that could cause blindness, cardiovascular disease, amputation, and other unpleasant complications.

"Understanding of the causes and treatments for Type 2 have improved substantially. Self management with support from health professionals is the key to taking control of it. Just taking medication is not enough, you have to get into the habits of a healthy lifestyle. Avoid sugary, fatty foods and make regular exercise a habit. It doesn't have to be extreme sports or an expensive gym membership. Walk a dog 30 minutes every day, go to an Active Options class at a Fife Sport and Leisure Trust centre, or even go to a local Parkrun every Saturday morning.

"Managing Type 2 Diabetes is a life long commitment but if you stick with it you can actually have better health and well-being, mental and physical, than the average person your age."

This World Diabetes Day, let’s raise awareness and support everyone living with diabetes. 💙

13/11/2025

This week, we begin a men’s health campaign with NHS Fife, our Community Foundation and Andy’s Man Club.

Stigma still stops men opening up, getting checks, and admitting they need help.

If you need pointed in the right direction for mental or physical support, we’re here. 💙

13/11/2025

Flu season has arrived about a month earlier than usual in Scotland, and cases are rising rapidly.

Our latest blog focuses on what's happening this season, how we're monitoring flu and vaccine uptake, how to ensure you're protected and what to do if you have symptoms.

👉Given the early start to the season, we’re encouraging those who are eligible to get vaccinated as soon as possible.
👉Flu viruses change constantly, and this year’s vaccine is designed to protect against the three main types of flu viruses we usually see.
👉Most people who are eligible for this year’s vaccination are receiving their invitations by text, email or post, in a white envelope with clear NHS Scotland branding. Invitations will continue to be sent out as the programme progresses through the winter.
👉To prevent the spread of flu, we continue to recommend regular handwashing and advise people with symptoms of respiratory illness to stay and home and avoid spreading the virus to others.

Read more here: https://publichealthscotland.scot/our-blog/2025/november/with-this-year-s-flu-season-starting-early-find-out-how-to-stay-protected/