Current status: Answered by Angela Constance on 15 September 2026
To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with NHS Scotland and NHS Fife regarding NHS Fife’s decision not to fill the vacancy created following the death in 2023 of Scotland’s only specialist nurse practitioner for people with myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME).
Decisions regarding recruitment and workforce planning to meet population needs are the responsibility of individual NHS Boards.
Scottish Government officials have regular engagement with NHS Boards, including NHS Fife, regarding the development of specialist support services for people with long COVID, ME/CFS and related conditions through the recurring £4.5 million annual funding provided for these services. These discussions have focused on service development, workforce capacity and delivery arrangements rather than decisions relating to specific posts or vacancies.
The recurring funding provides Boards with flexibility to recruit staff and develop sustainable models of care that reflect local circumstances and workforce availability.
We remain committed to improving care and support for people living with ME/CFS across Scotland through the ongoing development of specialist services and collaborative approaches where appropriate.