NHS Fife admitted they are under “considerable pressure” with an average of 180 people attending A&E every day and a “high number of unwell patients” that need a bed.
But amid concerns about lengthy waits outside the Kirkcaldy hospital, the health board said that “very few patients are required to wait within an ambulance prior to admission”.
And they explained: “The parking area for ambulances arriving at the Victoria is adjacent to the main A&E entrance.
“Ambulances are therefore regularly parked near to A&E and are often taking patients to or from other areas of the hospital.”
NHS Fife said timely and high-quality care for patients was their “top priority” with treatment based upon clinical need.
With a rising number of flu cases to deal with, as well as RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), norovirus (also known as the winter vomiting bug) and Fifers suffering slips and falls due to the icy conditions, hospital staff are feeling the strain.
NHS Fife said that, during peak demand, some patients may have to wait outside the hospital. (Image: Newsquest) READ MORE:Â Secret ‘fight club’ warning at another West Fife school
Director of acute services, Claire Dobson, said: “We are experiencing considerable pressure on our services.
“Our A&E is seeing high demand, a significant proportion of those presenting are acutely unwell and require inpatient care.
“We are also seeing high numbers of patients each day referred to the acute hospital via GPs and NHS 24.
“The majority of patients arriving by ambulance are quickly transferred to the care of hospital staff.
“During peak demand some patients may wait within ambulances with trained paramedic staff before being transferred to the care of our A&E.
“Ambulance staff remain in frequent contact with staff in A&E and measures are also in place to ensure ambulance turnaround times are as short as possible.”
She continued: “An average of around 180 patients attend our A&E each day, all of whom must be thoroughly assessed, treated and either transferred to an appropriate ward or discharged.
“The A&E does not operate in isolation from the rest of our acute hospital and is affected by the high demand we are seeing for inpatient care.
“As a result, it can be necessary for some patients to remain within the A&E while awaiting an appropriate bed elsewhere in the hospital.”
NHS Fife said they were working closely with the Fife Health and Social Care Partnership, which includes Fife Council, to ensure that patients who are medically fit to leave hospital can do so quickly and with the appropriate support.
And they added it was “vitally important that people help us to minimise waiting times” by using the service appropriately.
A&E is “only for those with life-threatening emergencies” and Fifers who need urgent care, but which is not life-threatening, should call NHS 24 on 111.
Anyone who is unwell can check the NHS Inform symptom checker for information on common symptoms and what to do.
The website is www.NHSInform.scot/right-care To reduce pressure on the Queen Margaret and Victoria hospitals, anyone who is unwell should not visit until they are free of symptoms of illness.