NHS FIFE say they are managing to deal with an increase in patients despite "considerable pressure" on services as coronavirus cases rise.

Over the weekend, the number of people in hospital in the Kingdom that had tested positive for coronavirus reached 109 – the highest it has ever been since the start of the outbreak in March.

Hospital patient numbers in Fife have risen rapidly since the end of December.

On December 28, 50 patients were recorded, by January 4 there were 60 and just three days later, it jumped to 75.

Eight days after that, on January 15, hospital cases reached more than 100 for the first time in Fife.

NHS Fife have been planning for a surge in demand over winter months and redesigned services in expectation of capacity problems but, despite this, the the health board has had to delay non-urgent procedures in response.

In general, NHS Fife say that hospital occupancy is fluid and moves over the course of each day as patients are discharged or admitted.

Similarly, hospital capacity can be adapted and expanded to meet any changes in demand for inpatient hospital beds.

NHS Fife director of acute services, Claire Dobson, said: “There has been a steady increase over recent weeks in the number of patients requiring inpatient care after contracting COVID-19.

“We have known for some months that this winter would be especially challenging and redesigned many of our services to ensure that they were as robust as they can be.

"This has so far enabled us to manage the increase in demand despite the considerable pressure on our acute hospital.

“We have, however, had to take the very difficult decision to postpone some non-urgent procedures so that we can prioritise the care of those who are most unwell.

"All procedures postponed are being rescheduled as soon as is practical and safe to do so.

“Local people continue to have a vital role to play in helping to keep our hospitals running safely.

"There is a direct correlation between the prevalence of COVID-19 in our communities and the numbers of people requiring care in our hospitals – that’s why it is crucial that people comply with the public health measures in place and stay at home wherever possible.”