In-patient beds and a number of services are due to relocate to Stratheden Hospital between Thursday, November 19, and Saturday, November 21.

It follows this week's announcement by the Scottish Government that the 'state of the art' upgrade of the hospital and health centre has officially been given the go-ahead.

Cairnie Day Hospital at Stratheden has been upgraded to accommodate in-patients and will be known as the Adamson Annexe while the redevelopment is being carried out.

Physiotherapy, podiatry, paediatric therapy and a range of community clinics will be re-located to Springfield House, within the Stratheden grounds, and X-ray services will be available from both Glenrothes Hospital and the new St Andrews Community Hospital.

A small number of 'drop in' clinics will be moved to Castlehill Clinic, but the Eden Villa and Bank Street medical practices, the minor injury unit, treatment room and the out-patient department will remain on site during the redevelopment.

The project is due to be completed by October 2010 and aims to provide a 'one stop shop' to meet the healthcare needs of residents in Cupar and the surrounding area.

This will include consultant-led out-patient services, a minor injuries clinic, diagnostic services such as X-ray and ultrasound, physiotherapy and paediatric services.

In addition, the new complex will offer enhanced GP services, including nurse and allied health professional led clinics, speech and language therapy and podiatry.

A new dental service is already up and running at the site.

Designated disabled car parking will be increased at the Adamson site during the redevelopment for patients attending the health centre and, to ensure the safety of the public and staff for the duration of the construction work, traffic restrictions will remain in place on Bank Street.

A spokesman for NHS Fife said it was anticipated that the work would be undertaken 'smoothly and efficiently', with minimum disruption to services.

"NHS Fife welcomes the announcement that approval has been given by the Scottish Government for the redevelopment of Adamson Hospital and Cupar Health Centre," said the spokesman.

"This latest investment marks another significant stepping stone in the upgrading of healthcare facilities across Fife.

"Patients in Cupar and the surrounding area will benefit from this redevelopment, which will provide a whole range of local services in modern, well equipped premises."

The project is being led by Glenrothes and North East Fife Community Health Partnership, whose chairman Graham Watson said: "I realise the affinity that the community of Cupar and the surrounding areas has for the Adamson Hospital.

"I am therefore delighted that we have been given the go-ahead for an extensive refurbishment of the hospital."