STAFF at one of Scotland's most controversial hospitals were moved to frontline nursing roles in a bid to trick Government inspectors, it has been claimed.

Midwives, operating-theatre staff and elderly carers were redeployed at an under-pressure admissions ward at Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy, Fife, in what critics have called "wholly inappropriate deception".

It is said the redeployment created a false impression of smooth running at the hospital, which has for months been the subject of regular claims about patient care scandals.

NHS Fife admitted staff were moved on the day of the inspection last month, but said it was routine practice.

The Scottish Government said it was seeking assurances from NHS Fife about what happened, adding that any behaviour of this kind was unacceptable.

A staff nurse at the Victoria, who asked not to be named, said the staff who were moved to frontline duties on February 18 were qualified to do the job.

She said: "And whilst [they] were here the admissions ward ran like clockwork.

"But that's what it should be like at all times – not just when the Government come in."

David Forbes, Unison Scotland regional organiser for Fife Health branch, said it was not clear whether the moving of staff had jeopardised patient care. "However, it is wholly inappropriate that such a deception should have been organised in order to make things look better than they are for a visit by Scottish Government officials," he said.

"The fundamental problem remains that there are simply not enough beds to meet need."

Margaret Watt, of the Scottish Patients Association, said: "If this is indeed true then I am completely appalled. The next thing they will bring in porters or administration staff and dress them up as nurses.

"I think it's as bad as massaging figures, and whoever did this should go."

A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: "We have sought assurances from NHS Fife around this issue and we are clear that any behaviour of this kind would be completely unacceptable."

George Cunningham, director of acute services, refuted allegations staff were asked to lie during the visit. He said: "It is routine practice for suitably trained and qualified staff from areas where demand, at that time, is identified as being low to be redeployed for a short time to assist colleagues in areas experiencing significant pressure. Where we move staff from one area to another this is done in an open and transparent way."