NHS Orkney encourages visitors to wear face masks
As you will be aware, various winter illnesses are circulating in our community and although we aren’t seeing the high rates of flu hospitalisations like other parts of the country, we are taking a preventative approach. You will likely have noticed other Health Boards have already introduced measures such as mask wearing.
From today, 15 December, we strongly advise and encourage all visitors to the wards of The Balfour to please wear a face mask when visiting vulnerable loved ones. We’d also encourage those visiting other health and care facilities to consider wearing a face mask, for example in care home settings.
Face masks will be provided at the entrance of the wards at The Balfour.
To help stop the spread of illnesses, please do stay at home (where possible) if you are unwell. Please do not visit elderly or vulnerable friends and family until you are feeling better, this includes hospital and health care settings. When coughing and sneezing, please do so into a tissue, dispose of that tissue immediately and wash you hands.
If you need medical advice, there are various options available to you including:
Accessing reliable information and symptom control advice from NHS Inform online at www.nhsinform.scot
Visiting your local pharmacy for advice on conditions such as sore throats, earache, urine infections etc
Contacting your GP practice
Calling NHS111 for medical attention outwith your GPās operating hours
If you are acutely unwell or require urgent medical attention please call 999 or present to the Emergency Department.
If you attend the Emergency Department but do not require urgent care you will face a longer wait or be redirected to a more appropriate service for your need.