Winter Weather Update – 4 January 2026

As we continue to navigate the winter weather, we’d like to remind you that our Emergency Department remains open for those with urgent and life-threatening emergencies. To help keep patients and staff safe during sever weather, we ask that you only attend the Emergency Department when it is needed.

For health concerns that are not life threatening, please utilise the options available to you. For example, by going online and visiting NHS Inform at https://www.nhsinform.scot/ or by calling NHS24 on 111.

We now have an Amber weather warning for snow and ice from 6pm this evening, and on the advice of Police Scotland for essential travel only, patients with appointments on Monday (5 January) and Tuesday (6 January) have been contacted today (Sunday) to advise that all scheduled appointments for the safety of our patients and staff have been postponed. Appointments will be re-arranged, and patients will be notified of the amends as soon as possible. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation at this time.

For information regarding GP Practices, please check in with your individual practice (some updates are already on GP Facebook pages).

We want to stress how thankful we are to you, the community and our staff for keeping one another safe, ensuring essential services can continue to operate in challenging weather conditions.

For local community updates, keep an eye on Orkney Islands Council Facebook page for excellent updates!

** Update regarding appointments – PM 4 January 2026**

As we have an Amber weather warning for snow and ice from this evening, and on the advice of Police Scotland for essential travel only, we have contacted patients today who have appointments tomorrow (Monday) to advise these are now postponed. We have made every effort to postpone those outwith Kirkwall or those who are more vulnerable, however if you feel it is unsafe to get to your appointment tomorrow and have not been contacted, please do get in touch to rearrange your appointment. Please get in touch with the relevant team / department to do this.

We appreciate your assistance and cooperation.