System Pressures

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We have been experiencing increased pressures across the entire health care system.

We are seeing more people admitted with acute presentations. 

We have surged into the Day Unit space to allow for additional inpatient beds as necessary. At the moment we are not having to postpone procedures however it is likely if we continue to see admissions then we will need to postpone non-urgent planned procedures over the following days. We hope to avoid this but if you are affected in the postponing of procedures our colleagues will be in touch with you. 

The pressures we are feeling are not unique to Orkney and indeed are being felt across all hospital and health care facilities.

We are asking the community to help by:

  • Only attending the Emergency Department when it is necessary for you to do so. If you attend the department but do not require urgent care you will face a longer wait or be redirected to a more appropriate service for your need. If you are acutely unwell or require urgent medical attention, please continue to call 999
  • We continue to ask for your support to help us get your loved ones home in good time after a stay in hospital. Hospital discharges should take place by lunchtime to allow us capacity to admit others and not lead to delays in emergency care. We understand family members may have other commitments, but we hope by working together with the community we can aim to discharge at lunchtime, especially in these winter months
  • If you need medical advice, NHS Inform has a wealth of guidance for dealing with respiratory and flu symptoms, as well as other minor ailments, see more here, https://www.nhsinform.scot/symptoms-and-self-help/
  • Your local pharmacy can also be a great first place to go for medical advice on a range of illnesses such as a cold, an upset stomach or general aches and pains.

Sam Thomas, Executive Director of Nursing, Midwifery, AHPs and Chief Officer Acute Services said: “We are seeing an influx in patients requiring admission to The Balfour which naturally puts pressure across all services. In line with our winter plan, we have made the decision to surge into the Day Unit space creating additional inpatient beds as required. This is not a decision we take lightly and requires additional planning and staffing. We hope to avoid postponing planned procedures wherever possible but will continue to assess the situation.”