Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government visits NHS Orkney

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Team members from NHSO outside the MRI scanner

Shona Robison MSP visited Orkney this week where she toured NHS Orkney sites and Orkney Islands Council.

We were proud to show Ms Robison our efforts to further improve our sustainability across NHS Orkney including the decarbonisation of all our sites.

Our decarbonisation projects started in 2022 and were completed earlier this year, we are the first health board in Scotland to have achieved full decarbonisation across our entire estate including all the isles. Other sustainability improvements include changing our fleet to 100% electric vehicles and having EV charging points at all the properties we own.

Ms Robison also heard about our ongoing efforts in promoting more active travel wherever possible and reasonable. This includes introducing a bike storage facility at The Balfour, promotion of the Cycle to Work Scheme and offering regular, free, Dr Bike workshops for colleagues.

Finance Secretary Shona Robison said: “Reducing emissions from buildings is one of the most important things we can do to help Scotland reach it’s zero emission target in 2045.

“I’m pleased to see NHS Orkney taking a lead on this, delivering improvements to its facilities that will not only support the drive to net zero but create a better environment for patients and staff.”

Stephen Brown, Chief Officer at Orkney Health and Care said: “Achieving net zero is not just a target it’s a responsibility we owe to our future generations. We were delighted to welcome Cabinet Secretary Shona Robison to Orkney and share the progress NHS Orkney is making towards a more sustainable future.”