Cabinet Secretary visits NHS Orkney

Today, in the week Orkney proudly hosts the International Island Games, we welcomed the Cabinet Secretary for NHS Recovery, Health and Social Care, Mr Neil Gray to The Balfour. This visit provided an excellent opportunity to showcase the incredible work happening across NHS Orkney.

The Cabinet Secretary heard from various staff members about the work being undertaken to ensure there are zero 52-week waits for patients by March 2026 which is a priority for every Health Board across Scotland, recognising the impact of unacceptably long waits for patients, which is consistent with the NHS Orkney Corporate Strategy.

We were proud to show the Cabinet Secretary our relocatable MRI scanner which marks a significant step forward in improving access to diagnostic services for our patients. The scanner, initially in place until March 2026, is already helping to reduce waiting times and unnecessary travel.

We shared with the Cabinet Secretary the work underway in developing a whole-system approach to frailty, supported by over £700,000 of new national funding awarded to NHS Orkney. This includes funding to provide enhanced frailty pathways, Hospital at Home models, and a focus on sustainable geriatric care and these changes are designed to further improve patient outcomes and reduce pressure on hospital services.

We also highlighted our School Engagement Project, which introduced shared decision-making principles to over 350 secondary pupils, an inspiring example of how we’re shaping the future of healthcare in Orkney.

We were delighted to celebrate and recognise some of the dedicated staff who recently celebrated over 40 years’ service to NHS Orkney and the NHS.

Health Secretary Neil Gray said: “I was pleased to meet staff working at The Balfour and see the outstanding work that teams are undertaking to help tackle long waits and ensure patients are receiving the treatment they need as soon as possible.

More than £106 million has been allocated to health boards to help tackle the longest waits for procedures and operations in the year ahead, including an allocation of more than £165,000 for NHS Orkney.

We have also confirmed funding to NHS Orkney of £562,000 to secure a full-time MRI scanner until the end of May 2026, delivering approximately 800 scans annually. The service will significantly reduce the need for patients to travel to Aberdeen for scans, while enhancing emergency care capacity in Orkney.”

Laura Skaife-Knight, Chief Executive at NHS Orkney said: “This visit was a chance to reflect and share with the Cabinet Secretary just how far we’ve come over the last few years as a result of putting people first and reconnecting with people – our community, patients and staff. Whilst we have our challenges, there is much to be proud of and look forward to at NHS Orkney.” Meghan McEwen, Chair at NHS Orkney said: “It’s always a pleasure to highlight the fantastic work being carried out across NHS Orkney, I’d like to thank Mr Gray for taking the time to visit The Balfour and hear first-hand from our incredible staff members about their work.”