Chief Executive Fortnightly Blog to NHS Orkney Staff – 14 July 2025

Message for All NHSO Staff 

Hi All

The Island Games are underway and what an opening weekend it’s been. I spent much of Sunday watching the triathlon in Stromness and the atmosphere was incredible. It was good to see so many people there. The sun was shining and spirits were high. Best of luck to those participating and thanks to those from NHS Orkney who are volunteering and to everyone who has contributed to ensuring we’re as prepared as we can be for the Games. It’s been a huge effort from you and with our partners across Orkney I know all of this work will pay off this week, and that it will be a week to remember.

Later this week we’ll be launching our new recruitment campaign – called ‘Where compassion meets adventure’ – promoting Orkney as a great place to live and work. We look forward to sharing our new campaign with you all at a time the spotlight will be very much on Orkney. Please help us to promote this and the job opportunities here so we each play our part.

Tomorrow, we welcome the Cabinet Secretary for NHS Recovery, Health and Social Care, Mr Neil Gray to The Balfour to share and showcase the great work we’re doing and progress and continuous improvement we can evidence we are making. This visit will provide a great opportunity to showcase the incredible work taking place across NHS Orkney and recognise your dedication when it comes to our collective commitment to looking after our community and providing excellent care. We will share a summary of the visit tomorrow afternoon.

I have previously described that, consistent with the First Minister’s priority, reducing long waits for our patients is a top priority for NHS Orkney, including ensuring we have solid plans to have zero 52-week waits by March 2026, the national deadline. I am pleased to report the progress we’re making. Of the 170 patients waiting over 52-weeks for a new outpatient appointment and those awaiting surgery, all available patients are now booked. We have specialty-level plans in place to support meeting the national requirement of 0 patients waiting in advance of March 2026 and our longest waits remain in Ear, Nose and Throat, Ophthalmology and Trauma and Orthopaedics. This remains a continued focus for us, recognising the difference this makes to the experience of our patients and their families.

Have a great week everyone and recognising how busy the site has been this last week (and continues to be), thank you for your teamwork and all you continue to do to care for our patients.

Take good care.

Laura Skaife-Knight

Chief Executive