Enhancing palliative care services across Orkney

People living with a terminal illness will now benefit from having Marie Curie Health Care Assistants based in Orkney.

During 2024 Marie Curie in partnership with NHS Orkney, agreed to pilot a new working model for how they support the community with a trial of having dedicated Marie Curie resources in Orkney.

Following the successful pilot, there will now be dedicated Marie Curie Health Care Assistants based in the community, working with our District Nursing Teams to support patients in their own homes and across the care homes. The Health Care Assistants will provide care delivery, emotional support and companionship for terminally ill patients and their loved ones.

Sam Thomas, Executive Director of Nursing, Midwifery, AHP’s and Chief Officer Acute Services at NHS Orkney said: “There are clear benefits to all patients across Orkney for having a dedicated Marie Curie service in Orkney and I look forward to seeing the positive impact this will have on patients and their families. Working to adapt services to local context will enhance palliative care delivery across Orkney.”

Irene Johnstone, Head of Operations at Marie Curie Scotland said: “There is only one chance to give someone a good end of life experience, and we are pleased that we will be able to be there for people in Orkney when they need us most – whether that’s in their final months, weeks, days or hours.

Working in partnership with the District Nursing Teams will ensure people’s palliative and end of life care needs are met with dignity.”