-
Nominations are now open for Scotland’s Health Awards 2026
Nominations are now officially open for Scotland’s Health Awards 2026, offering an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the extraordinary individuals and teams who demonstrate exceptional dedication in delivering high-quality health and social care. These awards offer staff and the public a chance to reward excellence, innovation and leadership, whilst also highlighting the achievements of those who make a meaningful difference to patient outcomes each and every day. This year’s awards will feature 17 award categories, including the Reader’s Choice Award for Unsung Hero/Heroes. Join us by celebrating the unsung heroes of Scotland’s NHS by nominating in one of the following…
-
Childsmile Programme hits healthy milestone
Childsmile is 20 years old and this month, in what is also National Smile Month, we are delighted to launch community activities and events taking place over summer. We are kicking off with our “What’s made you smile?” activity, and we invite you to be part of the celebration. We want to hear your stories and memories of Childsmile from the past 20 years. Childsmile is the national oral health improvement programme designed to improve the dental health of children and reduce inequalities in access to dental care. 20 years ago, half of children starting school showed signs of tooth…
-
Patient Travel Advice
Following recent feedback regarding patients being unsure of how the patient travel process works, how to book flights and the eligibility of reimbursements, we wanted to provide some more information. Please read below a general reminder for anyone travelling for hospital appointments. Most of the patient travel information can be found on our website here, https://www.ohb.scot.nhs.uk/our-services/patient-travel/. Including all the forms required to be completed and the most frequently asked questions with answers. If you have questions regarding travel entitlements and what you may be entitled to, please get in touch with the Travel Administration Team by calling 01856 888045 or…
-
Car Parking at The Balfour
There will be planned works taking place in The Balfour car park from Wednesday 20th May which will last approximately eight weeks. The works will be carried out in phases to minimise disruption. Staff are reminded to please utilise the Old Balfour Health Centre car park or consider car sharing/walking. These works have been carefully planned for summer in the hope it’s nicer weather and more people will be able to walk/cycle etc. Patients and visitors to The Balfour are asked to allow extra time for parking while the works are taking place. Or consider alternative transport options where possible.…
-
National Waiting List Validation – Patients Waiting Over 10 Weeks
From next week, Monday 18 May, patients (who are over 16 years old) who have been waiting over 10 weeks for an outpatient or inpatient appointment or who are a return patient waiting past their recall date and who do not currently have an appointment in the following specialities will be contacted by The National Elective Coordination Unit (NECU) on 0345 646 0565: Patients with a mobile number will receive a text message first. If no response is received from the text message, the NECU team will follow-up with phone calls. Patients who only have a landline number will receive…
-
DAISY Honouree Presentation
Today 5 May, on International Day of the Midwife, we recognised our first DAISY Honouree recipient, Midwife, Morag Linklater. Our first Honouree Morag, is an incredible midwife who’s career spans over 40 years with NHS Orkney! Sam Thomas and Lauren Flett proudly presented the Healer’s Touch Sculpture to Morag with many of her colleagues and family present at a special ceremony today held in the Maternity Unit, on International Day of the Midwife. Every DAISY Award nomination receives a certificate then, once a quarter, our award committee reads and scores the nominations using criteria that focuses on compassionate care and…
-
May Day Public Holiday Closures – Monday 4 May 2026
All GP surgeries will be closed on the May Day Public Holiday, Monday 4 May but in an emergency you can contact a GP in the same way as routine evening/weekend cover. If you are ill when your practice is closed and can’t wait until it reopens, you should call NHS 24 on 111. Community Pharmacy Arrangements on the Public Holiday on Monday 4 May:
-
Easter Public Holiday Closures – Monday 6 April 2026
All GP surgeries will be closed on the Easter Public Holiday, Monday 6 April but in an emergency you can contact a GP in the same way as routine evening/weekend cover. If you are ill when your practice is closed and can’t wait until it reopens, you should call NHS 24 on 111. Community Pharmacy Arrangements on the Public Holiday on Monday 6 April:
-
Ultrasound Service
We are currently experiencing staffing challenges within our Ultrasound Service at The Balfour, which means the service will be running at a reduced level for a short period of time. Please note these challenges do not affect obstetric ultrasounds carried out by the Maternity Team. We recognise this may raise concerns, particularly as timely access to diagnostic services is important for us and our patients. Our teams remain focused on ensuring urgent and time sensitive cases are seen promptly, and we continue to manage referrals carefully so those with the greatest need are supported first. If your appointment is impacted,…
-
Meningitis Awareness and Guidance
We are sharing the following information to provide reassurance and clarity following recent media reports of a meningitis outbreak in England, where there is a significant outbreak of invasive meningitis in Kent. While there are no known links to Orkney, we are sharing this update to help raise awareness of symptoms, outline preventative measures, and signpost support. Meningitis is an infection of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It can be caused by bacteria or viruses. The illness can affect anyone but is seen most commonly in babies, children, teenagers, and young adults. It can progress quickly and…
-
Planned IT Maintenance across The Balfour – Today, Monday 9th March
Please be advised there is planned IT work taking place across The Balfour today, Monday 9th March. There is the possibility that phonelines could be affected from 9.30am – 12pm but we don’t anticipate this to be widespread. If you can not get through during this time or are disconnected, please wait a few minutes and try again. Emergency calls will be unaffected. We appreciate your understanding.
-
Feedback welcome on NHS Orkney Equality Outcomes and Deliverables
NHS Orkney recently shared the draft Equality Outcomes report and are now gathering views from the community and staff regarding the three proposed outcomes and the actions that need to take place to achieve these outcomes. The following report explains why this is necessary and the importance of getting this right for NHS Orkney. You can read the report here, NHSO Draft Equality Outcomes. Please send any feedback via email to: ork.feedback@nhs.scot by midnight on Wednesday 18th March 2026.