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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…
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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…
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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:
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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:
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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,…
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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…
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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.
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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.
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National Waiting List Validation – NECU – Patients Waiting Over 10 Weeks
From next week, Monday 9 March, 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…
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NHS Orkney seeking two new Non-Executive Board Members
NHS Orkney is now inviting applications for the role of two Non-Executive Board members to join the NHS Orkney Board. Candidates should have an understanding of delivering healthcare in a remote and rural setting. NHS Orkney is a forward‑thinking, compassionate organisation at the heart of island life, with a strong focus on innovation, collaboration, and person‑centred care. Joining NHS Orkney offers a unique opportunity for someone who wants to make a meaningful impact. As a Non‑Executive Board member, you can help shape strategic direction, champion excellence, and support a dedicated workforce that truly embodies the values of public service.…
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Dental Update
We’d like to thank everyone for their continued co-operation as we navigate the situation we are faced with regarding Deyanov Dental Practice. We have had no further contact from the Deyanov Practice and have concluded that the practice will likely be closed permanently. NHS Orkney have notified the profession’s regulator, the General Dental Council. We’d like to remind patients that the findings of the inspection do not relate to concerns about direct clinical care i.e., the quality of dental treatment provided on any individual. To reassure patients, we have secured all physical patient records from the Deyanov Dental Practice to ensure appropriate storage of these records.…
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Deyanov Dental Practice
In November 2025, a Combined Practice Inspection was carried out at Deyanov Dental Practice in Kirkwall. These inspections are carried out routinely (at least every 3 years) at all NHS contracted dental practices in Scotland. Unfortunately, this inspection highlighted significant concerns and NHS Orkney were required to suspend Deyanov’s NHS treatment list until key improvements were made. Private dental treatment is regulated through a different route. NHS Orkney conducted a further investigation at the practice and continued to work towards a position where appointments could be reinstated. Unfortunately, Deyanov Dental Practice has not engaged with NHS Orkney and no contact…