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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…
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Quit Your Way Orkney achieves fantastic results in national report
Orkney’s stop smoking services, provided by Quit Your Way Orkney and community pharmacies, has been recognised as the second-best performing health board in Scotland, according to the recently published NHS Stop Smoking Services Scotland Annual Report (April 2024 – March 2025). The report, released in late 2025, highlights that more than half (53.2%) of individuals who received support from Quit Your Way Orkney remained smoke-free at their 12-week follow-up appointment. This achievement far surpasses the national average quit rate of less than a third (29.2%) at the 12-week follow-up appointment. Jocelyn Strawson, Quit Your Way Orkney service lead at NHS…
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Disposal of Surplus Equipment
NHS Orkney have surplus roller shelving units available for tender. These are strong, high‑capacity storage units ideal for: Please note, you must be able to safely transport the units. For viewing and further discussion please contact Blaine Williamson at the Estates Department – 01856 888099 or blaine.williamson@nhs.scot All Offers to be marked ‘TENDER – SURPLUS EQUIPMENT‘ and emailed to ork.procurement@nhs.scot by 12pm on Tuesday 10 February 2026. Data Privacy By providing NHS Orkney with your details you are giving us consent to process your personal information. The information you provide will be stored securely on NHS systems and deleted when…
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System Pressures
We have been experiencing increased pressures across the entire health care system. We are seeing more people admitted with acute presentations. We have surged into the Day Unit space to allow for additional inpatient beds as necessary. At the moment we are not having to postpone procedures however it is likely if we continue to see admissions then we will need to postpone non-urgent planned procedures over the following days. We hope to avoid this but if you are affected in the postponing of procedures our colleagues will be in touch with you. The pressures we are feeling are not…
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DAISY Award launches across Orkney
We are excited to launch the DAISY Award across Orkney! The DAISY Award is an international recognition programme to celebrate and recognise nurses and midwives who go above and beyond every day to not only provide patients and families with excellence in clinical care but also compassion. By collecting nominations from patients, families, and co-workers, the DAISY Award is a way to thank nurses and midwives for the care and kindness they provide. If you’d like to nominate a nurse or midwife, head to the NHS Orkney website and complete the nomination form, NHSO Daisy Award. The DAISY Award was…
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NHS Orkney Substantive Board Chair Recruitment Now Underway
NHS Orkney is seeking a new Chair to lead the local Health Board. This important role offers the opportunity to make a difference to the local community and to the wider NHS in Scotland. The Board Chair will be accountable to Scottish Ministers for leading the Board, comprising non-executive and executive members, which will improve, sustain and protect the health of people across the county. James Goodyear, Interim Chief Executive at NHS Orkney said: “The role of Board Chair is a unique opportunity to help shape the future of health and care for our island communities. I warmly encourage anyone…