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Cabinet Secretary visits NHS Orkney
Today, in the week Orkney proudly hosts the International Island Games, we welcomed the Cabinet Secretary for NHS Recovery, Health and Social Care, Mr Neil Gray to The Balfour. This visit provided an excellent opportunity to showcase the incredible work happening across NHS Orkney. The Cabinet Secretary heard from various staff members about the work being undertaken to ensure there are zero 52-week waits for patients by March 2026 which is a priority for every Health Board across Scotland, recognising the impact of unacceptably long waits for patients, which is consistent with the NHS Orkney Corporate Strategy. We were proud…
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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…
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A spate of break-ins at the old Balfour
In the last 4 days, sadly there have been break-ins every night at the old Balfour site. The damage being caused is putting those breaking in at risk and is unsafe. We have reported each of these incidents to Police Scotland and thank our local officers for their assistance as we continue to make the site as secure as possible. We have increased security, including additional patrolling and added more CCTV cameras. We ask our community to stay safe and if you see anything suspicious, to call Police Scotland on 101. In an emergency, always call 999.
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Working together to improve Orkney’s Health and Wellbeing Spotlight – Active Patient Travel and Keeping Fit and Healthy
This feature on keeping active is the next instalment of our working together to improve Orkney’s Health and Wellbeing series. Being physically active doesn’t mean you have to run marathons or spend hours in the gym. Simple actions like walking to appointments, cycling to work, or taking the stairs all add up, physical activity is one of the most effective ways to reduce preventable illness and support mental and emotional wellbeing. The benefits include: Every step counts and your journey to better health can start today. What we are doing at NHS Orkney to help What we need your help…
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Improving the Cancer Journey (ICJ) Introduction Day
The Improving the Cancer Journey (ICJ) Service launched in early 2025 in partnership with Macmillan and has already made a meaningful impact in Orkney. The service is dedicated to supporting anyone affected by cancer with their non-clinical needs, whether it’s financial, practical, emotional, physical or spiritual support. Since launching, we have received 40 referrals and have connected individuals with support from over 20 different services across Orkney. To celebrate and continue to raise awareness, the ICJ team are hosting an “introduction day” which is an opportunity to meet the team, learn more about what the team offer and discover how…
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Celebrating Community Spirit – Name the Wards Competition Winner Announced
We are thrilled to announce Ola Bain of Primary 6 at Stromness Primary School, as the winner of our recent competition to rename our two inpatient wards. Ola’s imaginative and meaningful suggestions stood out for the judging panel which consisted of staff and patients. Hundreds of entries were submitted from schools and children all over Orkney and we’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who took their time and sent in a suggestion. Our inpatient wards will now be named: These two names reflect both Orkney’s rich Norse heritage and the compassionate care provided by each member…
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Celebrating NHS Orkney’s longest serving staff and saying thank you
Yesterday we recognised and celebrated staff who this year, mark 40 plus years’ service to NHS Orkney and the NHS. Staff who were thanked and recognised for their impressive service to the NHS and NHS Orkney and who mark these milestones in 2025, were: The event, led by our Chief Executive, Laura Skaife-Knight and Non-Executive Directors Joanna Kenny and Jean Stevenson, was a special moment of reflection and reminiscing with plenty of story-telling over sandwiches and cakes, with those in attendance receiving their long service trophy, certificate and flowers. Laura said: “Recognising and celebrating Long Service matters to our staff,…
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Chief Executive Fortnightly Blog to NHS Orkney Staff – 30 June 2025
Message for All NHSO Staff Morning All First, thank you to those who have been in touch over the last week and for your kind words. It has been a week of many mixed emotions after a memorable few years. I remain absolutely focused during my remaining months in post on delivering against our Year 2 Corporate Strategy and the priorities we have agreed as a Board, and continuing to lead the organisation with optimism. And talking of Board, last week was our latest Board meeting where we approved our Annual Report and Accounts for 2024/25 and our Final Plan…
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Nominations Now Open for Scotland’s Health Awards 2025
Celebrating Scotland’s Health and Social Care Heroes. Nominations are now open for Scotland’s Health Awards 2025, offering a unique opportunity to recognise and celebrate the extraordinary individuals and teams who go above and beyond to deliver compassionate, high-quality health and social care across Scotland. Launched at the NHS Scotland Event in Glasgow by Neil Gray MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, the awards shine a light on the unsung heroes of our health and care services – from frontline staff to those working tirelessly behind the scenes. Mr Neil Gray MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, said:…
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NHS Orkney’s Chief Executive to join NHS Grampian after leading the Health Board’s Recovery
Following a competitive recruitment process, it has today been announced that Laura Skaife-Knight has been appointed the new Chief Executive at NHS Grampian. Laura will leave her current role as chief executive of NHS Orkney this autumn to take over from current interim Chief Executive, Dr Adam Coldwells, when he retires. Making the announcement, Chair of NHS Grampian, Alison Evison said: “I am delighted to welcome Laura to NHS Grampian. Her 20 years’ experience in the NHS working at Board-level for some of England’s largest acute teaching hospitals as well as for NHS Orkney, a partner Board in the North of Scotland, and track…
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Chief Executive Fortnightly Blog to NHS Orkney Staff – 16 June 2025
Message for All NHSO Staff Dear All Celebrating our progress, achievements and milestones is important – no matter how big or small – and this last week is no exception. I want to start this week with more positive news. I want to extend my extra special congratulations to Moira Sinclair – one of our longest-serving and respected colleagues – who has been recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours and awarded a British Empire Medal for her commitment to patient care in a career spanning over four decades. There are few more deserving than Moira, who is an incredible person,…
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King’s birthday recognition for long-serving Orkney nurse
Moira Sinclair has been awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) for her unwavering commitment to patient care across an impressive 40+ year career with NHS Orkney. Moira is the Clinical Nurse Manager for Acute Services at NHS Orkney however, likely, most well known for her role as Senior Charge Nurse for the Emergency Department. Moira started her career in Orkney, some 40+ years ago, completing her nursing training before starting in The Balfour. Moira had an early interest and introduction into the NHS as she was brought up at Eastbank Hospital where her father was an ambulance driver. Moira has…