Hospital Pressures

We are currently seeing an increase in admissions to The Balfour.

All of our services are continuing to operate including our planned procedures.

However, we would ask our community to help us by accessing care in the most appropriate way. By the community accessing care in the right place, at the right time we can ensure those who need the most acute medical attention can be seen as quickly as possible.

If you need to access medical attention, we’d ask that you seek support by:

• Accessing reliable information and symptom control advice from NHS Inform online at www.nhsinform.scot  
• Visiting your local pharmacy for advice on conditions such as sore throats, earache, urine infections etc
• Contacting your GP practice
• Calling NHS111 for medical attention outwith your GP’s operating hours

If you attend the Emergency Department but do not require urgent care you will face a longer wait or be redirected to a more appropriate service for your need. If you are acutely unwell or require urgent medical attention please continue to call 999 or present to the Emergency Department.

Michelle Mackie, Interim Deputy Director of Nursing at NHS Orkney said: “We are currently experiencing an increase in hospital admissions at The Balfour, we therefore need your help. We’re asking the community to please seek support from the most appropriate place, please utilise NHS Inform, NHS 111 and speak to your GP practice. By accessing care in the right place, at the right time, we are all helping to ensure those who are most unwell can be seen appropriately.”

We continue to ask for your support to help us get your loved ones home in good time after a stay in hospital. Hospital discharges should take place by lunchtime to allow us capacity to admit others and not lead to delays in emergency care. We understand family members may have other commitments, but we hope by working together with the community we can aim to discharge at lunchtime.