System pressures across NHS Orkney – Update

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Last week we shared how busy The Balfour was and that we had seen an increase in patients admitted with respiratory illnesses. We are once again starting this week with extremely busy wards and an increase in patient admissions however not with the same level of respiratory cases.

Unfortunately, we are now postponing a selection of planned procedures for the coming days. While we apologise for this, it is not an easy decision to make but patient safety is our upmost priority as we continue to navigate this extremely busy period. If you are effected in the postponing of procedures our colleagues will be in touch with you, colleagues have already started phoning patients. The pressures we are feeling across NHS Orkney are not unique to Orkney and indeed are being felt across all hospital and health care facilities as is usual for the winter season. 

We are however cautiously stepping down our mandatory mask wearing for staff in wards as respiratory issues subside but you may still be asked to wear a mask if you are visiting loved ones who have respiratory symptoms. If you’d prefer to still wear a mask, please do so, masks remain available at the entrance to the wards.

Our main messages are clear:

  • Do not visit loved ones in hospital or healthcare settings if you are feeling unwell (this includes respiratory symptoms, colds and flu, diarrhoea or vomiting)
  • Continue to take up the offer of vaccinations if you are eligible (clinic dates for this month can be found here, https://www.ohb.scot.nhs.uk/news/flu-and-covid-appointed-and-drop-clinics-january-2025)
  • Follow best practice for keeping well – cough or sneeze into a tissue and dispose of it immediately – wash your hands with soap and water regularly!
  • If you need healthcare advice, please remember NHS Inform has a wealth of information available, https://www.nhsinform.scot/

Sam Thomas, Executive Director of Nursing, Midwifery, AHP’s and Chief Officer Acute said: “We are seeing an influx in patients requiring admission to The Balfour which naturally puts pressure across all services. In line with our winter plan, we are postponing non-essential procedures which were scheduled for the next few days, this is not something we do lightly and understand this will be frustrating for some patients but we will do our best to reschedule for as soon as possible. Please do follow our advice as above, do not go visiting loved ones or those vulnerable if you are feeling unwell. Help us all stay well by washing your hands and staying indoors until you feel better. If you need healthcare advice, please utilise NHS Inform, if you need urgent, life-threatening medical help, continue to call 999. Thank you for your continued co-operation and thank you again to all our staff working incredibly hard to care for our loved ones.”