System pressures update across NHS Orkney

Although we remain busy in both our Emergency Department and Inpatient Wards, from this morning, we have been able to restart planned procedures after our pause earlier this week due to increased system pressures across NHS Orkney. We have also been able to repatriate patients back to The Balfour from Aberdeen Royal Infirmary (ARI) where appropriate.

We are aware there continues to be cold and flu (respiratory) cases across the county and would urge everyone to please stay at home, if possible, when experiencing these symptoms (coughs, fevers, runny or blocked nose etc). If you are eligible for either the Flu or Covid vaccine, please do take up the offer of vaccination, you can call our vaccination team on 0300 303 5313 to make an appointment.

We are still seeking your cooperation to help us get your loved ones home in good time after a stay in hospital. Ideally if patients could be collected by lunchtime this allows us capacity to admit others and not lead to delays in emergency care.

Sam Thomas, Executive Director of Nursing, Midwifery, AHP’s and Chief Officer Acute said: “Thank you to the whole community for working with us while we navigated the recent pressures on our system, we are pleased to be able to now restart our planned procedures.”