Winter Weather Update – 5 January 2026

We are continuing to monitor the winter weather along with our partners.

With weather warnings still in place for tomorrow (Tuesday), we have reviewed the situation and are in the process of postponing more appointments for tomorrow. We are postponing appointments for those who live outwith Kirkwall and those more vulnerable in our communities and our teams will be in touch with you today. We are going ahead with some appointments so if you have not been contacted, and it is safe to do so, please attend as arranged. However, if you do not feel it is safe for you to travel and you have not been contacted, please get in touch with the relevant team / department to postpone your appointment. Again, we apologise for the inconvenience and continue to do all we can to keep you and our staff safe while maintaining essential services.

For information regarding GP Practices, please check in with your individual practice (some updates are already on GP Facebook pages).

The hospital and our wards remain busy and we’d like to stress that the Emergency Department remains open for those with urgent and life-threatening emergencies.

If you need medical advice but it is not life-threatening, please utilise the options available to you:

💻 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

For local community updates, continue to follow the Orkney Islands Council Facebook Page where they have everything you need to know about local services, schools, roads and much more!

Finally, we’d like to reiterate our thanks to you all, as we look out for one another and check-in on friends, family and neighbours. To those clearing our roads, helping transporting staff and patients, we are all working together to care for our community.