About Orkney
Lying off the northern coast of Scotland, between John O’Groats and the Shetland Isles, Orkney is an archipelago of over 70 beautiful islands, 17 of which are inhabited. The total population is approximately 22,000 with most people living on the Mainland. Kirkwall, the capital with its spectacular red sandstone 12th century cathedral, with a population of 7,500, it is the administrative centre of Orkney with a good mix of shops, supermarkets and businesses. The historical harbour town of Stromness, with a population of 2,500, is situated on the West Mainland. Both towns are famed for their picturesque main streets. The excellent ferry and air connections makes travel to the Scottish mainland, Aberdeen, Inverness, Glasgow, Edinburgh and Shetland, and even Norway quite easy. There is a rich archaeological history to be explored, as well as many outdoor pursuits, including diving in Scapa Flow, kayaking, walking, cycling, bird watching, and many more. Orcadian culture is rich, with music and arts and crafts well represented. The St Magnus Music Festival in June is internationally renowned.
Orkney is a wonderful place to live and work and voted the happiest place to live in the UK. Orkney also offers low pollution, low crime, excellent schools, good leisure facilities, unique wildlife and amazing scenery. Orkney is truly a place for children, a great place for a family and the community spirit is amazing. You might think Orkney is remote, and whilst there are remote islands, Kirkwall has several flights a day (just under 1 hour) connecting to the mainland, and with high speed broadband available on the islands, friends and family are just a click away.
About NHS Orkney
NHS Orkney is one of 14 Scottish territorial health boards. Headquartered in Kirkwall, the Board is responsible for improving the health of the population, improving patient experience whilst also delivering sustainable, affordable and comprehensive health care services for the Orkney Island communities. NHS Orkney employs 594 substantive employees with a wide range of general and specialist skills. NHS Orkney being the smallest territorial Board.
NHS Orkney serves a population of approximately 20,500 dispersed across three distinct regions – the North Isles, the South Isles and the Mainland, which collectively consist of 17 inhabited Islands, the largest of which is the Mainland of Orkney NHS Orkney is working with its remote island communities to develop a sustainable Primary Care model that reflects the health needs of each island. Our Isles Network of Care is a model which brings together single handed practitioners in a network arrangement. The network is made up of GPs, nurse practitioners and community nurses.
NHS Orkney’s vision is to:
“Offer everyone in Orkney access to a NHS that helps them to keep well and provides them with high quality care when it is needed whilst employing a skilled and committed local workforce who are proud to work for NHS Orkney.”
Further information can be found at the following links:- To find out more about living and working in Orkney visit www.orkney.org
- NHS Orkney Website
- Living and Working in Orkney
- Orkney - islands