NHS Orkney announce changes to COVID strategy

NHS Orkney have outlined a few changes to how COVID-19 is being managed in the county.

First of all, from Friday, April 1, the health authority say you should call your GP during working hours with any COVID medical queries. If you’re feeling unwell with COVID symptoms and need medical advice, your first point of call should be your GP.

Out with practice hours, you can call 111 to seek advice. NHS Orkney are urging the public to be aware NHS24 are experiencing a large volume of calls and you may be on hold for a while – please do not hang up and instead stay on the line.

Lateral flow tests are no longer available via local pharmacies but can be ordered online here. If there are none available when you try, then it is suggested you try again a bit later. Alternatively, you can collect a box of tests at one of the assisted asymptomatic testing clinics (as a reminder, these are every Tuesday 1000-1130 in Kirkwall Town Hall and every Thursday 1100-1200 in the Stromness Warehouse Buildings).

If you are yet to receive a vaccination, whether it be first, second or booster, the health authority ask that you please get in touch with the vaccination centre on 0300 303 5313 to book an appointment. They are currently vaccinating those aged 5-11. If you have any questions about vaccinations, you can call the centre on the above number.

Additionally, they are about to begin the spring booster vaccination programme for those aged 75+ and those who are clinically extremely vulnerable. Those in these groups will be invited via letter with an appointment time and date, and NHS Orkney would ask where possible that you come on the date provided (though you can amend the appointment by calling the centre).