Orkney patients will not be forced to travel by ferry

Orkney patients travelling south for treatment will not be forced to travel by ferry — that is the assuranc given by NHS Orkney chairman, Ian Kinniburgh, in a letter to Liam McArthur MSP.

Last week, NHS Shetland announced that Shetland patients would be expected to take the ferry unless they meet certain criteria.  This gave rise to concerns that NHS Orkney might follow suit, prompting Mr McArthur to seek robust assurances from the board’s chairman.

Responding to Orkney’s MSP, Mr Kinniburgh said he could “confirm that such a proposal is not being considered by the board of NHS Orkney, nor is it likely to consider such a proposal in the future.”

He added: “The lack of a daily sailing between Kirkwall and Aberdeen would make this an impractical option.”