Daisy Villa and Heilendi Update

Following the news of the contract for Daisy Villa Surgery being awarded we wanted to provide an update as we continue to work through logistics with both practices ahead of the handover in January (2025).

Following some recent questions, the team at the Heilendi Practice have shared the following information:

• Our aim is to continue to provide patients at Daisy Villa timely access to GP appointments with a commitment to providing high-quality care and continuity where possible
• We are reviewing the existing appointment systems to ensure GP access, including face to face appointments, is optimal following the transition period in January
• Having carefully reviewed our current GP capacity within our existing team we do have capacity to safely provide GP sessions at both sites (Heilendi and Daisy Villa) whilst we continue to recruit an additional GP to our team. Whilst GP continuity is very important, having a small number of GPs working within the team also provides the benefit of choice for patients
• We have a GP resident in South Ronaldsay so where possible disruption due to adverse weather and barrier closures will be minimised
• We want to reassure all of our patients, old and new, that we are confident we have the right capacity in place and the addition of Daisy Villa will not result in any change to our patients experience in either Kirkwall or St Margaret's Hope. 

John Daniels, Head of Primary Care Services said “This is welcome information from Heilendi Practice and I'm confident it will help to reassure the communities of South Ronaldsay and Burray who we will continue to update as things develop. NHS Orkney remain committed to facilitating a smooth transition of care for patients and our regular engagement with the Community Council, Mr McArthur MSP and the teams at both Heilendi and Daisy Villa, will ensure this commitment is followed through to a safe transition in January.”