Orkney is an archipelago of around 70 islands, 20 of which are inhabited. Our population is around 22,000 people and expected to increase, as is the percentage of people over 65. NHS Orkney has around 800 staff who work in our one acute hospital and multiple community sites across Orkney Mainland and the other islands. Our geography and population present unique challenges but also make Orkney an exciting place to work and experience remote and rural island life and healthcare.
At NHS Orkney, we are committed to delivering high-quality care to our island communities, driven by a simple but bold promise: looking after our community and providing excellent care.
As a remote and rural healthcare provider, we have to think differently about attracting and retaining staff, which requires a strategic and proactive approach that goes beyond traditional recruitment methods.
Finding the right people for Orkney
Recruiting healthcare professionals to Orkney isn't just about filling vacancies; it's about finding people who will thrive here. Life on our islands offers something truly special – stunning landscapes, Neolithic history, strong community ties and a pace of life that prioritises wellbeing. Imagine waking up to breathtaking coastal views, enjoying a commute measured in minutes rather than hours and becoming part of a close-knit community where you can make a genuine impact.
Orkney also provides remarkable opportunity for variety and flexibility in practice, with the chance to shape services for the community and future. The unique nature of rural healthcare means clinicians develop a wide range of skills, working closely with primary, secondary and emergency care colleagues in a way rarely possible elsewhere.
We make sure potential candidates see and feel this opportunity. Our recruitment campaigns are developed from the lived experiences of our colleagues, bringing to life the professional and personal benefits of working here. Social media and digital marketing are key tools in telling our story.
Embracing technology
Given our remote location, a digital-first approach is essential in making recruitment seamless. Our applicant tracking system is designed to be user-friendly, making it easier for candidates to apply. Most of our interviews are now conducted virtually, removing geographical barriers and allowing us to engage with a wider talent pool.
Investing in talent
Building a sustainable workforce means looking ahead. We engage in employability initiatives, partnering with schools, colleges and universities to inspire the next generation of healthcare professionals. By providing student placements, training opportunities and insight events, we create pathways into NHS Orkney, encouraging people to build a promising career with us.
Our NHS Orkney Experience Programme ensures we get regular feedback from people across the organisation so that staff voices prioritise improvement and retention initiatives.
We continue to implement new and innovative pathways for growth and development which is evidenced by the excellent feedback we get from our students and new graduates. From apprenticeships to experienced recruits, we offer multiple entry points into the organisation, ensuring that NHS Orkney is an employer of choice at all stages of a healthcare career.
Find out more about us, our latest corporate strategy and our current vacancies at www.ohb.scot.nhs.uk
