Orkney Coronavirus Community Support Hub

Friday 7 August saw the last day of the Orkney Coronavirus Community Support Hub being situated at the Pickaquoy Centre, now that shielding has paused in Scotland.

The Scottish Government has advised that from August people who had been shielding should either collect medicines themselves, ask friends or family if they cannot go to the pharmacy or make contact with their local pharmacy to ask if they can provide a delivery.

The national helpline will remain open for any coronavirus issues with calls still being answered locally – 0800 111 4000 - the calls are being taken from 10:00 to 14:00, Monday to Friday.

Keith Bendall, Manager Orkney Coronavirus Community Support Hub said: “We are very thankful for the Picky Centre Trust for the use of their premises and their outstanding support throughout the last few months.

“Support with food and medication deliveries will no longer be available as part of the shielding programme, however in exceptional circumstances support will be assessed and considered.”

Orkney Health and Care is ready to respond and reintroduce the same level of Hub support if the need arises in the future.

Maureen Swannie, Head of Service at Orkney Health and Care said: “We understand that those who have been shielding for months may experience some level of anxiety about going back out into the community or peoples anxiety has been exacerbated due to the pandemic, however we want to reassure those people that there is support available for them.

“Support services are starting to open up face to face meetings again as well as continuing with virtual meetings.”