Health and Community Care
The Orkney Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) is a joint partnership between Orkney Islands Council and NHS Orkney, responsible for delivering and developing social care, community health, and wellbeing services across Orkney.
Pages managed by this department
Chief Social Work Officer
The Chief Social Work Officer (CSWO) is a statutory role required by law. The post holder provides professional advice on all social work and social care functions carried out by Orkney Islands Council, whether delivered directly, in partnership with other agencies, or commissioned from the private or third sector.
Health and care finance
The Integration Joint Board (IJB) is responsible for planning and delivering health and social care services in Orkney. On this page you can access key financial documents, including the Medium Term Financial Plan, Financial Regulations and Reserves Policy, alongside information on the IJB's budget, accounts and financial monitoring arrangements.
Health and care strategies and plans
The Integration Joint Board's Strategic Plan and the wider strategies and plans covering health and social care in Orkney.
Adult support and protection
Information and guidance on protecting adults at risk of harm or neglect in Orkney, including how to raise a concern, the investigation process, and the policies and procedures that underpin our approach.
Glossary of terms
A glossary explaining common health, social care, and safeguarding terms to help people understand services, processes, and professional roles in Orkney.
Adult protection investigations
Information about adult protection, including how concerns are investigated, the support available to people at risk of harm, and how social workers help keep adults safe and supported.
Referral process
Guidance for staff on recognising, reporting, and responding to adult protection concerns, including referral processes, safeguarding responsibilities, and support for adults at risk of harm.
Adult abuse and protection - what you need to know
Information about adult protection, recognising abuse and exploitation, and the support available to help adults at risk stay safe and have their rights protected.
Public protection committee
Information about child protection and adult support services, including how to report concerns, recognise harm, and access help to keep vulnerable people safe.
Ensuring rights and preventing harm
A quick guide for staff and carers on recognising signs of harm, reporting concerns, and understanding adult protection responsibilities and procedures in Orkney.
Policy and procedure
Information about adult support and protection in Orkney, including recognising harm, safeguarding vulnerable adults, and understanding rights, responsibilities, and available support.
Care and accommodation services
People using health and social care services should be listened to, have a say in the care they receive, and be involved in how it's delivered. When this happens, people experience better health and wellbeing and are better supported to live well in their own homes and communities.
Care at home services
Orkney Health and Care’s Care at Home Service helps people aged 18 and over live independently in their own homes for as long as possible.
Carer Support Services
Information and support for unpaid carers, including carers’ rights, Adult Carer Support Plans, wellbeing support, and help to balance caring with everyday life.
Telecare and the Mobile Responder Service
Information about telecare and emergency response services that help people live independently and safely at home with reassurance and round-the-clock support.
Self Directed Support
Information about Self-Directed Support, giving eligible people and carers greater choice and control over how their care and support is arranged and delivered
Direct Payment
Information about Direct Payments, including who can access them, how they work, and how they can provide greater choice and control over care and support arrangements.
Care at Home Services
Care at home services that support people to live independently, providing personalised help with daily living, personal care, and support for carers.
Occupational Therapy, Sensory Impairment and Selbro
Occupational therapy and sensory impairment services that help people maintain independence through assessments, advice, equipment, and home adaptations tailored to their needs.
Care homes
Information about our care homes in Kirkwall, Stromness and Dounby, how to apply for a place and what life is like as a resident.
Day services
Find out about our day centres for older people and adults with disabilities, which provide social activities, therapeutic support and a regular break for carers.
Respite and short breaks
If you or the person you care for needs a short break from your usual routine, find out about the respite options available in Orkney.
Supported accommodation
Find out about supported accommodation for adults who need some help to live independently, in Kirkwall, St Margaret's Hope and Westray.
Domestic abuse support
Information about domestic abuse support, including advice, safety information, and services available to help people affected by abuse access support and protection.
Free period products
Information on accessing free period products across Orkney, including collection points, school services, and a home delivery scheme for residents.
Getting support
If you or someone you care for needs support to live safely and independently, we are here to help. We can give you information and advice, assess your needs and help you access the right services - whether you live at home, in supported housing or residential care, or are about to leave hospital.
Your assessment
Find out what an assessment of your needs involves, who is eligible, and what happens once your needs have been assessed.
Hospital discharge
How we work with NHS Orkney to plan your return home or move to another care setting when you are ready to leave hospital.
Reviews of services
How we check that the services you receive are still working for you and meeting your needs.
Emergency financial help
If you have no other source of support and need urgent help with essential day-to-day costs, find out what we may be able to offer.
Learning disabilities
Support, assessment and employment help for children, young people and adults with a learning disability in Orkney.
Mental health services
Community mental health support for adults and older people in Orkney, including specialist teams for substance misuse, memory problems and mental health law.
Primary care
Information about primary care services in Orkney, including GP practices, dentists, pharmacies, and opticians, and how to access the right healthcare support.