NHS Near Me

Orkney Library and Archive established their first NHS Near Me Hub in Kirkwall Library in August 2022. Two months later Stromness Library opened its own Hub, extending the service to cover more of the island.

The Hubs offer members of the public quiet, confidential areas where they can log on to attend virtual conference calls. Library staff ensure everything is ready  – with iPads and wireless headphones set up beforehand. They are also on hand to help people with the online process. As the library already offered bookable meeting rooms, it’s been easy to extend this service to accommodate the Near Me Hubs.

Vikki Kerr, Team Manager at Orkney Library and Archive explained: “ We had meeting rooms already established at both libraries which people could book out. It meant that staff were familiar with the booking procedure and knew how to book the slot out in the calendar and send out all the necessary information.

‘Many people also knew about this service and so extending it made sense. We also worked with NHS Orkney and the local council, putting out the message that the library was an option and that details of how to do it were included in NHS communication – both internal and external. It’s made setting up both Hubs easy.’

The service is now used by local residents to attend important online medical appointments. In a remote area where many struggle with internet access the Hubs offer a viable alternative which also helps to avoid extensive travel.

Vikki said: “ It can be stressful going to a face-to-face medical appointment off the island and many people wonder how they can make it.  Going online is new for many, but it can make things easier.

‘People who perhaps don’t have access to broadband or have other technical issues use the service and it’s great they feel comfortable enough to come along to the library to get help and support.

“We’ve had a few people come back and use the service again which is a great endorsement. It shows staff that it’s a worthwhile service to offer.”

The NHS Near Me Hubs are now well established on the island and adds to the vast array of services the library service currently offers.

Vikki added: “Now that we have the Hub it’s not something we’re going to stop – it adds another service to what the library has to offer. It’s no hassle and we’re used to helping people as much as we can. It’s no more difficult than helping a member of the public log on to a PC. It’s a case of setting things up, making sure they are in the right waiting room and you’re done.

“Resources and staff are always a concern but I would say to any service thinking of establishing a Hub not to worry. It doesn’t add to the workload and is very manageable. We’re a small team and manage just fine.”