NHS Western Isles

11/09/2026

Not drinking alcohol during pregnancy is the only way to eliminate the risk of Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). Every alcohol-free pregnancy helps give your baby the healthiest possible start in life.

The Outer Hebrides Alcohol and Drug Partnership is supporting awareness of the message and encouraging people to access trusted information and support. Learn more about why is best for you and your baby by visiting https://www.nhsinform.scot/ready-steady-baby/pregnancy/looking-after-yourself-and-your-baby/alcohol-and-pregnancy!

10/09/2026

NHS Western Isles to invest in new Endoscopy Reporting System

NHS Western Isles has approved investment in a new Endoscopy Reporting System (ERS) that will modernise how endoscopy procedures are recorded, reported and managed across the organisation.

The decision follows the approval of a business case by the Corporate Management Team and will see NHS Western Isles move to a modern cloud-hosted system already used by NHS Highland. The new system will replace the existing reporting platform, which is reaching the end of its supported lifespan.

Endoscopy services play a vital role in diagnosing and monitoring a range of conditions affecting the digestive and respiratory systems. The new system will support gastrointestinal, respiratory and urology procedures, providing clinicians with improved reporting tools, image capture capabilities and enhanced access to clinical information.

It will also improve the quality and availability of data, reduce reliance on manual processes and support integration with national systems used for performance monitoring, training and quality assurance.

NHS Western Isles Associate Director of Clinical Support Services and Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Kristian Stone, said: "This investment is an important step in ensuring our endoscopy service has the digital infrastructure it needs to support high-quality patient care now and into the future.

“The new system will provide a more reliable and resilient platform for our clinical teams while reducing manual processes and improving the availability of information to support patient care, quality improvement and service planning.

“Working with NHS Highland also allows us to align with a neighbouring Board and benefit from a proven solution that is already supporting endoscopy services elsewhere in Scotland."

The new system is expected to improve efficiency for clinical and administrative staff, enhance patient safety by reducing the risk of transcription errors, and support future service developments. It will also help ensure NHS Western Isles remains aligned with national digital health ambitions and evolving endoscopy standards.

Implementation planning is now underway, with the new system expected to be introduced during 2026 following the necessary technical and operational preparations.

10/09/2026

World Su***de Prevention Day 💛

Today is a reminder that every life matters, every conversation can make a difference, and no one should feel they have to face difficult times alone.

Sometimes, simply asking “Are you okay?” and taking the time to truly listen can be the first step towards hope.

Let’s break the silence, look out for one another, and create a world where talking about suicidal thoughts and emotional pain is met with compassion, understanding and support.

You are not alone. There is always someone willing to listen.

***dePreventionDay ***dePrevention

10/09/2026

The Autumn Step Challenge deadline has been extended!

There is still time to register for the NHS Western Isles autumn step challenge following a virtual route ground Greece. Staying active is one of the best things you can do for your physical and mental health, helping to improve fitness, boost wellbeing, and increase energy levels.

Those wishing to sign up can backdate their steps to the original starting date, 28th August.

Register here before 18th September: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/4y9PFC8XAD

10/09/2026

Education Scotland is a Scottish Government executive agency responsible for supporting quality and improvement in Scottish education.

10/09/2026

10/09/2026

Does your organisation look after a defibrillator funded by Point and Sandwick Trust?

A number of the defibrillators they’ve helped provide are reaching the stage where batteries and pads need to be replaced.

Replacement costs can add up, so theyd like to remind local organisations that they can help with the cost of replacement batteries and pads for defibrillators they have funded.

If your organisation looks after one of these defibrillators and replacements are due, please get in touch with by calling their office on 01851 619 470 or use the Contact form on their website.

Does your organisation look after a defibrillator funded by Point and Sandwick Trust?

A number of the defibrillators we’ve helped provide are reaching the stage where batteries and pads need to be replaced.

We know replacement costs can add up, so we’d like to remind local organisations that we can help with the cost of replacement batteries and pads for defibrillators we have funded.

If your organisation looks after one of these defibrillators and replacements are due, please get in touch with us. Call the office on 01851 619 470 or use the Contact form on our website.

10/09/2026

Summer/Autumn '26 Slàinte now online! 📰💙

The latest issue of Slàinte magazine, containing all the latest news and updates from NHS Western Isles, is now available online.

View/download the latest issue at:https://www.wihb.scot.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Slainte-Summer-Autumn-26.pdf

10/09/2026

Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) can affect people in different ways throughout their lives, including learning, memory, attention, communication and daily living skills. Understanding FASD can help us provide the right support and create more inclusive communities.

The Outer Hebrides Alcohol and Drug Partnership is raising awareness of FASD and sharing information on the support available for individuals, families and professionals. Discover more about how FASD affects people and the support available at https://www.adoptionuk.org/Handlers/Download.ashx?IDMF=d2268264-efed-4467-be84-555a0e00f337

09/09/2026

PLEASE BE WARY OF SCAM CALLS CLAIMING TO BE FROM THE NHS OR YOUR GP PRACTICE
NHS Western Isles has been notified that scam callers are impersonating NHS/GP staff, and telephoning residents asking them to update their medical records over the phone. The scam caller numbers were recorded as 07760 058905 and 07801 114779.

If you think you've received a scam call asking for personal or financial details, the most important thing is to STOP, HANG UP, CALL 159

For further information visit: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/keeping-safe/fraud