Unison Orkney Health Branch

15/04/2026

Do you drive for work?

UNISON members who use their car for work have long been left out of pocket by petrol costs outstripping mileage rates. However a newly announced government review brings hope following years of UNISON campaigning.

This is a chance for us to ensure the government listens to workers. If you use your car for work please have your say in our survey.

Do you use your car for work? Please have your say in our survey

15/04/2026

Final and third day of conference we recognised and congratulated all those healthcare workers who have gone out on strike over the last year, with some going straight back to picket lines to continue the fight.

We also reminded employers that UNISON will not rest in the fight for fair pay for NHS staff.

Healthcare workers at send a clear message to the government: value NHS staff - 3.3% is not enough.

➡️ Support the call for fair pay and a stronger NHS workforce:
🔗 https://unsn.uk/4lnAWBb

14/04/2026

Day 2 of conference and motions this morning are focusing on Agenda for Change Pay, Terms and Conditions. Scotland may have been ahead of the game with our above inflation pay deal but we need to keep the pressure on to ensure staff are paid appropriately for the important work they do.

13/04/2026

✊ Day one of conference.
Our Orkney Health branch delegation is in the hall and ready for the debates ahead 💜💚
Proud to be standing up for health workers across Orkney, Remote and Rural, and Scotland.

30/03/2026

The branch are delighted to collaborate with both Amnesty International and Orkney Friends of Palestine to present screenings of the film ‘The Voice of Hind Rajab’ this Wednesday and Thursday.

There will be a live introduction before the film, alongside a display of information and Palestinian Fairtrade products for sale in the cinema foyer.

On January 29, 2024, Red Crescent volunteers received an emergency call. A 5-year old girl is trapped in a car under fire in Gaza, pleading for rescue. While trying to keep her on the line, they do everything they can to get an ambulance to her. Her name was Hind Rajab.

This is a powerful docudrama directed by Kaouther Ben Hania (Four Daughters), which uses the real voice recording of Hind Rajab from the events of that day. Nominated for the Best International Feature Film Oscar, BAFTA and Golden Globe, and winner of more than 14 awards worldwide including the Silver Lion Grand Jury Prize at Venice Film Festival.

To book tickets, please visit: pickaquoy.co.uk/events/whats-on/the-voice-of-hind-rajab/

With March nearly over and the Easter holidays fast approaching, there's plenty for the whole family to enjoy in our next fortnightly film schedule!

First up we have the beautiful LITTLE AMÉLIE. Nominated for the Best Animated Feature OSCAR, BAFTA and Golden Globe, it's a tender, poignant and visually stunning story about curiosity, courage, and the healing power of human connection.

Elvis sings and tells his story like never before in EPiC: ELVIS PRESLEY IN CONCERT an epic documentary, featuring never-before-seen footage and recordings of the king of rock and roll.

There's still a couple of showings left of heart-warming Australian comedy drama KANGAROO in which an ex-TV personality and a 12-year-old indigenous girl work together to rescue and rehabilitate orphaned joeys.

NT LIVE: HAMLET is back for more giving you another chance to see Olivier Award-winner Hiran Abeysekera as Hamlet in this fearless and darkly funny contemporary take on Shakespeare’s famous tragedy.

Raised by a scheming dwarf and unaware of his true family origins, a young man embarks on an epic journey in SIEGFRIED live from THE ROYAL OPERA.

THE VOICE OF HIND RAJAB will be screening in collaboration with Amnesty International, Orkney Friends of Palestine and Unison Orkney Health Branch. Volunteers receive an emergency call from a 5-year-old girl trapped in a car under fire in Gaza.

Comedy-drama MOTHERS PRIDE tells the story of a failing pub, a divided community and a grieving family whose lives are changed by brewing real ale.

In Pixar's new family animation HOPPERS, animal lover, Mabel transfers her mind into a lifelike robotic beaver to communicate with animals and save their habitat from human destruction.

In collaboration with ORSAS, we're delighted to be bringing Disney classic, MULAN (1998) back to the big screen. To save her father from being conscripted, a young woman disguises herself as a man and joins in his place.

And finally, REMINDERS OF HIM, a transformative film about motherhood, forgiveness and the power of love to overcome even the worst mistake.

Find out more and book your tickets on our website 👉https://www.pickaquoy.co.uk/cinema/whats-on/

28/03/2026

Branch Secretary, Karen Spence, has been in Glasgow this week attending the UNISON Scottish Health Committee’s annual conference and the UNISON Scottish Council Annual General meeting.

Our delegates are attending the UNISON Scottish Council meeting this morning alongside colleagues from across UNISON Scotland.
Representing our members and making sure your voices are heard 💜

25/03/2026

17/03/2026

𝐍𝐞𝐮𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤 𝟏𝟔-𝟐𝟎 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

When it comes to inclusion, neurodiversity refers to a world where neurological differences are recognised and respected as all other human variations.

Neurodiversity Celebration Week is a worldwide initiative that challenges stereotypes and misconceptions about neurological differences. It aims to transform how neurodivergent individuals are perceived and supported by providing schools, universities, organisations, and others around the world with the opportunity to recognise the many skills and talents of neurodivergent individuals, while creating more inclusive and equitable cultures that celebrate differences and empower every individual.
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17/03/2026

Today sees the UNISON Orkney Health Branch launch its campaign highlighting the inequity in Scottish Distant Islands Allowance (SDIA) across Orkney.

The branch have written to Liam McArthur MSP, MSPs across the Highlands & Islands, along with all prospective candidates in the upcoming elections, calling for action to address the widening gap in SDIA payments between NHS Orkney staff and other local public sector authorities.

Please show your support for our campaign by sharing this post and speaking to colleagues to put further pressure on the Scottish Government to review and correct the situation.

17/03/2026

The branch recently held its Annual General Meeting where members nominate and vote for a local charity to receive a donation. This year there were 2 local charities nominated and it was decided to split the monies.

We were delighted to donate to wee Gregor’s fundraiser and watching his finale last night would bring a tear to anyone’s eye. What a wee local legend. Well done wee man. Inclusive Orkney is going to benefit to much from the funds raised.

🤩 Business Shout Out! 🤩

These businesses / clubs have all made contributions of at least £100 the last few days

💚 Andrew Gray
💚 Sean Stanger Joinery and Building
💚 Movement Physiotherapy
💚 UNISON Orkney Health Branch
💚 Orkney Housing Association
💚 E Fraser Electrical (Orkney) Ltd
💚 Orkney Office Supplies
💚 Rosser’s Retro

This follows on from these businesses / clubs who have all previously made contributions of at least £100, with a few of these being as high as £1,000!

💚 Orkney Motors / Garriock Bros Ltd
💚 Sheila Fleet Jewellery
💚 Orkney Aggregates
💚 Northwards Ltd
💚 K Allan Properties
💚 Jewson Orkney 756
💚 Orklean LTD
💚 R S Rendall Ltd
💚 CloudNet IT-Solutions
💚 R. Clouston Ltd
💚 Lanes at Garden Square
💚 Walls Electrical Services
💚 Streamline Shipping Group
💚 K2 Orkney
💚 MLM Engineering
💚 Burray Boatyard
💚 Leask Marine Ltd
💚 Orkney Television Enterprise
💚 Best for Bathrooms & Kitchens Dounby
💚 Orkney Travel
💚 Tullochs Ice Cream Van
💚 The Orkney Rowing Club
💚 Papa Westray Coffee Morning
💚 Lynnfield Hotel - this one was a very kind donation from the staff rather than a business donation, but deserves a huge mention - the staff kindly agreed to give their tips from the Lux Weekend to Gregor’s Fundraiser!
💚 Northvet
💚 Steven R Paterson Ltd
💚 Latitude Wealth Management
💚 RM Managed IT Services
💚 Papdale Stores
💚Cooke Scotland
💚 K & P Sinclair Contractors Ltd
💚 William Wilson Ltd
💚 Coopskea Cleaning
💚 Orkney Rugby Football Club
💚 A Shaw Electrical
💚 The Body Coach Foundation (Joe Wicks)
💚 Kenny Foulis Gardening Services Ltd
💚 Scapa Garage
💚 Kirkwall Flower Arrangement Club
💚 Wellpark Garden Centre
💚 Flett & Carmichael Vets
💚 Golder Orkney Ltd
💚 William Shearer
💚 Lodge Mercantile Marine No. 453
💚 Home Collections
💚 SJ Omand Surveyors
💚 Hutchison Windows
💚 The Sands Hotel
💚 G & A Barnie, Kirkwall
💚 Be Personnel Recruitment
💚 B&L Builders Ltd
💚 Orbital Marine Power Ltd
💚 Rendalls Bakery
💚 Alfred Flett Ltd
💚 Aurora
💚 Orkney Holiday Lets
💚 Northern Lights Motorhome Hire
💚 J W Gray
💚 Orkney Factors
💚 The Relic Cafe
💚 St Magnus Cathedral Guild
💚 Merkister Hotel
💚 Sing and Sign Orkney
💚 Kirkwall City Pipe Band
💚 Alison Moore Designs
💚 Hestacraft
💚 Orkney Gin Company
💚 North Isles Chiropractic Clinic
💚 Clark Optometrists
💚 Kirkwall Kilwinning Masonic Lodge No382
💚 Starlings
💚 Craigie Engineering Ltd
💚 J & M McEwen
💚 BDS Plant Hire (Orkney) Ltd
💚 B & F Kemp
💚 Nobilia Kitchens

We must also mention too that there are lots of businesses making various contributions which we are entirely grateful for! This list is just the donations of £100 or more. We appreciate every single donation no matter how big or small, and every single pound is adding up to thousands of pounds!

But we just want to say a very special thank you to the businesses who are supporting us on this level. We are really taking on board who is making each of these contributions, so thank you all! We honestly appreciate you all so so much and can’t believe the generosity of so many individuals and businesses 🫶

‼️ Just a reminder too the Just Giving Page is still open for anyone who would still like to donate ‼️

https://www.justgiving.com/page/iona-corse-1

09/03/2026

💜 UNISON’s Step into Spring grant opens at 12 noon on Thursday 19 March and is available for 24 hours.

Eligible members can get a £30 voucher towards the cost of essentials.

Find out how to apply ⬇️
http://unsn.uk/stepintospring