NHS Orkney will host a series of public meetings in Orkney next month, after the publication of a document outlining options for the future of health services in the county.

The report will be distributed across the county following its presentation to the Health Board on July 1.

A review of current local health services has resulted in a number of options for future sustainable NHS services in Orkney, covering the areas of Community Services, Acute Medicine, Surgical services and the reconfiguration of the hospital.

Chief Executive of NHS Orkney, Steve Conway, has delayed the start of the roadshow by one week to give people time to read the consultation report. This will be distributed across the county following its presentation to the Health Board on July 1.

He said: "We had originally planned to start public meetings a week earlier but were getting feedback from Orkney communities that this would not give people time to properly read the report before attending the public meetings.

"It is crucial that people in Orkney are given every opportunity to see and understand the thinking behind the options so that they can be fully involved in the redesign of the county's health services.

"We would encourage everyone to come along to the roadshows where we will explain the options, answer people's questions and listen to their concerns. "The consultation reports will be distributed through local shops and Post Offices on the Isles, and on the mainland will be available at the library, Orkney Islands Council Customer Services Reception, Voluntary Action Orkney, GP practices and Garden House. People will also be able to respond directly by letter or e-mail, and information on how to do this is in the consultation document.

The public consultation will end on August 13, and on September 2 the Health Board will receive feedback from the consultation and recommendations for future models of services.

The schedule of public meetings is as follows:

July 5 - North Walls JH School 7.30pm
July 7 - Community Hall.,Eday 7.30pm
July 9 - Community Centre, Shapinsay 7.30pm
July 10 - Memorial Hall, North Ronaldsay 12.30pm
July 11 - Community Hall, Sanday 2pm
July 11 - Community Centre, Stronsay 7.30pm
July 12 - Rousay School 3pm
July 12 - Stromness Academy 7.30pm
July 13 - St Magnus Centre, Kirkwall 1.30pm
July 13 - St Magnus Centre, Kirkwall 7.30pm
July 14 - Pierowall JH School, Westray 7.30
July 15 - Hope Primary School Hall, South Ronaldsay 7.30pm.