' fill='%23ffffff'%3E%3Cpath d='M283.94,167.31l386.39,516.64L281.5,1104h87.51l340.42-367.76L984.48,1104h297.8L874.15,558.3l361.92-390.99 h-87.51l-313.51,338.7l-253.31-338.7H283.94z M412.63,231.77h136.81l604.13,807.76h-136.81L412.63,231.77z'%3E%3C/path%3E%3C/g%3E%3C/svg%3E%0A){kind=small}
Neuroprogressive and Dementia Network welcome diverse research discussions in Orkney
The NHS Research Scotland Neuroprogressive and Dementia Network (NRS NDN) has continued to drive forward its commitment to engaging with, involving, and supporting people in some of the country’s most rural and remote populations
Network Champion Dr Tom Russ, Network Manager Jacqui Kerr, and Strategic Manager Dr Emma Law (pictured left to right) recently visited Orkney, following a successful NRS NDN visit to Stornoway and Ullapool last year, and Shetland in 2023.
They made the trip to Orkney last month to prioritise the Network’s strategic commitment to encouraging study recruitment and to further exploring how people in remote and rural locations or the islands can get involved in research.
The trio received a warm welcome, with Jacqui stating: “We were fortunate that our three-day visit to Orkney was well publicised before we had even arrived, with Dr Tom Russ participating in a radio interview for Radio Orkney to inform of our visit and all about research opportunities.
“The use of local media is a good way to get a message out, for example the local radio and newspaper, but word of mouth ensures that news travels quickly, which by all accounts has been successful in connecting with communities in Orkney.”
Their busy schedule started at the St Magnus Centre in Kirkwall, where they met with the friendly, supportive staff of Age Scotland and the engaging Men’s Hub group, followed by staff and professionals who support people with a lived experience of neurodegenerative conditions.
Dr Russ said: “During both meetings, we discussed opportunities and ways for people to get involved in research, including introducing our Permission to Contact research interest register as a valuable mechanism for people to find research opportunities.
“We learned about some of the barriers to taking part in research but also noted that some of these could be overcome, including through our NDN initiative for Patient and Public Engagement, ‘Partners in Research’, a welcoming lived experience group which predominantly meets online, making participation more accessible for all.
“Both groups we connected with were keen to learn more about how people in Orkney can participate in research.”
Later the same day, the Network trio hosted a drop-in session at the Kirkwall Community Centre where they were pleased to meet with the local community to discuss opportunities for research and were “thrilled to find a strong interest” with lots of discussion and questions asked.
The following day started off in Kirkwall with a return visit to the St Magnus Centre and Age Scotland to meet with the Mixed Hub group, and then staff and carers at Crossroads Care, discussing how they could support in helping to engage potential research participants.
Emma said: “The afternoon took us to Stromness where I met with care home staff at Hamnavoe Care Home to discuss Enabling Research in Care Homes (ENRICH) and how staff, residents and carers can contribute to valuable research in care homes. Hamnavoe Care Home was presented with their ENRICH Scotland certificate. Many thanks to Marina and Anne for their hospitality and Kirsty for joining in online.”
Jacqui said: “Dr Russ and I hosted an online session for the Orkney community to join, which was attended by a mix of health professionals and people with a lived experience. Our conversation was around research opportunities in Orkney with a question-and-answer session at the end. The evening meanwhile saw a drop-in session at Stromness Community Centre which was open to people with lived experience and clinical staff.”
She reflected: “With our recent and previous visits to the Highlands and Islands of Scotland, we have learned and recognised the significant challenges faced by the people living in remote and rural areas.
“In Orkney there is a high incidence and prevalence of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). A member of the NHS staff we spoke to commented that every family either is directly affected or knows someone with MS.
“We have learned that geographical remoteness, logistics, and resources can contribute to these challenges and access to specialist healthcare can be difficult and sporadic. It was therefore great to learn that in Orkney there is a GP with a special interest in dementia who is delivering an innovative model of dementia diagnosis and treatment, integrating with post-diagnostic support which is provided by Age Scotland.”
As part of the NDN strategy, Tom, Emma and Jacqui are very keen to ensure that their visit results in “meaningful improvements for people in Orkney in having an opportunity to access research” and believe there is a “clear appetite for research and learning about research”, with Emma and Jacqui now exploring taking the Confident Conversations training programme to staff there.
Jacqui added: “We would like to thank Age Scotland and Soibhan Robertson for hosting us at the St Magnus Centre and for providing such valuable opportunities to connect with the local community. We are grateful to everyone who joined the discussions and shared their experiences.”
Publication date: 23rd July 2025
