Morag Linklater
May 2026
Morag
Linklater
,
Midwife
The Balfour Maternity Unit
NHS Orkney
Kirkwall
,
Orkney
United Kingdom
At a moment of fear and uncertainty, her calm presence, clear advocacy, and compassionate guidance made an immeasurable difference.
Morag has been named a DAISY Honouree in recognition of the exceptional compassion, clinical excellence, and personal dedication she demonstrated while caring for a patient and their family throughout all three pregnancies, and especially during a recent pregnancy that was described as particularly complex and emotionally challenging.
This award powerfully illustrates how Morag consistently embodied NHS Orkney’s values of being open, honest, and kind, while delivering the very highest standards of safe, person-centered care.
From the earliest stages of the pregnancy, Morag was a constant and trusted presence, offering calm reassurance, clear communication, and genuine kindness. She took time to listen carefully, explain thoroughly, and ensure the patient always felt safe, informed, and understood.
Her open and honest approach fostered trust, reduced anxiety, and empowered the patient to share concerns freely, no matter how small.
During an emergency caesarean section, Morag demonstrated extraordinary commitment by coming in on her day off to be present for the patient. At a moment of fear and uncertainty, her calm presence, clear advocacy, and compassionate guidance made an immeasurable difference.
She ensured the patient understood what was happening at every stage, advocated for their wishes, and upheld dignity and emotional safety throughout, a clear reflection of excellence in patient safety, communication, and compassionate care.
When the patient’s baby required neonatal care and transfer to Aberdeen, Morag continued to exemplify openness and kindness. The patient described feeling reassured through regular updates and clear explanations about the care being provided and the reasons behind clinical decisions.
This transparency and continuity of support helped reduce distress and reinforced confidence in the safety and quality of care across services and locations.
Throughout pregnancy, birth, and postnatal care, Morag consistently went above and beyond her role. She was always available, always patient, and always willing to give the time needed to ensure the patient and family felt supported.
Her actions strongly reflect NHS Orkney’s People priority, valuing relationships, compassion, and emotional wellbeing, and the Place priority, by building trust in local maternity services through continuity, professionalism, and outstanding care within a remote and rural setting.
The patient expressed complete trust in Morag, describing her as someone who provided not only exceptional clinical care but also unwavering emotional support at some of the most significant moments of their life.
This DAISY Award recognises Morag as an outstanding midwife, a powerful advocate for women and families, and a role model for compassionate, values-based care.
Morag’s practice demonstrates how NHS Orkney’s values and corporate priorities come to life through individuals who consistently place people, safety, quality, and kindness at the heart of everything they do. She is wholly deserving of recognition as a DAISY Honouree.
This award powerfully illustrates how Morag consistently embodied NHS Orkney’s values of being open, honest, and kind, while delivering the very highest standards of safe, person-centered care.
From the earliest stages of the pregnancy, Morag was a constant and trusted presence, offering calm reassurance, clear communication, and genuine kindness. She took time to listen carefully, explain thoroughly, and ensure the patient always felt safe, informed, and understood.
Her open and honest approach fostered trust, reduced anxiety, and empowered the patient to share concerns freely, no matter how small.
During an emergency caesarean section, Morag demonstrated extraordinary commitment by coming in on her day off to be present for the patient. At a moment of fear and uncertainty, her calm presence, clear advocacy, and compassionate guidance made an immeasurable difference.
She ensured the patient understood what was happening at every stage, advocated for their wishes, and upheld dignity and emotional safety throughout, a clear reflection of excellence in patient safety, communication, and compassionate care.
When the patient’s baby required neonatal care and transfer to Aberdeen, Morag continued to exemplify openness and kindness. The patient described feeling reassured through regular updates and clear explanations about the care being provided and the reasons behind clinical decisions.
This transparency and continuity of support helped reduce distress and reinforced confidence in the safety and quality of care across services and locations.
Throughout pregnancy, birth, and postnatal care, Morag consistently went above and beyond her role. She was always available, always patient, and always willing to give the time needed to ensure the patient and family felt supported.
Her actions strongly reflect NHS Orkney’s People priority, valuing relationships, compassion, and emotional wellbeing, and the Place priority, by building trust in local maternity services through continuity, professionalism, and outstanding care within a remote and rural setting.
The patient expressed complete trust in Morag, describing her as someone who provided not only exceptional clinical care but also unwavering emotional support at some of the most significant moments of their life.
This DAISY Award recognises Morag as an outstanding midwife, a powerful advocate for women and families, and a role model for compassionate, values-based care.
Morag’s practice demonstrates how NHS Orkney’s values and corporate priorities come to life through individuals who consistently place people, safety, quality, and kindness at the heart of everything they do. She is wholly deserving of recognition as a DAISY Honouree.