A £60million new hospital for Orkney has been given the green light by the Scottish Government.
The project is the biggest in NHS Orkney’s history and will replace Kirkwall’s Balfour Hospital as well as integrating other health care facilities.
The new hospital is expcted to lessen the dependence on sending patients from the islands to the Scottish mainland for treatment.
NHS Orkney confirmed that the Scottish Government had approved their business case for the new hospital and healthcare facility.
Cathie Cowan, chief executive of NHS Orkney, said “This is a significant day for NHS Orkney. The investment by the Scottish Government further enables us to transform the care and services that we deliver.
“This new facility is a key part of our ambitious programme to transform care and services, which to date has seen investment in primary and community care, the establishment of a small high dependency unit, a consultant led staffing model and a CT scanner to support service repatriation.”
Ms Cowan added “My staff are simply amazing, their camaraderie and can do attitude is hugely appreciated.”
The new building, which will be established in the outksirts of Kirkwall, will include the relocated Skerryvore and Heilendi GP practices, as well as King Street dental services.
The health board have previously awarded a contract for the delivery of the new build to Robertson Capital Projects, who will manage the design, construction and maintenance of the facility.
Scottish Government health secretary Shona Robison said: “I am delighted that the full business case for the new Hospital and Healthcare facility has been approved.
“This more than £60million project will provide a significant boost to the local economy during the construction phase, and once complete the hospital and healthcare facility will transform the way services are provided on the islands’.
“These purpose-built, state-of-the-art facilities will enable more services to be provided at the hospital, ensuring some of our most remote communities don’t have to travel as far for routine care.”
