Balfour theatre set to reopen after flood

NHS Orkney say that the operating theatre in the Balfour Hospital, which has been out of action for almost three weeks due serious flooding, is now set to be reopened.

Speaking on Monday, NHS Orkney chief executive Cathie Cowan said: “I chaired the last meeting of the incident management team and today we assured ourselves that all key actions had been implemented, or are being progressed to support the re-establishment of our local theatre services.

“After 18 days without a fully functional theatre service we are now in the process to reschedule those patients whose procedures were cancelled.”

She said that from today, Tuesday, the theatre will operate all day on a phased return basis.

She added: “My thanks to my staff and the people of Orkney for their patience and support during this difficult period.”