Councillors back St Rognvald’s upgrade

OIC councillors have given their backing to extending and modernising the St Rognvald House care home in Kirkwall, rather than building a previously mooted new facility, in partnership with NHS Orkney, as part of an integrated care campus in the town.

At a meeting this morning, members of the policy and resources committee approved the recommendation to upgrade the council-run care home at an estimated cost of £5.6 million.

According to a report before councillors, building a new home as part of a hospital and care facility would cost in the region of £12.9 million.

If the committee’s recommendation is ratified by the full council, OIC officials plan to hold a public consultation on the decision.