OIC agree hospital financial support

At a special meeting of the OIC full council which met today, councillors rubber-stamped last week’s recommendation that the authority offer financial support to NHS Orkney, as part of the creation of a replacement for the Balfour Hospital.

Last week, in a meeting which was held in private, due to confidential financial details contained within a report, the policy and resources committee recommended that the council is prepared, in principle, to provide funding of up to £1.5 million towards infrastructure costs, once detailed proposals are made and assessed. Those recommendations were supported by councillors today.

NHS Orkney is currently considering three sites for the hospital, at Corse West, Grainbank and Scapa.

The funding has been earmarked for infrastructure work costs, such as roads and drainage, incurred when a site is finally selected for the hospital.

Speaking after the meeting, OIC Convener Steven Heddle said: “We hope that the decision will assist in the progress of the hospital project. It gives NHS Orkney clarity about what assistance can be possible for the enabling works in relation to the hospital.”

He added: “It is clear that it is the council’s intent is not to displace any funds which should be coming from the Scottish Government in terms of the project, but to augment them, so that we get the best possible hospital and health facilities for Orkney in the future.”