Hospital Services
About the Hospital
The Balfour is situated near the centre of Kirkwall. It is a small rural general hospital with 48 beds.
Wards
Visiting Times
Our visiting times are open and we ask visitors to respect meal times and busy ward round times which generally occur in the mornings. We know there are occasions when people want to visit outside hospital opening hours, please speak to the nurse in charge if you need to visit at other times to arrange suitable access.
Surgical Services
Consultant surgeons from a range of specialities provide surgical services to the islands, in conjunction with consultant anaesthetists.
Departments
As well as Inpatient Units, Day Unit, Emergency Department (ED) and Maternity, The Balfour has both a Physiotherapy Department and a Occupational Therapy Department, together with Outpatients Departments, Audiology, Radiography (X-Ray) a Pharmacy, the Laboratory, Medical Records, and a Central Decontamination Unit.
Patients requiring specialist treatment may be transferred to the Scottish mainland, usually Aberdeen.
Outpatient Specialist Clinics
Specialist Outpatients clinics are provided by a dedicated team of visiting consultants who visit the islands at regular intervals.
Day cases in ophthalmology, orthodontics, gynaecology and Ear, Nose and Throat are carried out locally, saving the patient a trip to Inverness or Aberdeen.
Other Facilities
The Balfour has its own kitchen and laundry. There is a sanctuary and a sensory garden.
The Balfour restaurant is open to patients and visitors and you will find a range of food and snacks to buy. There is also a soft seating area should you wish to use it.
Opening Times:
- Monday to Friday 8.30am – 11am and 12pm – 3pm
- Saturday/Sunday/Bank Holidays 9.30am – 11am and 12.00pm – 1.30pm
Vending machines are also available outside these opening times with a range of food and drink.
