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
- Inpatient Unit 1 (previously Acute Ward)
- Emergency Department
- Maternity Unit
- Inpatient Unit 2 (previously Assessment and Rehabilitation Ward)
- Macmillan
- Day Surgery Unit
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
Three consultant surgeons provide general surgical services to the islands, in conjunction with three consultant anaesthetists, and provide planned and emergency care.
Departments
The Hospital 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 are 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 - usually once every two or three months.
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 and children's play area should you wish to use it.
Opening Times:
- Monday to Friday 8.30am – 11.15am 12.00pm – 1.45pm
- Saturday/Sunday/Bank Holidays 9.30am – 11.15am 12.00pm – 1.30pm
A self service tea and coffee machine is also available outside the breakfast and lunch opening times. Our shop is also open from 1100 - 1600 during the week.
