By Nick Morrison

On Wednesday 15th of May the Orkney News team of Nick Morrison and Martin Laird got a look around the new Balfour Hospital in Kirkwall.

Here’s Nick’s first impressions – a full report will follow.

Yes it was that warm and sunny the day!

Play area for peedie folk

Play area for peedie folk.

play area

Each area of the hospital is colour coded to ease navigation as is Aberdeen hospital.

Special meals preparation area. For people with allergies for example.

Main kitchen.

Internal doors have adjustable blinds so they can be set for privacy/observation.

Internal doors have adjustable blinds so they can be set for privacy/observation.

Each office member of staff will get one these lockable work boxes with a mail slot for incoming post/documents.

Each office member of staff will get one these lockable work boxes with a mail slot for incoming post/documents.

Chairs with plain wooden legs in order to not damage the floor.

These are the next generation of “bar codes”. These are being used by Robertson’s for “snagging”

Surgeons console.

Anaesthetists console.

Balcony for the use of The Macmillan patients.

Internal “quadrangle” a planned safe area for patients to enjoy fresh air et al.

A lot of effort is going into preserving the floor in this late stage of construction.

Hope these plants get some water soon , some are looking a wee bit withered.

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As you can see the hospital is still a construction site but already you can appreciated the thought and high standard of workmanship that has gone into its design – including taking on board the views of staff and patients.

This is a quick snapshot – more to follow