NHS Orkney has formally confirmed that the Balfour name will be retained for the new facility. This result reflects the impact of our collective input during the consultation process. I will continue to monitor the transition phase to ensure this commitment is fully honored.
September 5, 2017
Final supporters
Do people realise that NHS Orkney are looking to give the new hospital a different name? They are running a stall at the County Show which showcases the new build and are - in very small print - inviting visitors to "suggest a name for the new hospital and healthcare facility"!
The name Balfour Hospital survived the move in 1926 from where it was originally founded in what is now the West End Hotel to the present day site. It has I believe become more than just the name for the building - it is the name of the institution at the centre of Orkney healthcare and to Orkney "The Balfour" is where we go when we are injured or ill.
As a member of the public I feel very strongly that to throw this name away without at least advertising the fact and allowing the ordinary people of Orkney to have their say would be very unfortunate, I think anyone who feels that the name of The Balfour Hospital should be kept needs to let their feelings be known now before we lose it.
Sign the petition here or at Jude's Fabric and Joke Shop in the Anchor Buildings on Bridge Street. Alternatively you could contact NHS Orkney directly or if you are at the County Show on Saturday, pop up to the NHS Stall and insert Balfour Hospital into the suggestion box.
Updates
August 10, 2017
The petition has reached 500 signatures. I am compiling these names into a formal letter to be delivered to the NHS Orkney board next week.
Reached 500 supporters
August 9, 2017
Reached 100 supporters
August 8, 2017
278 Comments
Having read the history of the Balfour, it is inconceivable that its successor can have any other name. No one on Orkney has done more for the healthcare of Orcadians than James Balfour. Too often history is cast aside for bland, generic titles.
Over the years the Balfour has gained a tremendous reputation in all aspects of heath care. Much of this has been down to the dedication of the staff. I believe they will feel like starting again if you change the name. The decision should lie with the staff not the senior management and certainly not the council.
I was born in the Balfour to Meg and Eddie Fiddler, Schoolhouse, Deerness. All Orcadians refer to the hospital as The Balfour so if it is wrongly given a different name, locals will still call it The Balfour.
The Balfour has a long and proud history in Orkney, and is a name that conjures excellence. I also have a personal link to it, thanks to my father's association with the Balfour as its surgeon, from 1963-78. So, in my view the name should stay.
Surely it make sense to keep the same name imagine the added confusion when going to Aberdeen or phoning nhs 24 on top off that the added expense of changing the name surely the money it better spent on equipment and patients
Nice to see my family name in use.
If it aint broke ,dont mend it
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NHS Orkney has formally confirmed that the Balfour name will be retained for the new facility. This result reflects the impact of our collective input during the consultation process. I will continue to monitor the transition phase to ensure this commitment is fully honored.
September 5, 2017
Final supporters
Do people realise that NHS Orkney are looking to give the new hospital a different name? They are running a stall at the County Show which showcases the new build and are - in very small print - inviting visitors to "suggest a name for the new hospital and healthcare facility"!
The name Balfour Hospital survived the move in 1926 from where it was originally founded in what is now the West End Hotel to the present day site. It has I believe become more than just the name for the building - it is the name of the institution at the centre of Orkney healthcare and to Orkney "The Balfour" is where we go when we are injured or ill.
As a member of the public I feel very strongly that to throw this name away without at least advertising the fact and allowing the ordinary people of Orkney to have their say would be very unfortunate, I think anyone who feels that the name of The Balfour Hospital should be kept needs to let their feelings be known now before we lose it.
Sign the petition here or at Jude's Fabric and Joke Shop in the Anchor Buildings on Bridge Street. Alternatively you could contact NHS Orkney directly or if you are at the County Show on Saturday, pop up to the NHS Stall and insert Balfour Hospital into the suggestion box.
Updates
August 10, 2017
The petition has reached 500 signatures. I am compiling these names into a formal letter to be delivered to the NHS Orkney board next week.
Reached 500 supporters
August 9, 2017
Reached 100 supporters
August 8, 2017
278 Comments
As the daughter of a former east bank nurse I strongly feel changing the name of the balfour, would be a right slap in the face to the community of Orkney.
Having read the history of the Balfour, it is inconceivable that its successor can have any other name. No one on Orkney has done more for the healthcare of Orcadians than James Balfour. Too often history is cast aside for bland, generic titles.
Over the years the Balfour has gained a tremendous reputation in all aspects of heath care. Much of this has been down to the dedication of the staff. I believe they will feel like starting again if you change the name. The decision should lie with the staff not the senior management and certainly not the council.
I was born in the Balfour to Meg and Eddie Fiddler, Schoolhouse, Deerness. All Orcadians refer to the hospital as The Balfour so if it is wrongly given a different name, locals will still call it The Balfour.
The Balfour has a long and proud history in Orkney, and is a name that conjures excellence. I also have a personal link to it, thanks to my father's association with the Balfour as its surgeon, from 1963-78. So, in my view the name should stay.
Surely it make sense to keep the same name imagine the added confusion when going to Aberdeen or phoning nhs 24 on top off that the added expense of changing the name surely the money it better spent on equipment and patients
Nice to see my family name in use.
If it aint broke ,dont mend it
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As the daughter of a former east bank nurse I strongly feel changing the name of the balfour, would be a right slap in the face to the community of Orkney.