This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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NHS Orkney annual review
31/07/2006
Health Minister Andy Kerr officially opened the new Renal Unit at Balfour Hospital in Kirkwall today before chairing the NHS Orkney Annual Review.
Mr Kerr said:
"I am delighted to visit this brand new Renal Unit that has been delivered for the benefit of Orkney patients.
"This new centre provides local patients with on-site dialysis where previously some patients had to be treated on the mainland through NHS Grampian.
"I am also pleased to see the new Unit is making good use of telemedicine with a dedicated link to the Aberdeen Unit, which allows patients and staff to discuss issues with the consultant and his team without having the inconvenience of travelling.
"Everyone involved in the project should be very proud of this new service which offers comfortable surroundings for patients and their families as well as a pleasant working environment for staff.
"It is great to see the principles of safe, high quality services being delivered here as locally as possible. These are precisely the ideals at the heart of Delivering for Health, and I am pleased that the Board is delivering new and improved services, as well as planning for the future needs of people living in Orkney."
Commenting on the NHS Orkney Annual Review, Mr Kerr said:
"But as well as highlighting success, and giving credit where credit is due, I also want to use these Annual Reviews to scrutinise local performance, challenge where necessary and drive forward further improvement.
"I believe that NHS Orkney can build on its previous success and further improve services and reduce waiting times for patients in their area.
"I want to see an NHS which is better, quicker, closer and safer. These reviews will help us deliver that."