OHAL working with NHS Orkney

21-3-2019 12:24

Supporting the provision of essential services.

A medical student was amongst the first people to move into a new housing project completed in Kirkwall at the end of 2018, demonstrating a positive collaboration between NHS Orkney and Orkney Housing Association.

Craig Spence, Chief Executive of OHAL explained “In 2018, we completed another 30 new homes in Orkney, and are pleased to have been able to use a small number of these to support one of our key partners in the community, NHS Orkney. This builds on existing housing partnerships we already have in place with Orkney Islands Council, Women’s Aid, the Red Cross and the Marengo Centre.”

Speaking about the partnership approach, Craig added “Housing and good quality healthcare are two of the fundamental things that people in our community need in order to live long and healthy lives. By working together, we can use our joint influence and resources to ensure that the housing and healthcare services we deliver meet the needs of Orkney in the long-term. We will use the income from this project to provide even more affordable housing in Orkney.”

Gerry O’Brien, Chief Executive NHS Orkney, explained “This is an important year for NHS Orkney, with the opening of our new hospital and healthcare facilities. By offering accommodation to attract and retain the staff of the future, we will be able to ensure we deliver high quality healthcare in Orkney long into the future.” He added, “These new flats are spacious, warm and modern and our first resident – a medical student – has said that they are well built and very convenient for the hospital.”