Celebrating Community Spirit – Name the Wards Competition Winner Announced

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We are thrilled to announce Ola Bain of Primary 6 at Stromness Primary School, as the winner of our recent competition to rename our two inpatient wards.

Ola’s imaginative and meaningful suggestions stood out for the judging panel which consisted of staff and patients. Hundreds of entries were submitted from schools and children all over Orkney and we’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who took their time and sent in a suggestion.

Our inpatient wards will now be named:

  • Eir Acute Ward (formerly IP1) – pronounced ‘Ayr’ – named after Eir, the Norse goddess of healing, protection and medical skill
  • Hlin Assessment and Rehabilitation Ward (formerly IP2) – pronounced ‘H-leen’ – named after Hlin the Norse goddess of comfort, protection and peace

These two names reflect both Orkney’s rich Norse heritage and the compassionate care provided by each member of staff every day.  

Georgie Green, Clinical Education Facilitator at NHS Orkney said: “These new names are a powerful symbol of the connection between our community’s past and the future of healthcare in Orkney. It was really special to be able to attend a variety of schools and showcase the health and care careers available to them and hear their fun name suggestions for our wards.”

Ola was invited to The Balfour yesterday for a tour, to meet some staff members and to receive her prizes! Ola received a voucher for the brand new Lanes Bowling Alley and Arcade kindly donated by the team at Garden Square. As well as money towards new gym equipment for Ola’s school as we continue to celebrate the Island Games and encourage the younger generation to get involved with sports and keep active. Ola even met her name twin, Ola the Orca, Island Games mascot!

(Pictured from left to right – Catriona Carse, Ola Bain, Ola the Orca, Fiona McGuigan, Paul Casey and Megan Hutchinson)