Health / Vacancy opens for one of the UK’s most remote nursing jobs
A RARE opportunity has come up for someone to work in Fair Isle as the community’s nurse.
NHS Shetland is looking for a district nurse/nurse practitioner for the island, which has a population of around 60.
It is a full-time post, with a basic salary topped up with a distant island allowance and a possible relocation package of up to £8,000.
NHS Shetland said it was a “unique opportunity to become a truly integral part of a forward-thinking, determined, resilient and hardworking remote island community”.
The postholder may also be expected to provide personal care for residents, as required, in the absence of social care provision on the island.
The job advert also says the successful candidate will provide a nursing service both for the island community and the “many visitors that are drawn to the isle over the long summer months of seemingly endless days, whether for work, bird watching or tourism”.
There is a small clinic in the centre of the island, and a car is available.
There is also a two-bedroomed traditional stone built house available in Fair Isle for the successful candidate to rent.
Fair Isle is located between mainland Shetland and Orkney, and it is accessible via ferry and a plane.
The island received a major boost earlier this when the new bird observatory opened. The previous building was destroyed in a fire in 2019.
There is also a new ferry set to come into service in 2026.
Local resident Eileen Thomson said the nursing role is an integral part of life on the island.
“As you can imagine in a remote isle like Fair Isle and any of the other outer isles in Shetland, the nurse plays a vital role in looking after the whole community,” she said.
“We look forward to welcoming the new nurse into the community at this exciting time with the Bird Observatory being open once more and our new ferry coming next year.”
The closing date for applications for the nursing job is 31 August.
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