Britain’s most remote inhabited isle, with a population of around 60, is again looking for a new nurse after failing to find one the first time round.
The job on Fair Isle in Shetland was first advertised in April and attracted 41 applicants and interest from as far away as the USA, Canada, New Zealand, Chile, South Africa, Brazil, Romania, the Philippines as well as the UK.
But no suitable candidate was found and now the vacancy to replace former nurse Elena Mera-Long – who spent nine years in the job before leaving to join her husband at a cancer treatment centre in Romania – has been re-advertised by NHS Shetland.
Fair Isle, 24 miles from the Shetland mainland, is a popular spot for bird watchers, with around 10,000 puffins, and is home to more than 1,000 sheep.
But with long, hard winters and months of darkness, the job definitely will not be for everyone.
The advert says: "Working on a non-doctor island as the sole resident provider of healthcare brings many challenges and opportunities.
“You will be responsible for the first response to all healthcare needs for the population undertaking regular health checks and screening, provision of health education as well as providing a clinical service for those with acute or chronic health needs.
“You will also be expected to provide an emergency response to all accidents or emergencies on the island. There is an on-call commitment to provide emergency cover in the out of hours period."
Although just a regular job is being advertised, Ms Mera-Long was also the church organist, led the Christmas choir, taught music and helped to knit and spin wool for the islanders.
The new nurse would earn between £26,830 and £35,933 for a 37.5 hour week, depending on experience.
There is also relocation assistance of up to £8,000 plus a distant island allowance of £1,738 per year.
The closing date for applications is September 25.
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