From City Surgery to Island Life: “Our quality of work-life balance has never been better”

Ever thought about what life could look like beyond the hospital walls and city streets? After years as a Consultant General Surgeon in urban England, Mr. Bliss set out in search of something different — something slower, wilder, and more balanced. A short trip to the Isle of Lewis became the start of a whole new chapter. In this interview, he shares what it’s really like to swap city life for surgical work in the Outer Hebrides.

What inspired your move to take the leap?

After a long career as a Consultant Surgeon in a city centre hospital in England, I decided to change paths after one of our newly qualified surgeons spent a few months in Stornoway in the Outer Hebrides before undertaking a fellowship in Australia.

What were your first impressions of Stornoway and the Outer Hebrides?

I came out for a two week spell to “try before buying” and was taken with the beauty of the islands and the friendliness of the Lewisians.

What led you to take on this new challenge?

I decided to take the plunge of a new challenge in surgery in the broadest sense but wanted to come with wife and dogs, before planning retirement.

How did Dedicare support you in this transition?

When I discussed this with Charlotte, from Dedicare, she was incredibly supportive and helpful and it was touching to feel valued after years working in a large department. She organised accommodation and travel for us along with being pestered with numerous trivial questions which she patiently answered without any outward show of frustration or annoyance with me.

What has your experience been like with Dedicare overall?

As an organisation generally, I have found Dedicare very supportive and also provide the infrastructure to allow compliance of NHS and GMC requirements such as appraisal and revalidation to allow continued working.

How did Charlotte accommodate your preferences for work-life balance?

Charlotte was very understanding of my wishes – to continue to do some work, but not a full time pace – and has worked around my plans to have regular 2-3 weeks off the island hence the need to work through Dedicare rather than directly employed by the Health Board.

What does your current work schedule look like?

The post here consists of alternate weeks on call and elective working, all of which is generally light but can be difficult and challenging with something outside the comfort zone in the middle of a Hebridean storm when transport links are all down – making life interesting.

How would you describe your time working in Stornoway so far?

I have worked off and on in Stornoway for 18 months and thoroughly enjoyed the experience of a very broad practice but with support from local centres.

And life outside of work – how is it living on the island?

The island and wildlife is beautiful and we live on a croft with sheep and stunning views across a large sea loch. Our quality of life and work-life balance has never been better (and I have not been fitter for years).

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