“The Falklands is a place that stays with you”

From friendly faces and unforgettable wildlife to rewarding professional experiences, Pharmacy Technician Katie shares what it was like living and working in the Falkland Islands.

When Katie accepted a placement in the Falkland Islands, she knew she was heading somewhere unique. From the warmth of the local community to the experience of working in a remote healthcare setting, her time in the Falklands proved to be both rewarding and unforgettable.

What was your first impression of the Falkland Islands?

The Falklands is a place that stays with you. Yes, the penguins are every bit amazing as you imagine they’d be, and the scenery is stunning, but what really makes the Falklands special are the people. From the moment I arrived, everyone was warm, welcoming, and genuinely kind.

One morning I passed someone on the walk to work, and by the afternoon she was giving me a lift home – she later became a very good friend. The sense of community is everywhere.

What was it like working as a Pharmacy Technician in such a remote location?

Work as a pharmacy technician was familiar in many ways, but the remoteness of the islands brings its own unique challenges.

Stock management requires a completely different mindset. In the UK you can rely on daily deliveries, but in the Falklands you must quickly learn to plan ahead and be flexible. Medication deliveries are sometimes done by plane, including refrigerated medications, so you adapt quickly to ensure everything reaches the right place in the right condition.

Did living on the islands require any adjustments?

Absolutely. The same applies to everyday life – even your normal food shop requires adaptability and resourcefulness. You become more aware, more thoughtful, and more flexible in how you approach everything.

How easy was it to settle into life and work in the Falklands?

Despite these differences, settling into both the hospital and island life was easy because everyone was so supportive and used to people coming and going. People were very friendly, adaptable and always willing to help.

How did Dedicare support you throughout the process?

The support I received from Dedicare throughout the entire process was exceptional. My recruitment consultant guided me through every step, and even though things moved quickly, it never felt overwhelming.

I had a dedicated contact for my travel days, which was reassuring, and once I arrived, I had someone on the ground who checked in when needed and was always just a phone call or message away. She even took the time to come and see me and share local hints and tips.

Would you do it again?

100% yes. The experience I had in the Falklands – both professionally and personally – was incredible, and the support from Dedicare made the whole journey feel smooth and reassuring. Because of that, I’d feel more than confident taking on another placement with them, pretty much anywhere in the world.

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