“The rewards are immense and the feeling of freedom is a release you don’t expect”
For Sonographer Borsha, the opportunity to work in the Falkland Islands was an easy decision. Having previously experienced the islands as a visitor, she was eager to return – this time to become part of island life and put her clinical expertise to use in a remote healthcare setting.
Her placement brought plenty of variety, both in and outside the hospital. Alongside the challenges and rewards of her role at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital, Borsha made the most of life in the Falklands – travelling between islands, discovering its remarkable wildlife and even learning how to rescue and resuscitate stranded whales and dolphins.
What was your first impression of the Falkland Islands?
The Falklands is a place of bleak and stunningly beautiful landscapes, where you can experience four seasons in 5minutes. You do have to come well prepared, but the rewards are immense and the feeling of freedom is a release you don’t expect.
The day I arrived it was gorgeous and I couldn’t stop smiling. I think I found the real me, that I didn’t realise I had lost. My colleague Nina took me straight to the beach to see some penguins and baked me a birthday cake! I even made new friends on the plane on the way over from Brize Norton.
From the moment I arrived, everyone was warm, welcoming, and genuinely kind.
What was it like working as a Sonographer at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital?
Work as a Sonographer here can be very wide-ranging, as one moment there could be a very sick patient or major trauma in Emergency that needs your skills quickly and the next you could be using some highly specialised knowledge that you bring to the table with you.
It was similar in many ways, but you do need to be more self sufficient than back in the UK and the remoteness of the islands brings its own unique and geographical challenges. However I loved that and felt part of the whole hospital team, rather than just my department. Understanding how and why processes work for emergency care medical evacuations and having to turn my hand to use some of the Point of Care ultrasound that I normally teach medics, was some of the most rewarding ultrasound that I carried out and everything I did was truly appreciated by the medical staff.
I adored working at KEMH and especially the staff that made me feel at home, including Nina and Dale in Radiology.
Did living on the islands require any adjustments?
Oh yes! I had to walk up a very steep hill home from work and I gained a lot of fitness, and learnt to make yoghurt at home. The same flexible approach applies to everyday life – even your normal food shop requires adaptability, planning and resourcefulness.
Flying around was interesting and I kept a separate very lightweight bag packed specially. Quite a lot of things are available, but more expensive and I found taking a few luxuries with me helped. Essentials include hand cream (which I normally never use), sunscreen, sunglasses, waterproofs and small weighing scales are useful, plus appropriate weatherproof clothing for the season.
One of the really nice things is the number of travellers and temporary workers in the same boat who pass on their tips, experiences and help you out. I was quickly socialising, sharing meals and nights out. The Whats App groups are really helpful for socialising, making new friends and sharing tourist opportunities and the local staff arrange regular nights out.
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 helpful and used to people coming and going. People are very friendly, adaptable and always seem willing to help if you ask. The local knowledge was really helpful when it came to travelling around and I was very lucky to be given plenty of time off to travel around the islands. I had very few empty days as I travelled to many islands and wildlife areas on the mainland.
There is really good information about the wildlife, fauna and flora held with Falklands Conservation and I joined every Facebook group I could find to make sure I knew what to see and how to get there. I became a bit of a frequent flier with FIGAS (Falkland Islands Government Airline Service), getting off a plane at remote Sea-Lion Island, only to meet an old friend getting in the same plane mid airstrip changeover!
How did Dedicare support you throughout the process?
The support I received from Dedicare throughout the entire process was exceptional. My recruitment consultant Nicola Wood was outstanding and guided me through every step, including chasing up any missing information, checking my progress to the airport on a Sunday and practical tips on what to take (including a pillow for the flight) and how to carry it (fruit and cheese are allowed and you will be glad you carried it there).
I had a dedicated contact for my travel days, which was reassuring, and once I arrived, Dedicare had someone on the ground who checked in when needed and was always just a phone call or message away to share local hints and tips, help with timesheets or how to make yoghurt!
Would you do it again?
100% yes. I really do hope I get another opportunity to go back. The experience I had in the Falklands – both professionally and personally was incredible and the support from Dedicare made the whole journey easier than any holiday abroad. They are the best agency I have worked with for feeling supported. I’d feel more than confident taking on another placement with them, pretty much anywhere in the world.
What would you say to another healthcare professional thinking about applying for a role in the Falkland Islands?
I have no regrets – GO FOR IT!
Borsha’s Falklands favourites
- Favourite place on the islands?
Volunteer Point Beach at first light and sunrise – penguins are a bonus. - Favourite place to stay?
Boxwood Pod at Hill Cove with Pete and Shelley – so peaceful. - Best meal you had?
Minute Steak with Garlic Butter and Baked Alaska at The Malvina Hotel - Sunrise or sunset?
Sunrise unless it’s during a storm or snow, then sunset. - Biggest surprise?
Making home made yoghurt every week in the Dedicare yoghurt maker. - Most rewarding scan?
Point of Care Lung ultrasound on a sick baby – I made a difference
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