Join the NHS in a beautiful, family-oriented corner of Scotland: “It’s the connection… with colleagues that keeps me going.”

Off By Ed Hanna

Sue Petrie was no stranger to the Armed Forces when she joined the NHS. Her family traveled around before settling back in Moray – located between Inverness and Aberdeen in Scotland.

Sue started out as a part-time catering assistant, went on to qualify as a maternity care assistant at Dr Gray’s Hospital in Elgin – Moray’s largest town – and now uses her maternity skills out in the community.

She explained: “You meet colleagues that end up being life-long friends. If you’re travelling for work, you get to see the wonderful countryside we have up here. My advice to anyone who is considering a career in healthcare is to give it a shot, it can be a very fulfilling job with plenty of opportunities.”

Ongoing investment
A strategic plan for Dr Gray’s Hospital is in development, with ongoing investment planned as part of NHS

Grampian’s wider plan for the future. Patients received a welcome boost recently when a £1.5 million upgrade of the hospital’s general medical and acute care of the elderly wards were completed. Further work will continue to maintain and upgrade what is a hugely impressive building.

The hospital was designed in the 1800s and features a large classical block with giant columns, a drum tower and dome. Significant redevelopment of the hospital took place in the 1990s and further work has been ongoing since.

International research
Two of Dr Gray’s Hospital’s orthopaedic surgeons recently received international recognition for their work in improving scaphoid fracture diagnosis through digital tomosynthesis, an x-ray technique. Consultant in trauma and orthopaedics, Juan de Dios Robinson, and trainee, Joaquim Goffin, were both honoured by the European Federation of National Associations of Orthopaedics and Traumatology. Mr Robinson said: “I am excited to demonstrate success in research is possible for our trainees at Dr Gray’s. I would like to thank my colleagues for all their help and assistance.”

The hospital’s general manager, Alasdair Pattinson commented: “This excellent work will benefit our patients and reflects the excellent level of work and research going on here in Moray.”

The best part is the people
Senior charge midwife, Tracy Stronach, welcomed her fourth grandchild in August, taking time out from her 22-year long career at the hospital to be her daughter’s birthing partner. Thrilled to be a granny once again, she said: “Living in the local area means we are often lucky enough to see these lovely babies growing up.”

Tracy began her career in healthcare as an auxiliary nurse. Working alongside midwives inspired her to undertake further training. She qualified in 2009 and was promoted in 2016. She added: “It’s the connection with women as well as colleagues, that keeps me going. I love midwifery and I love the team here, as everyone is so supportive.”