Real Life Story: Kirsti Jones – Advanced Health Protection Nurse Specialist
For Kirsti, moving to Orkney was about family, opportunity, and quality of life. “We had family here already, and when both my husband and I were looking for a change, Orkney was one of the few places in Scotland with relevant vacancies. We wanted somewhere that offered a good way of life and plenty of opportunities for our three kids.”
Relocating from the central belt, Kirsti already knew what to expect: “We’d visited at all times of year, so we knew what we were coming to, and we were excited to contribute professionally and personally to the community.”
Life in Orkney has exceeded expectations: “I love being part of the community. I’m far more involved here than I ever was down south: drama, choirs, church groups. There’s so much to do, even in winter, which really helps people through the long, dark months. And professionally, working in Public Health means I can make a real difference locally.”
Kirsti’s career has been varied and rewarding. After years in Orthopaedics, Renal, Transplant, Critical Care, and clinical research, she moved back into ward nursing at The Balfour, then joined the Infection Prevention Team during the pandemic. Later, she stepped into Public Health and now works as an Advanced Health Protection Nurse Specialist. She also chairs the Nursing and Midwifery Advisory Committee for NHS Orkney and serves as Deputy Chair of the Scottish Health Protection Nurses Network, advocating for remote and rural health boards at a national level.
“NHS Orkney is full of people who care deeply about making our community better. We’re all here because we care.”
Her proudest experience? Working through the pandemic: “Seeing the whole community support each other during such a difficult time really showed us we’d made the right decision to move.”