Real Life Story: Sara Lyon – Reporting Radiographer and General Lead
For Sarah, coming back to Orkney was about more than a job, it was about home. After leaving at 18 to study and spending 10 years working in busy city hospitals in Glasgow and even in Melbourne, Australia, she returned to the islands to start a family.
“Although I didn’t relocate for a role, I knew Orkney was where I wanted my family to grow up,” Sarah says. “The work/life balance here is second to none. There’s a real community spirit, and people look out for each other. It’s a safe place for children, and the opportunities for them are fantastic.”
One day stands out for Sarah: “My husband had a day off, and I was starting work at lunchtime. After dropping the kids at school, we took the paddle boards out and explored a local bay. I remember thinking, there’s no way I could do this and still be at work by lunchtime if we lived in Glasgow. I felt so lucky.”
Since joining NHS Orkney, Sarah has achieved something incredible – successfully completing her PgCert in Reporting while raising a young family and becoming NHS Orkney’s first plain film Reporting Radiographer.
“Orkney is my home, and I want to provide the best service I can for my community. I love having time with patients and being part of their journey. Working alongside local doctors, nurses, and therapists, we all pull together to give the best care possible.”