Real Life Story: Kelly Laing-Herridge – Infection Prevention and Control Nurse
Kelly moved to Orkney for a new professional challenge and a better place to raise her family.
“I’d visited a friend here on holiday and fell in love with the peaceful lifestyle,” she says. “The stunning scenery, friendly residents, and safe environment for the kids were a huge pull.”
Relocating from the mainland, Kelly found exactly what she was looking for: “Life here is more relaxed, and the children thrive. They love the space, the sports on offer, and even spotted Orca once, which was amazing!”
Professionally, Kelly started in Theatres and Day Unit before making a bold move in 2021: “I left the comfort of a field I knew well and joined the Infection Prevention Team in the midst of a pandemic.” Since then, she’s achieved her nursing diploma top-up to degree and is completing her Infection Prevention diploma this December.
“This role has allowed me to develop new skills, lead change, support teams, and improve patient outcomes through education and innovation. For me, working for NHS Orkney is more than a job, it’s a chance to make a difference to the local community.”