Aloha Hebrides? No thanks, as doctor from Hawaii turns down job

Published on Tuesday 26 May 2009 22:02

AS JOB interviews go, it was some trek. But a travel-loving, scuba-diving doctor who was offered the job of running nursing operations in the Western Isles has turned down the post after making a return journey of more than 13,000 miles from her home in Hawaii.

Dr Heather Herdman was offered the job as nurse director/chief operating officer last month, and was among three proposed appointments.

But Dr Herdman, who is currently working with Hoana Medical Incorporated in Hawaii, will not be swapping lifestyles and jobs. She had been paid expenses by the board within the UK to attend the interview – but not for international travel to the country.

A spokeswoman for NHS Western Isles confirmed that Dr Herdman would not now be joining. "In line with NHS policy, the board pays interview expenses from port of entry into the UK," she said.

Dr Herdman lists her interests as travel, scuba diving, writing, learning about different cultures and spiritual beliefs.

The highly religious Western Isles' only comparison with the American state is that they are both surfing meccas – though the Outer Hebrides would not claim to match Hawaii's giant surf, or sunshine.

Dr Herdman has also helped pioneer a hi-tech bed that monitors patients through sensors.