Oh yes, of course. I must have forgotten that we're talking about the NHS here, not the Real World. Sorry.

And naturally we must assume that the returning wayfarer was by far the best man for the (his) job. To suggest otherwise would be churlish (and that would never do). And no doubt the temporary guy was well chuffed about it all, as well.

Well they do have hospitals down there in Oz Geoff so I can't why he shouldn't be. If anything he probably got the chance to work on yet more kit.

As for the temporary guy he had exactly the same problem as mentioned above, couldn't get a mortgage on a temporary contract. Left for a permanent post at a better grade at another Trust.

Perhaps 3 years ago I gave 6 months employment to a backpacking Irish biomed who happened to see our company name and gave me a ring (nothing what so ever to do with me being from Ireland I should add, no favorites 'round 'ere you know). He was on a one year release from his job in Dublin. Last I heard he was still on the road (somewhere in South America) and his position was still held for him. This was about a year ago so I think he was still travelling after at least 2 years.
Nice work if you can get it!

Where's my backpack?

Oh, there it is ... I'll be ready in a couple of hours, then, Dave.

No worries Geoff. Happy to work for bugger all while living in a ditch are you, aka, the backpacker life style (or is that a reasonable summary of your current status?)

(further banter will have to wait for tomorrow 'cos.... I'm done in,...... night all)

Sounds like you've sussed me out then, Dave (either that, or I've been rumbled, bubbled ... whatever).

After all, I have been known to kip down in the workshop, car, cow-shed, on a hospital bed at the back of a quiet ward - and yes (once only) on an x-ray table ... wherever.

"Happy to work for bugger all" ... well, not happy especially, but I have been known to (when the cause was appealing).

But I must admit that when you mentioned "6 months employment" I took that to mean that you actually paid the guy!

Noticed in a news report today:-


Not to mention reading (instructions) and writing (patient's notes etc.) of course. Now I'm wondering if similar "rules" will apply to biomeds once we have our own "watchdog".

But wait, there's more Good News:-


You couldn't make it up, could you?