THINK WESTERN ISLES: THINK WELLBEING – Dementia and Frailty Lead Nurse opportunity!

NHS Western Isles is currently recruiting for an individual keen to make a real difference in dementia and frailty care, while enjoying an exceptional quality of life in one of Scotland’s most beautiful locations.

We are seeking a Dementia and Frailty Lead Nurse at Band 8a (£62,681 – £67,665), to provide expert clinical leadership and drive service improvements across the Western Isles. This is a unique opportunity to combine professional challenge with the unrivalled lifestyle benefits of living in the Western Isles. The Board is offering up to £8,000 relocation expenses for this post as well as distant islands allowance of £1,406 per year.

The Dementia and Frailty Lead Nurse will provide strategic direction, support service improvements and act as an expert clinician to support the decision making of a range of other health and care professionals.

This is an exciting opportunity to lead on and support other health care staff and allied care agencies to transform dementia care, supporting the implementation of frailty pathways and working with people with dementia. The aim will be to improve the outcomes and experience for older adults with frailty and dementia as well as their carers.

NHS Western Isles Associate Director of Clinical Services and Deputy Director of Nursing & Allied Health Professionals, Adam MacDonald, said: “This is more than a job – it’s an opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of patients, while enjoying an outstanding quality of life. We would encourage anyone with an interest in driving service improvements to apply.”

The quality of life in the Western Isles, particularly for those with families, is outstanding: a safe space to bring up children, stress-free commutes with jaw-dropping views, and the opportunity to stroll along our pristine beaches or explore our dramatic scenery on your days off.

Whilst the stunning landscapes and famous sparkling beaches are undoubtedly strong selling points, NHS Western Isles wants to take a step back from the tourist draws and promote the Western Isles as an incredible place to live and work, not just to visit.

The Western Isles also has excellent sports facilities, with sports centres across the islands, and an enviable local authority membership scheme for residents. Stornoway boasts a state-of-the-art sports facility with a fully equipped gym, spa, dance studio, climbing wall and swimming pool; whilst the smaller facility in the North-West of Lewis in Ness also offers the additional features of a ten-pin bowling facility and soft play area for kids.  

Community spirit is at the heart of the Western Isles. It is close-knit and welcoming; residents are proud of the place where they live and are keen to support young and old. The islands have a strong cultural identity stemming from their distinctive history.

The Dementia and Frailty Lead Nurse post closes on December 1, 2025.

For further information about the role, please contact: Adam MacDonald on adam.macdonald@nhs.scot or Tel: 01851 481811 (Ext: 810853).

All our current vacancies can be found on the NHS Western Isles website at www.wihb.scot.nhs.uk/vacancies/