Northern Ireland: World’s remotest inhabited island is in need of an alcohol counselor and it has been targeted Northern Ireland, which locates 10,227 miles away, in its recruitment drive. The remote Island with only 270 residents is the Tristan da Cunha in the south Atlantic Ocean. Out of the 270 residents, 32 of them are children. As per the Baily News report, the intake of alcohol is very high in this very remote residential Island. £16,000 has been found required for the help and advice for these residents for six months. The job ad was placed on line by Northern Ireland Co-operation Overseas with NICVA, who wanted the post to be filled by September. GP Dr Gerard Bulger is the only qualified medic on the island in the south Atlantic which is used mostly for sheep farming. High alcohol intake is common on the island and the same has to be imported with other goods. According to the doctor asthma is the common ailment seen in the Island (42% ). Other common ailments prevalent in this area are diabetes and obesity, and these ailments are observed in aggravated conditions because of the high alcohol intake. Despite all this, the community is fit. Everyone goes out to their vegetable patches. A person’s day can start there, then go on to the fish factory, then back. There is true community care here. Everyone is employed. “There are three bed-bound patients being cared for at home. No ripple mattresses and no bed sores. The ducks and chickens need to be fed,

the calling home can be tricky. “It seems that I am the first GP here, or certainly the first UK GP here for a long while. The surgical and anesthetic sides have taken precedence in the job description. The island’s new counselor should have a professional qualification with at least 10 years experience plus experience of working with clients of alcohol abuse/dependence related issues essential. Overseas experience in such a remote location desirable but not essential. The job will cover a duration of six month although an initial shorter visit of six to eight weeks followed up by an involvement visit later may be considered if a move to Tristan is not possible. The salary is £24-32K per annum dependent upon the experience and qualifications. Remuneration package also includes free accommodation and travel to and from the island. The Internet is getting a little better here, and Skype works, doctors could now be supported by specialists back in Cape Town or in the UK when an emergency arises.   Video on the remotest Island in the world