“I wasn't interested in anything nine to five.

“We see patients with an enormous range of different injuries and conditions. For example, we do a lot of accident and emergency work, often the result of road accidents, and a lot of sports injuries: rugby and riding are very popular in this area. Then there are the elderly people with hip fractures. We also see people from outpatient clinics, including those who are having investigations for digestive or urinary tract problems.

“I chose to work in diagnostics because, although I wanted to work with people, I am very interested in the technical side of radiography. Also, I think I would have found the long-term involvement with patients and the support element of therapeutic work quite demanding. In diagnostics, different people are coming in and out all the time, and I find this easier. It depends on what kind of person you are.

'What I like most about my job is the independence it gives you, particularly when you are working at night. You are in charge, setting your own pace and making your own decisions.”

“Radiography offers you plenty of opportunities to specialise. You can choose to move into treatment planning if you are more interested in the mathematical side, or you can stay within treatment itself if you prefer working with the patients.

“There are also plenty of new areas opening up and the chance to extend your role. I’m now carrying out treatment reviews on behalf of the consultants and prescribing drugs.”