Graham Paris

Senior Staff Nurse
Fougère Elderly Acute Mental Health Unit

“I’ve never been to Scotland. But thanks to a Scottish grandparent, I got an ancestry visa that allows me to live and work in Europe.”

Originally from New Zealand, Graham came to the island - via a 10-year stint in Australia - after hearing about it from a friend. His background was in acute psychiatry for all ages but, in Guernsey, he has enjoyed specialising in elderly mental health.

The clients here are among the most severely demented, many only able to speak a few words. Their deterioration is such that few can expect to ever be discharged.

“That’s why it’s great that we’ve got Fougère - and two other fantastic new units - so we can make sure these people are as comfortable and well cared-for as possible.”

“Guernsey? I like the outdoor life here and the fact that it’s a bit laid-back like New Zealand. I’ll stick around for a few years yet - partly in the hope of going to the 2007 Rugby World Cup in France!”