A CAFE owner from Ventnor will return to his business after devoting six months to the Isle of Wight's NHS.

Kyle Freemantle has spent half a year working as an Emergency Department assistant at St Mary's Hospital, but will be leaving at the end of the month to resume service at Ventnor's busy seaside cafe, Golden Sands.

Why did you want to work for the NHS?

I really wanted to do something to help during difficult times. I figured being young and fit, if I was unfortunate enough to catch Covid my chances of survival would be (good), so I could afford to take the risk and give something back.

What has it been like working in the Emergency Department?

I love it so much that if it was different time I would look at a possible career change. I left happy every day.

I'm getting upset thinking about leaving, everyone has been so nice and really looked after me and each other. There is no hierarchy feel, everyone mucks in and does there bit, it's real team work.

How different has the role as healthcare assistant been to that of cafe owner?

I’ve only ever worked in kitchens (previously) and now I can now take bloods, do cannulations, ECGs and catheters, and I’m about to train for plaster casting.

The cafe keeps me busy 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Don’t get me wrong it’s very busy (at the hospital), but you get breaks and days off, with owning the cafe I’m non-stop for months at a time.

If someone was thinking of starting a career in healthcare what advice would you give them?

Go for it, I didn’t like blood and would never imagine a year ago this is where I would be today, loving it so much.

With some training and good guidance, the responsibility you are given and the amount you learn in six months is mindblowing but the satisfaction you get from helping is the overall buzz.

(Are you an NHS worker? Visit Golden Sands before May 17 and show an NHS ID badge to receive 10% off your order. Kyle is also offering a free hot or cold drink to all emergency service staff in uniform.)