Shetland - Kantersted
Kantersted Accommodation Case Study: Enhancing Island Healthcare Workforce Experience in Shetland
Background
Kantersted is a 9‑bed en‑suite staff accommodation property purchased by NHS Shetland in 2021/2 to provide more modern accommodation that meets current expectations. Situated on the Shetland mainland in Lerwick, the accommodation is walking distance to the Gilbert Bain Hospital. Each resident has their own en‑suite room, with shared kitchens, laundry facilities, a lounge, and outdoor space, offering a good balance between privacy and communal living. The demand for this type of accommodation increased significantly during and following COVID‑19 in Shetland, when staff and students placed greater value on en‑suite facilities and well‑managed shared spaces. Since then, Kantersted guesthouse style accommodation has remained popular and continues to be well used.
The National Centre spoke to healthcare professionals about their experiences of staying in Kantersted, the impact this has had on their job role, and decisions to return to locum or stay permanently to work for NHS Shetland. Staff backgrounds and circumstances differed; however, the quality and organisation of the accommodation played a significant role in enabling successful integration, wellbeing, and retention of healthcare professionals to Shetland. Staff experience highlights the critical role of quality accommodation being available or provided by employers in attracting and retaining healthcare professionals in rural and island areas.
Kantersted view from the lounge
Facilities and Comfort
Facilities at Kantersted include two well-equipped kitchens with utensils and allocated cupboards for privacy - important for those who cook. Laundry facilities are free, healthcare professionals described their rooms as clean, hygienic and well-prepared before arrival. There is a code of conduct pack for staff with key information and contact details for emergencies and accommodation queries. Resident staff are provided with weekly cleaning support and provision of essentials. Initial adjustment of staff relocating to work in Shetland was significantly eased by the high standard of the accommodation.
You’re really well looked after… your room is made-up and then weekly if you want your bed changed.
Absolutely, it helped me… it took the pressure off settling into a new job in a completely different place.
Location and Convenience
Staff identified that the location and convenience of the accommodation being walking distance to hospital, supermarket, and leisure facilities - especially for staff without a car - as well as being positioned by the water with scenic views and natural light as some of the positive aspects of their experience staying there.
Its position next to the water and near Tesco and walking distance from the hospital—all of those are pluses for me
There’s a big store nearby that is about 8-10 minutes... work is just about 15 to 20 minutes... Sometimes I get to leave home around 7:30 and I’ll still be at work for 8am
Social Aspects
The shared spaces, kitchens and a TV lounge, encourage interaction and reduce isolation. These provide an opportunity to meet other healthcare professionals, creating a sense of community. There is enough space available to give residents the choice to socialise or not. Healthcare staff reported that without Kantersted, remote island work could feel isolating and less appealing.
Because at Kantersted you’ve got those two kitchens… it gives you a chance to talk to people.... the setup of Kantersted mitigates against isolation in the best possible way.
Impact on Wellbeing
Kantersted is particularly attractive to students, trainees, and new staff, as it provides a comfortable base while they settle into working and living in Shetland. The combination of modern accommodation shared social space, and access to outdoor areas supports wellbeing and reflects the appeal of rural and island living. The ability to walk home along the sea path or go for a swim after work aids relaxation and creates a sense of having a life outside work.
When I came in, I didn’t have to start thinking, where am I going to stay? It made me feel more at home, to get used to the environment.
For me, Kantersted was the best experience of all the hospital accommodation I’ve been in.
Cost and Value
At Kantersted, accommodation is offered under a range of arrangements depending on each person’s circumstances. Some staff who relocate to Shetland may have short‑term accommodation included as part of their agreed relocation package. For others—such as agency or temporary workers—the Board may cover the cost initially, with this later recharged to their employing department. Many staff also pay for their accommodation directly.
If the accommodation is provided for free, that is a big bonus clearly.
Finding a long-term home in Shetland can be challenging, with high demand and a very thin rental market making it a daunting prospect for anyone new to the island. An international nurse arriving in Shetland for the first time described being offered a 12 week stay at Kantersted to support them while settling into their new position. This provided stability while they searched for permanent housing, allowed saving for deposits to prepare financially, alongside allowing the mental bandwidth to focus on work and integration when first arriving.
The support was really there, and I didn’t have to think about deposits or finding a place immediately.
Impact on Staff Retention
This simple "soft landing" turned what could have been a high stress move into a successful transition, helping settle into island life for the long term. Using the local knowledge and connections made during those first few months, they were able to secure a longer-term home and is embracing life in Shetland.
I've not gotten a plan of moving because I would say I'm really loving Shetland... it's a very small community, but they're supportive of each other. So, I'm looking forward to starting a family if possible.
Staff communicated views that the provision of quality accommodation is not just housing; it is an expression of organisational care and respect for the staff experience.
I would consider working in Shetland again because Kantersted keeps me in a place of feeling sane—I’m not just here working.
Benefits to the Board
The transition to a centrally managed, guesthouse-style accommodation model offers tangible benefits to NHS Shetland. By moving away from arranging individual private short and mid-term rentals, the Board significantly reduces the administrative overhead involved in sourcing, booking, and managing these lets. More importantly, this approach provides a far more cost-effective alternative to the high rates of the commercial holiday market, particularly for supporting staff who are not permanently based in Shetland or are newly relocated and looking to settle into the area. This dedicated Board-owned accommodation ensures that vital health and care roles are filled without the logistical friction or unpredictable costs associated with temporary housing in high-demand areas.
Conclusions
Permanent housing in Shetland is difficult to secure. Low-or-no-cost, quality accommodation is a significant incentive for locums and permanent staff. The use of a guesthouse model of providing quality accommodation has been successful in encouraging locum staff to return and to retain permanent healthcare staff by providing temporary housing whilst organising permanent solutions.
As a recognised location for remote and rural training, NHS Shetland benefits from having accommodation like Kantersted available. Good‑quality en‑suite accommodation helps remove housing as a barrier for students, international recruits, and short‑term staff, and directly supports the aim to train, attract, and retain a diverse workforce. Having suitable accommodation available from day one improves the overall experience for those coming to Shetland and strengthens NHS Shetland’s position as an attractive destination to work, learn, and train.
Find out more
If you would like to know more about this case study, please contact nes.ruralteam@nhs.scot and we will be happy to help.
Page last updated:
March 2026.