JON Gray first started at Salisbury District Hospital in the film library of the radiology department, finding the temporary admin job through an agency.

“It was 2002, back in the days when we still had X-ray films,” he says. "I spent three or four years there and people had talked to me about becoming an assistant practitioner, which is one step down from being a radiographer.

“I spent around a year being a radiology department assistant before then starting to train as an assistant practitioner.

"The training took 18 months and I then did that for five years which gave me a lot of experience working in the department. I always planned to go on and do a radiography degree but was waiting for the right time.

“In 2013, I left and did two years training at UWE Bristol to become a radiographer.

“I only had to do years two and three of the degree because the assistant practitioner training was equivalent to the first year.

“Last year I got a job back at SDH as a qualified radiographer.”

An assistant practitioner carries out X-rays, but works under the supervision of a radiographer. Hours are 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, whereas radiographers work shifts and are required to work alone.

Most of Jon’s work is now based in the Accident and Emergency X-ray department, in the spinal unit and out in the community.

“In A&E I see a variety of patients ranging from elderly patients who may have fallen, to children who may have sustained a sports injury, or patients who are suspected of having a stroke.

"Some of the patients we X-ray will have sustained serious injuries, this can make it quite a challenging job, which is one of the aspects of the job I enjoy the most.

“Every patient you come into contact with is different and it’s always a challenge to get a good X-ray. For every X-Ray, there is an expectation of the type of image you need to produce to demonstrate the relevant body part.

“It’s a skilful job and very varied – and it provides quite a significant service for the community.

“I also like shift work and the variety that it brings.

”The hospital is very keen to develop people’s careers and there are opportunities to specialise within the radiography department.”