A radiographer who made the career change from technical manager at the UK's leading road building and construction materials business to radiology, has become radiology manager at Practice Plus Group Hospital Shepton Mallet.

James Mico has joined the hospital, that was formerly known as the Shepton Mallet NHS Treatment Centre, from Taunton Nuffield Hospital where he was interim imaging manager.

James was working as a UKAS technical manager at construction materials giant Tarmac when he decided to pursue his dream of working in a medical environment.

He said: "I always wanted to work in the medical field.

"I undertook some work experience and enjoyed radiography so decided to train in that discipline."

Having made the decision, James then gained a degree in diagnostic imaging at the University of the West of England before taking up his first position as a radiographer at Frenchay Hospital in Bristol in 2012.

Since then he has worked in NHS and private hospitals in Bristol, Gloucestershire and Somerset before taking up his new role at Practice Plus Group Hospital Shepton Mallet.

He joins at a time when the hospital is benefitting from three years of investment in diagnostic imaging amounting to more than £1 million, including upgrades and new equipment in X-ray, MRI and ultrasound.

James will build on his department's reputation by engaging further with the South West's radiology and healthcare community.

He said: "Our radiology team strives to provide a person-centred, sustainable radiology service that utilises modern technology, innovative imaging techniques and continually improves the health and wellbeing of the service users.

"I am looking forward to working with the team and colleagues across the hospital and beyond, to ensure that we maintain outstanding standards and that the patient sits at the heart of everything we do."

Andrew Oakerbee, hospital director at Practice Plus Group Hospital Shepton Mallet, said: "We are delighted to welcome James to our team.

"His experience and expertise will have huge benefit to us, and most importantly to our patients. James's appointment stands testament to our pledge to always invest in what is best for our patients.

"This not only includes attracting the best people to work with us, but also investing in the latest techniques and equipment."

Practice Plus Group Hospital Shepton Mallet is the first hospital of its kind to be rated as Outstanding across the board by the Care Quality Commission.

The national Patient Reported Outcome Measures reported by the Health and Social Care Information Centre recently identified the hospital as top in the country for hip replacements, and in the top five per cent for knee replacements.

Since March last year the hospital has worked with local NHS trusts to ensure that NHS patients receive the care they have needed throughout the pandemic.

Patients can choose to be treated at Practice Plus Group Hospital Shepton Mallet via the NHS, self-pay or private medical insurance.