My Career: ‘I’d like to retire at 60, but I’m not sure I could ever fully step away’

Name: Sandy O’Donnell.

Age: 52.

Lives: Rochestown, Cork city.

Job title: Business Manager for Diagnostic Imaging, Mater Private Hospital Cork. With a team of 30, each month we see between 3,500 to 4,000 patients for diagnostics in everything from cardiac and cardiovascular to abdominal, chest, cancer, neurology and prostate imaging among others.

Salary bracket: Salaries vary in the medical field. The work I do with Mater Hospital Cork to improve patient health and wellbeing is hugely important. Being able to do it in a state-of-the-art, modern, and well-invested healthcare setting is an attractive benefit also.

Education background: My journey in healthcare started with in St Bartholomew’s Hospital London where I studied radiography, building on a strong academic foundation from Midleton College in Cork.

In this field, learning never stops - ongoing professional development is essential to maintaining my registration as a radiographer. I’ve also completed management training to develop my leadership skills. Continuous learning is a key part of working in healthcare, ensuring we stay up to date with the latest advancements to provide the best possible care for patients.

Hobbies: I love to switch off while sailing, walking and reading.

Describe your job in five words: Challenging, process-driven, dynamic, rewarding, and - being honest - sometimes exhausting!

Describe yourself in five words: Driven, detail-focused, patient, fair, and (hopefully!) a good delegator (though I know these can be strengths or challenges, depending on the day!)

Personality needed for this kind of work? Empathy is the most important character trait in this field. Our patients are often feeling vulnerable, anxious, or facing challenging medical conditions, and it’s essential that we never lose sight of that. Providing not just excellent clinical care, but also reassurance and support, is at the heart of what we do.

In my role as Business Manager for Diagnostic Imaging for the Mater Hospital Cork, a solution-focused mindset and a process-driven approach are equally important. Ensuring smooth operations, efficiency, and accessibility for patients requires both strategic thinking and attention to detail. Balancing patient-centred care with effective management is key to delivering the best possible experience for those who rely on our services.

How long are you doing this job? I started training as a radiographer in 1989 and have been working in the field ever since. However, I’ve been in a senior role, as a Radiology Services Manager (RSM), since 2000.

How did you get this job? I’m fortunate to have had the opportunity to work across several large teaching hospitals, gaining extensive experience in project management and the deployment of new and existing diagnostic services. This included managing the complexities of high-volume diagnostics and ensuring capacity planning was handled efficiently.

I’ve also worked closely with radiologists and radiology groups, both here in Ireland and internationally.

For over 30 years, I’ve worked in both the public and private healthcare sectors, and a key part of my role has always been ensuring clinical governance and quality processes are in place. I’ve also been heavily involved in radiation safety legislation and inspections, which is crucial for maintaining the highest standards of patient care and safety.

In my role as a Business Manager for Diagnostic Imaging, all of this experience has come together, allowing me to help manage diagnostic imaging services in the Mater Hospital Cork - ensuring everything runs smoothly and safely.

Do you need particular qualifications or experience? Most Radiology Services Managers (RSMs) typically have at least six years of experience as a qualified radiographer. For a role like mine as a Business Manager, 10-12 years’ experience is generally needed, along with extensive experience in both clinical and operational management. Radiographers in Ireland are also required to complete ongoing CPD (Continuous Professional Development) each year - so learning never really stops in this field.

Describe a day at work? I’m usually on-site by 7.30-8am, and from that point on, it’s a mix of meetings, operational problem-solving, and constant communication with staff, patients, referrers, and consultants.

A large part of my role is ensuring everything runs smoothly - from managing patient care and staff support to maintaining high safety and governance standards. There’s huge demand for diagnostic imaging, so I work hard to maximise the use of all our CT and MRI scanners, X-ray rooms, Dexa, etc, to keep waiting lists down and avoid delays in diagnosis.

I also collaborate closely with other hospital departments to ensure they have the imaging support they need for their patients. Because we serve a wide area across the southern region, I liaise with various referral pathways, from GPs to consultants, to streamline the process. We offer rapid access to all of our scanners so my days can often be spent going from call to call organising and liaising with referrers and patients.

My days can be long, often stretching until 6 or 7pm, with calls even after hours. It’s demanding, but at the heart of it all is the patient - making sure they receive the best possible care. I’m lucky to have an incredible team, and their dedication makes all the difference.

How many hours do you work a week? I typically work 50-60 hours a week, as my role is fast-paced and comes with a range of responsibilities. While it can be demanding, I genuinely enjoy the work and the positive impact it has.

That being said, I always make an effort to maintain a healthy work-life balance. I find it important to switch off and enjoy downtime, which helps me stay refreshed and focused when I’m back at work. It’s all about finding the right balance to manage the workload while also taking care of myself.

What do you wear to work? I typically wear smart business attire, but there are times when I need to switch into a clinical uniform, especially if I’m involved in hands-on activities or supporting the team in a clinical capacity.

Is your industry male or female-dominated? These days, it’s about a 50-50 split, but historically, the field was predominantly female. There’s still a slight lean towards female representation, but we’re seeing a more balanced mix as the profession evolves.

Does this affect you in any particular way? It’s great to have diversity, as different perspectives and skill sets contribute to a stronger, more dynamic workplace.

Is your job stressful? How? Rate it on a scale of 1-10: Yes, it can be stressful at times, but I’m fortunate to have a hugely supportive and inclusive senior management team at Mater Private Cork, which makes a big difference.

That said, the nature of the role - balancing patient care, staff management, and operational demands - means it can reach an 8/10 on occasion. However, the reward of knowing we’re making a real impact on patient outcomes makes it all worthwhile.

Do you work with others or on your own? It’s very much a team effort in radiology. From radiographers and consultants to administrative staff and referrers, we all work closely together to ensure the best possible patient care. Collaboration is key - no one person can do it all, and the strength of the team is what keeps everything running smoothly.

When do you plan to retire or give up working? I’d like to retire by 60, but honestly, I’m not sure I could ever fully step away. I enjoy the work so much, and I think I’ll always want to stay involved in some capacity, even if it’s on a smaller scale.

Best bits: The best parts of my job are the moments when we really make a difference for our patients - knowing we’ve provided them with excellent care and a positive experience. I’m also lucky to work with such a great team, where there’s genuine respect and support for one another. It makes all the hard work worthwhile.

Worst bits: The hardest part of the job is when we face poor outcomes for some patients. It’s incredibly difficult and sad to see. We always try to do our best, but some situations are beyond our control.

Advice to those who want your job? My advice would be to work hard, always treat your peers with respect, and maintain professional courtesy in everything you do. Most importantly, empathise with your patients and go above and beyond to ensure they feel cared for and supported.

Any other comments? I really enjoy my job. Even though I don’t fit the true definition of a ‘radiographer’ anymore, it’s still at the core of what I do, and I’m proud of that.

It can be challenging and tough at times, but the rewards make it all worthwhile.