NHS Staffing – the role of overseas doctors
- August 18, 2022
The NHS is estimated as the 4th biggest employer in the world, employing more than 1.7million...
Despite the scale of the NHS labour force, it still does not have enough staff to meet demand. In this article we will explore the reasons why International Medical Graduates (IMGs) want to work in the NHS, the demand for more staff across the UK in every aspect of UK Healthcare, and some of the reasons working in the NHS can be beneficial for you.
'The United Kingdom (and the NHS) has been, and remains, a popular place to work for doctors and other members of the medical profession'
In the UK, as well as across the globe, it has been well documented that demands on health services have been increasing year-on-year since the millennium. Advances in technology and medicine, wider ranges of healthcare, and an ageing population all play their part. It can also be said that improved practices, safer staffing numbers and planning strategies have also contributed to increasing demand.
Shortfalls in staff, leading to greater demand for overseas practitioners
Over the past few decades shortfalls in NHS Staff across the UK have increased in part due to the slowing growth in training sufficient numbers of staff. When domestic supply slows, the NHS looks to International Recruitment. Current figures estimate that roughly 13 – 15% of hospital and community staff are recorded as having non-British nationality.
The NHS is one of the most efficient, most egalitarian and most comprehensive public health services in the world.
Unemployment levels in the UK are at an all-time high, yet despite this there are many areas of high jobs demand. According to the UK Bureau Visa Department, the UK is experiencing severe shortages in 3 main skill areas which are: engineering, healthcare and art & entertainment. So, for International Medical Graduates (IMGs) looking to build a long-term career, with good salaries, they need look no further than the UK and the NHS.
Strengths within NHS attract overseas doctors
The strengths of the NHS, such as training, quality and ethos, continues to attract many overseas doctors. Many choose to work in the NHS because of the attractive salaries and benefits. But the work offers much more: the chance to enhance your clinical experience as part of a team of 1.7 million NHS employees, many of whom have come to the UK from across the globe. All of whom are proud to work for the NHS, and care passionately about its growth and development.
The NHS is committed to offering learning and development opportunities for all employees. No matter where you start within the NHS, you will have access to the highest quality training and be given every chance to progress within the organisation and to develop unique skills.
The NHS doesn’t stand still, there’s always more to learn. With a progressive and forward-thinking plan, there is always new equipment, new procedures; there’s always something to keep you progressing in your career in the UK, or for your return to your home country to enhance practice.
There's a growing market for international health practitioners to work in the UK, and demand is very high. With a professional health qualification and an IMG Connect consultant you can pick a lot of the UK in which to work.
Senior NHS figures have told IMG Connect that recruitment has to be approached in line with changes to the way health and care services are delivered and in demand. That means a much more sophisticated approach to understanding where professionals will be needed, at least in the medium to long term.
With that in mind, IMG Connect offers an opportunity for some fresh thinking on the process of recruiting international doctors to UK Healthcare. A comprehensive Recruitment, Relocation and Retention service for permanent doctors only, helping to considerably reduce costs and time to hire.
NHS directors increasingly demand a significant focus on aligning values and fit and after care, in order to build a fully complimented and sustainable workforce to meet demands.
With the level of demand for healthcare continuing to rise, the need for overseas staff will continue to increase.
Put simply, the NHS is reliant on IMGs who want to start a career in a progressive, welcoming and rewarding environment.
If you are a client, we would be delighted to discuss your staffing requirements and develop a bespoke solution and hiring plan. Taking time to understand your Trust and the type of doctor that will thrive in your culture, IMG Connect looks to form successful working partnerships that continue beyond the initial placement.
If you are an IMG, we offer a personalised recruitment & relocation service to any International Medical Graduate looking to find work in the UK. IMG Connect can help you start and progress your career, with advice and guidance on every aspect of planning, finding the right job, navigating legislation and relocating. This service can be summarised into four key areas of support and guidance:
- Exams, registration and Medical Qualifications
- Job search & interview preparation
- UK Visa & Immigration
- Relocation, aftercare & ongoing career support
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Relevant Jobs
This is a good opportunity for any FRCPath or European-qualified histopathologists to join a friendly, high calibre department in the North East of England. The department are looking for experienced but hungry histopathologists to join them for a long-term post, and the trust will support candidates working on the Portfolio Pathway in Histopathology (formerly known as CESR). The trust will consider both UK and overseas applicants.
What is the NHS Foundation Trust like?
The NHS Foundation Trust serves as a district general hospital, providing essential healthcare services to the local population. Under its management, various healthcare facilities in the region. Consistent positive evaluations from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) underscore its commitment to delivering high-quality patient care, safety, and efficiency. The catchment area of this trust encompasses the north east, ensuring residents have access to comprehensive healthcare close to home. Through its services, the trust plays a vital role in promoting community health and well-being, contributing to a stronger, healthier population.
What is the department & team like?
The department have been centralized at a state-of-the-art Pathology Centre located at the NHS Foundation Trust\'s main hospital. These services cater to the local population in the North East. The consolidation of Cellular Pathology Services, completed in 2014, marks an innovative reorganization in pathology services. Satellite hot lab facilities are available at the NHS Foundation Trust\'s other sites. The NHS Foundation Trust leads this service, and the appointed individual will be contracted.
Pathologists are equipped with high-quality IT infrastructure to facilitate remote attendance at Multidisciplinary Team Meetings (MDTs). In cases where physical presence is required, a departmental electric car or a hopper service is available for transportation. Digital pathology implementation is underway progressively for pathologists interested in participation.
Career Development & Further Opportunities Available
The department will in time be moving towards a specialist reporting model and there will be opportunity to carve out your lead role in either the GI, head & neck, and urology sub-specialties.Life in North East
The North East of England offers a diverse mix of rural landscapes and urban centers, providing doctors with a range of living options. Residents can explore historic sites like Hadrian\'s Wall or enjoy scenic walks along the Northumberland coast. The area boasts reputable schools and universities such as Durham University. Transportation links are efficient, connecting the region to major cities like Newcastle and Sunderland, as well as airports for convenient travel. Housing options vary from picturesque villages to modern city apartments, accommodating different preferences and lifestyles.
AM I ELIGIBLE FOR THIS ROLE?
Non-EEA candidates:
- FRCPath
- Experience in Histopathology
EEA candidates:
- Specialist certification in Histopathology
- Experience in Histopathology
UK candidates:
- CCT, CESR or within 6-12 months of specialist registration
- Experience in Histopathology
This is a unique opportunity to work in a developing initiative that will bring immense social good to the local the people of Wales.
Short / mid / long-term ambitions for this role.
Short-term, there is the opportunity to work a close group of four international doctors, with specialist qualifications in histopathology including FRCPath. You\'ll have the opportunity to shape the careers of hungry pathologists ready to absorb all the knowledge and experience from an experienced NHS colleague like yourself.
Mid-term you\'ll be jointly responsible for the successful portfolio submissions for these individuals, helping the laboratory at Glangwili General Hospital to establish a newly qualified consultant team to provide stability and excellent pathological services for the patients of Wales, UK.
Long-term, the potential is enormous. As part of ‘A Regional Collaborative for Health’ or ARCH a regional hub for South and West Wales is being built in Swansea, to house a 30-35 consultant lead service for histopathology alone. Fully digitalised regional services for half the Welsh landmass would be provided via one central and digitalised hub.
Life in the area
It\'s a beautiful life with Wales offering beaches, beautiful forest, lakes and mountains all available to you in your free-time. It\'s a low cost of living and a a bit of a dream for the right person. We can chat more about that over our call.
The UK Lab is based in Surrey, and the facility is ISO 15189 accredited and ISO 27001 certified.
The department provides the latest technology and several years of extensive research offering highly effective treatment solutions to cancer patients for whom, multiple lines of treatment have failed.
The UK lab receives samples that are received from private practices around the UK, Europe and USA.
Responsibilities:
With roughly two hours of work needed per day, mostly remote, with twice weekly attendance onsite likely required, the pathologists responsibilities will be along the lines of the below.
- Authorisation of reports (molecular and tissue)
- Sectioning slides / assessing tumour content - to help identify which sections can be used for processing samples.
- Approving & signing reports.
- Signing out molecular reports - training will be given.
- Signing out solid organ cancer reports
- Turnaround time is required within 24-hours.
Eligibility:
- GMC registration
- Right to work in the UK
- Ability to travel twice per week to Surrey, UK.
- FRCPath or Specialist Registration is not required for this post
An exceptional NHS job opportunity awaits a Middle Grade Microbiologist to join the Microbiology Pathology Department at an \"outstanding\" rate NHS Trust.The role involves diagnosing and managing infections caused by microorganisms, contributing significantly to patient well-being.
This is an ideal chance for overseas Microbiologists or Middle Grade Doctors to establish themselves in the UK NHS system, with potential CESR support. Suitable for EEA-specialized candidates or experienced IMGs seeking career advancement.
What is the NHS Foundation Trust like?
This NHS Foundation Trust is a dynamic organization with an £180 million turnover, employing 12,000 staff to serve 500,000 people across acute and community healthcare services. Recognized for excellence by the CQC in 2016 and 2019, it primarily serves an urban population but extends its care across a rural expanse from the River Tyne to the River Tweed, offering picturesque landscapes. The Trust operates three major hospitals and numerous community facilities, including the state-of-the-art Specialist Emergency Care Hospital. With ongoing capital investments, it ensures modern, purpose-built facilities and expands its services to meet evolving healthcare needs.
They provide an extensive array of specialties, boasting some of the region\'s largest specialist departments. These include the foremost trauma and orthopaedics service, a significant cardiology department, and one of the region\'s most expansive units for colorectal surgery services.
The NHS Foundation Trust prioritizes supporting its staff in achieving a healthy work-life balance, irrespective of individual circumstances. Applicants unable to work full-time due to personal reasons will still be considered for the position, and adjustments to job responsibilities can be discussed on a case-by-case basis upon appointment.
What is the Department & Team like?
The Clinical Support and Cancer Services Business Unit manages Radiology, Pharmacy, and Pathology departments, as well as cancer services, across several hospitals. These services also extend to six community hospitals. With modern facilities and dedicated staff, the Pathology department, including the microbiology laboratory, benefits from significant capital investment and supports medical education initiatives.
The Microbiology team offers clinical consultation services through various channels such as ward rounds, telephone, email, and multi-disciplinary team meetings. They collaborate closely with Infectious Diseases, Infection Prevention and Control, Public Health teams, and the laboratory. Encouragement for networking with Consultant Microbiologists in the Newcastle area is given to improve patient care across organizational boundaries.
The microbiology laboratory holds a central position within the hospital complex. It comprises 240 m² of laboratory space and 74 m² of office space, established during the hospital\'s original construction in 1987. Specimens from clinical areas within the North East site are transported to the laboratory via a vacuum air tube system, while collections from GP practices and other hospital sites across the region are managed through regular courier and van services.
Life like in North East
The North East of the UK offers a diverse landscape, blending urban hubs like Newcastle and Sunderland with picturesque rural areas. Residents enjoy a vibrant cultural scene, from historic sites like Durham Cathedral to sandy beaches along the Northumberland coast. The region hosts reputable universities such as Newcastle University and Durham University, complemented by excellent schools. Transportation links are robust, with rail and road networks connecting to major cities and airports like Newcastle International Airport. Housing options range from city center apartments to suburban family homes and quaint countryside cottages, catering to varied lifestyles and preferences.
An outstanding opportunity for a psychiatrist to join Forensic Psychiatry Department as Specialty Doctor that has received outstanding ratings from the CQC on three occasions. You will offer psychiatric input and conduct assessments, both psychiatric and physical, for patients on two wards. One ward is a self-contained low secure rehabilitation unit situated away from the main hospital premises, while the other is a medium secure rehabilitation ward. This role offers exposure to a broad spectrum of clinical presentations, including personality, affective, anxiety, psychotic, neurodevelopmental, and substance-related disorders. Moreover, it provides a platform for developing knowledge and understanding of forensic mental health sections. This position also offers CESR support for those seeking progression within the UK NHS Jobs system.
This is a great opportunity for overseas Specialty Doctors who want to establish themselves in the NHS, and grow their career. The post is suitable for candidates holding specialisation in the EEA, or for experienced IMGs looking to complete CESR.
What is the NHS Trust like?
The Mental Health NHS Trust is a leading provider of mental health service serving a population of 1.2 million. With five main inpatient sites and 25 community locations, they offer comprehensive support for both mental and physical health needs, catering to young people and adults alike. From managing phobias and anxiety to addressing conditions like bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, their services are diverse and inclusive. They integrate community health services with mental health care, enabling simultaneous treatment of conditions such as diabetes and mental health issues, promoting holistic patient care.
Forensic Psychiatry Team & Department
The Forensic Service enjoys a stellar reputation, earning an \'Outstanding\' rating from the Care Quality Commission. The Forensic Service delivers care in low and medium secure environments, featuring specialized facilities such as the National Stalking Clinic and the Fixated Threat Assessment Centre (FTAC). These services focus on evaluating and managing risks for prominent individuals.
The inpatient service consists of one acute assessment and treatment medium secure male 4 4 ward, four treatment and intervention medium secure male wards, one female medium secure ward, one medium secure and one low secure male learning disability ward, one low secure male FICU ward and 4 low secure male wards. There are currently 25 Consultant Forensic Psychiatrists in post, working with 5 senior psychiatric trainees who rotate with posts at other forensic psychiatric services in the region. There are 5 junior psychiatric trainees, coming from the UCH training schemes. The service currently employs 10 specialty doctors, working in the prisons and in the rehabilitation parts of the service.
Life in the area
The area offers a blend of urban and suburban living, providing both rural escapes and city conveniences. Residents can explore scenic parks or enjoy activities at different parks. The area boasts a range of quality schools and easy access to universities like Middlesex University. Transport links are excellent, with frequent trains to central London and nearby cities, as well as efficient connections to major airports. Housing options vary from historic cottages to modern apartments, catering to diverse preferences and lifestyles.
Career Development and Opportunities Available
With an extremely active education/teaching programme supported by the consultant team, there is opportunity to work towards and complete CESR, RCPsych exams, get involved in active research and many aspects of CPD.
Participation in research and educational activities will be encouraged.
ARE YOU ELIGIBLE FOR THIS ROLE?
EEA Candidates:
- Experience of working in Forensic Psychiatry (Desirable)
Non-EEA Candidates:
- MRCPsych
- Experience of working in Forensic Psychiatry (Desirable)
UK based applicants
- Experience of working in Forensic Psychiatry (Desirable)