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Living in the UK
Firstly Congratulations!!
Welcome to the UK, Now I am sure you have not just come to see the sights and are aspiring to work in the UK NHS system. Now before you start working it is important to be aware that living in a different country poses some different challenges people rarely appreciate. Underneath are just a few important things we have highlighted to help make the transition to the UK a comfortable one.
Finances in the UK
Familiarize yourself with the British Pound Sterling (GBP) and exchange rates.
Salaries for doctors in the UK NHS system are competitive, varying based on experience, specialty, and location.
Open a bank account to manage your finances effectively.
Understand the UK tax system and consider obtaining a National Insurance Number for tax and social security purposes.
Visas & immigration
Secure a Tier 2 (General) visa sponsored by your employer to work in the UK NHS system.
Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for access to NHS healthcare services.
Research English language proficiency requirements and complete the necessary tests.
Plan ahead and submit your visa application well in advance.
Food
Experience a diverse culinary landscape, including traditional British dishes and international cuisines.
Major supermarket chains offer a wide range of groceries and international food items.
Accommodation
Explore various renting options, such as private rentals or NHS staff accommodation.
Research rental costs in your desired location and consider shared accommodation to reduce expenses.
Understand tenancy agreements and your rights and responsibilities as a tenant.
Additional relevant sections
Familiarize yourself with the UK healthcare system and register with a local GP practice.
Utilize the extensive transportation network, such as trains, buses, and the London Underground.
Embrace cultural diversity, engage with communities, and attend local events.
Stay updated with professional development opportunities and specialty training within the NHS.
Conclusion
As with anything in life the more you put in the more you get out. So it is up to you to try your best to integrate with the local area (likely to be very different to where you have trained).
Useful resources
For The Job
So You have decided to apply your skills for the betterment of the UK Health Service. On behalf of the NHS and the patients that you will be looking and caring for in the future, thank you.
Now before you tackle the belly of the beast that is the NHS a few things need to be addressed. Registration, Application etc. Underneath are links and resources that should help you along this path.
1. https://www.gmc-uk.org
This the public body of registered doctors in the UK. If you wish to work here, Registration is a must and should be your first priority
2. https://www.bma.org.uk/
This is the national Trade union for Doctors in the UK. I understand the topic of unions may be perhaps bordering on too political for some tastes. I would recommend registration but this is not mandatory.
3. Professional Indemnity Insurance
This is insurance that will protect you in terms of claims of damages made by clients. No link is provided because that would be akin to advertising and this website is purely neutral (till the sponsorships come)
4. https://www.jobs.nhs.uk/
The end goal, what we all aspire to have. This will be the website you’ll use to apply for jobs in the UK (success varies depending on strength of CV and how you present yourself). (NOTE: alternative methods of job
For Knowledge
Congratulations!! You are now a member of the NHS.
Now as s general rule always adhere to your personal Trust Guidelines on any policy (be it medical or legal). But the following are good resources to have on hand:
5. https://bnf.nice.org.uk/
This contains the list of all drugs licensed in the United Kingdom. A helpful tool to keep in mind if you wish to check doseage or interactions
6. https://www.mdcalc.com/
A list equations and formulas. In case you are unsure of units used in your trust.
7. https://cks.nice.org.uk/
Your medical gospel. These are the guidelines the are based on the best available clinical evidence. If any doubt ever occurs and Trust guidelines are unclear, NICE is your answer.
8. https://medical.hee.nhs.uk
CREST (Certificate of Readiness to Enter Specialty Training) – If you harbour aspirations of practicing above a junior dr. level or which to specialise in a particular field you will require filling out this form. (Requirements of form and advice on how to fill it will be mentioned elsewhere on the website)
9. https://www.resus.org.uk
This is the ALS course website. Now if you are going to be a dr. in a hospital you will need to be qualified to give Life Support. ALS is recommended but any Life Support course qualification will be accepted (BLS)
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