What are the Benefits to Working in the NHS?

With the whole world to explore, International Medical Graduates (IMG’s) often ask us - why should I come to work in the NHS?

 

 Let’s Start with the Facts:

The UK’s National Health Service (NHS) is the largest (and arguably, the most prestigious!) public health service in the world. Its core mission is simple yet profound: to provide high-quality, free healthcare to everyone at the point of need. To give an idea of the scale - on an average day:

• GP Appointments: Over 1.2 million
• Outpatient Appointments: Nearly 260,000
• A&E Visits: More than 44,000, with about 25% of these admitted to hospital
• Critical Care: Around 675 patients admitted

(Source: The Kings Fund)

Each working day in the NHS brings a diverse range of patients - each from different backgrounds, cultures and social-economic groups. This variety adds a wealth of both clinical and social experiences for Doctors.

 

The Diverse Workforce:

Since its launch 75 years ago - the NHS has attracted international healthcare professionals from all across the world. The NHS is now the fifth largest employer in the world, employing over 1.7m people, from over 200 different nationalities. Almost one in five NHS staff have a nationality other than British - the richly diverse workforce brings a multitude of cultures and a wide range of perspectives into the healthcare setting. And, whilst IMG’s have always been a huge part of the NHS, the statistics show that the international workforce is still growing -  with a significant increase in staff from Asian and African backgrounds in recent years.

As you’d expect, our capital city - London - has the highest proportion of NHS staff with non-UK nationality (30%), but wherever you decided to work in the UK, there’s absolutely no doubt you will be working amongst colleagues from across the world.

(Source: House of Commons Library Research Briefing)

 

Meeting your Career Goals:

The NHS put a huge focus on learning; committing to access to continuing professional development, supportive supervision and protected time for training for all clinical staff. Once you start working, you’ll have the opportunity to set your personal development plan (PDP) tailored to your practice, which is a way to identify and address development needs and plan your learning in order to achieve your career goals. You’ll also have a formal annual review to assess your progress against these goals.

A standout opportunity for many international doctors is the Portfolio Pathway/CESR Route. This allows doctors working at Specialist or Specialty Doctor grade to document their experience and qualifications to join the GMC specialist register, paving the way to become a consultant in the UK. While it’s a rigorous process, the reward is substantial.

 

NHS Employee Benefits:

One of the highest value benefits is the NHS pension scheme; with employer contributions currently at 23.7% (employee contributions vary depending on salary). This ensures a solid financial foundation for retirement. If you don’t plan to retire in the UK, you can opt-out or apply for a refund upon moving overseas.

Work-life balance is also a key element of employer benefits in the NHS - with a minimum of 35 days annual leave (including eight public/bank holidays) which rises with length of service. This is particularly important for IMG’s who may wish to return to their home countries to visit family and friends.

Other standout benefits include:

• Pay enhancements and premiums for out of hours, shift working and on calls
• Provisions for relocation financial support (particularly important for IMG’s!)
• High Cost Area Supplement (HCAS) or “London Weighting” for roles based in and around London
• Access to NHS discounts schemes including discounts in high street stores, insurance companies, holiday firms and restaurants
• Salary sacrifice schemes for lease cars, bicycles and home electronics
• Various types of paid and unpaid leave for emergency and planned situations including - maternity, paternity and parental leave, paid sick leave and study leave

In addition to all the employee benefits the NHS offer, the Health and Care Worker Visa exempts IMG’s from paying the Immigration Health Surcharge. This means that you and your dependents can access NHS services completely free of charge, saving £1,035 for the main applicant and £776 for each dependents.

 

So, why the NHS?

Working in the NHS offers a unique chance to be part of one of the world’s most respected healthcare systems. This is often the biggest draw for International Medical Graduates. Whether you’re planning a long-term career in the UK or seeking valuable experience, the NHS is an exceptional place to advance your career.

Whether you choose to make the UK your long term home, or wish to gain some short term experience to advance your career - the NHS is undeniably a brilliant place to work.

 

Ready to explore NHS job opportunities? Reach out to our team, specialising in supporting IMGs in their NHS career journeys:

Email us - contactus@indigohealthcare.co.uk

Phone us - +44 330 123 9665