United Kingdom - Paragona Europe United

Hospital doctors

Psychiatry

THE UK IN SHORT

London	Capital
65,1 m	Population
242,495 km²	Area
14th/$43,902	GDP per capita IMF
16th	Democracy Index
14th	Human Development Index
14th	Euro Health Consumer Index
9,12	Expenditure on health % of GDP WHO
81,2 years	Life expectancy at birth WHO
4,3%	Expenditure on education
6th in Europe	European Happy Planet Index

REQUIREMENTS

GMC registration (ideally with a licence to practise)
Specialist title
EU nationality
Fluent English
Clear police check

We DO NOT require any previous UK experience!

LANGUAGE COURSE

The course and all Paragona’s services are free of charge. We offer an intensive and comprehensive course preparing for the OET exam. You start the language training after signing the contract with your employer. The length of the training depends on your current level of English, the standard course lasts 12 weeks. We will assess individually how much training you need.

During the course we provide a stipend in the amount of 900 EUR net per month together with free accommodation, lunches and study materials. We also cover travel expenses to the Paragona Campus in Poland and back. During the course, you also start your clinical induction which involves a simulated surgery, workshops with the NHS and GMC educators and e-learning modules.

LOCATIONS

Locum job positions are available across the United Kingdom.

RELOCATION SUPPORT

We provide a thorough guidance and support service with formalities and relocation.

TESTIMONIALS

Inga Venciene

Lithuanian GP working in an NHS practice in Bedfordshire

I think Paragona is an amazing company, because there are working excellent people and they are really changing lives!

Numan Zourob Abu Ghazala

Spanish GP in an NHS practice in Hertfordshire

I am very grateful for your support, and I appreciate a lot the emails and the text messages that you sent to me many times asking about me and my family.
In fact, not only us, but I think all the world is going through difficult moments, however, when someone feels supported, things become much bearable.

Thank you again, from me and from my family!

Joel, Izzat, Izabela, Lina, Jesus

Group 6 at the Paragona campus

Dear NHS and Paragona team,

In reference to your letter of 26 March 2020 the conditions for postponing the date of our employment as General Practitioners in the UK after we have completed our training course in Piaseczno, we would like to thank you for your loyalty and real support.

The global epidemiological situation has put us all in a position marked by the atmosphere of uncertainty and incessant waiting for solutions, all of which to a large extent remains beyond our control. Due to our profession, we are particularly aware of the risk and the need to implement the respective procedures.

The solutions adopted by the NHS and Paragona give us the opportunity to take optimal decisions in our personal and professional life and to prepare as well as possible for the challenges that await us after our arrival in the UK.

We also hope that your interest and trust that you have put in us will result in a fruitful partnership in the future.

Best regards!

Dalibor Stoszek

Czech GP working in an NHS practice in Northamptonshire

Thank you very much for extremely well organized and relaxed "interviews weekend" we spent in Kettering. I very much appreciate comfortable accommodation, refreshment during two very busy days, absolutely smooth organization. People from GP practices, NHS and Paragona were excellent, helpful, ready to answer all questions. I am sure everybody has found its GP surgery/candidate.
Many thanks as well to Shirin from Paragona for her effort and help before registering for interviews.

Katarzyna Broad

Polish GP working in an NHS practice in Lincoln

My recruitment process began with a simple email and language assessment which lasted for about an hour. A few weeks later, I was invited to take part in the next recruitment step in Lincolnshire, where I had a chance to see the area. Subsequently, I was offered a training at Paragona Campus in Warsaw, which usually means 12 long weeks of hard studying. My first year in the UK was very intense. It involved a lot of training and lectures. In the second year, the focus was more on practice than theory, because we were expected to pass the exam and carry on with the job by being more and more independent. Now, I am expected to be able to work on my own, but I work with a fantastic team of people. There is always a lot of support from others and they would not make me feel like I am alone. What is more, my patients are the best patients I have ever had. They are the most kind and lovely people you can imagine. It is a pleasure to help them.

Dargiris Beresnevicius

GP from Lithuania working in an NHS practice in Louth

The greatest advantages of Paragana are that you do not have to worry about seeking a job all by yourself and that the company supports you financially during the training. Naturally, the training is time-consuming and demanding. I spent 3 months learning the language and medical jargon. Nonetheless, it was quite good because if you wish to do it yourself, it is very difficult and tricky. The training takes place at Paragona campus in Warsaw. Teachers are full of passion and, extremely helpful, and focus on things we actually use in our everyday life and work. The work in the UK is not only about money; it is also about opportunities. If you want to develop your skills in some field, you can do it. An NHS practice has everything – from babies to the elderly, from mental health to dermatology, from gynaecology to urology, and more. Family? Of course, the first couple of weeks were challenging with language and things like that, but now my children are very happy at their schools and speak English at home.

Agata

GP from Poland working in an NHS practice in Ruskington

The great thing was that during the recruitment process, we had a person from NHS who supported us and helped in relocation, which included also finding job for our spouses and a proper school for our children. What I like in an NHS practice is that a lot of GPs specialise in different areas, including for example gynaecology and dermatology. I myself got the opportunity to develop my skills in palliative care.

Jill Guild

Head of GP International Recruitment and Retention Programme (Medical Directorate), NHS England – Midlands & East

The NHS is a welcoming organisation. From our experience, our patients love European GPs coming to work with us. The NHS across the UK employs roughly over 1.5 million people, thus creating a real diverse organisation to come and work for. We offer a variety of opportunities. Feel free to register with the Paragona programme and work with us!

Dr. Kieran Sharrock

Medical Director, Lincolnshire LMC Limited

The European GPs that have been recruited by Paragona are excellent. They have all passed a rigorous assessment process and completed a campus-based preparatory training program in Warsaw to prepare them for life and clinical work as a GP in the UK. The GPs have integrated well into practices and become invaluable members of practice teams. Their clinical competence and communication skills are appreciated by patients and colleagues, and they are now truly a part of our communities. Inevitably it takes time to adapt to the life and institutions of a new country, and particularly to a complex healthcare system like the NHS. The GPs have different clinical experience and that determines the time it takes for them to adapt to the practice way of working. However, with the extensive support program that Paragona and the practices provide, the GPs adapt really well. They help us treat patients and reduce painfully long waiting lists. They have also provided insights into how family medicine is practiced outside the UK. Their enthusiasm has reinvigorated struggling teams.

FAQ

1. What is the difference between the standard International GP Recruitment Programme and the Paragona IGPR Programme?

There are three main differences.

You will be offered a comprehensive English language training that will lead you to a final exam at B level according to the OET scale. The language training covers both general and medical English, which makes it much easier for you to start living and working in the UK. We will do our utmost to ensure that you achieve the required B score in the OET exam at your first attempt. However, if you are not successful, you will have up to 3 attempts funded by the programme.

Secondly, the Paragona IGPR Programme has a tailored local induction programme instead of the standard ‘I&R’ scheme. During induction phase, following achievement of the language requirements, you will get the GMC licence and you will be included in the National Performers List with conditions. Those conditions will be lifted as soon as you finish the I&R assessment.

Last but not least, we offer you full support in relocation and going through all formalities. In addition, we provide an online language course for family members.

2. What will my gross salary be?

£70,000 - during the UK Based Induction: 2 days at a practice and 3 days of clinical and English education

£80,000 - once you pass the UK Based Induction and start working unsupervised 37.5 hours per week

£90,000 - after one year of working independently as a GP

There is a possibility to work as a GP partner in the future with the salary up to £150,000 per year.

By comparison, the median salary for full time employees in the UK is around £30,000 per year.

3. What will my net salary be?

Your gross salary will be subject to deductions to cover income tax, national insurance, and, optionally, a pension contribution.

Please enter the gross amount to calculate your net salary, for example using this calculator https://www.which.co.uk/money/tax/income-tax/tax-rates-and-allowances/income-tax-calculator-201920-av0q60j7yrj1

4. What is the cost of living in the UK?

Please visit the following link

https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/country_result.jsp?country=United+Kingdom

5. Will I be entitled to the NHS pension scheme? How does it work?

The NHS pension scheme continues to be one of the most generous schemes in the UK and is a key part of the reward offer for NHS employees. It is optional for GPs as to whether they wish to be included in the scheme; they can opt out at the start of their employment and then opt in later, if they change their mind.

In the NHS pension scheme, you and your employer make a contribution each year. If you retire at the normal retirement age, you will receive an annual NHS pension—the value of the pension will depend on your average salary during the time you have worked for the NHS, and the number of years for which you have been a member of the NHS pension scheme.

You can find more details on the official NHS pension website https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/member-hub.

6. Will I and my family receive free healthcare in the UK?

Yes, you and your immediate family will be entitled to free NHS healthcare once you are living in the UK.

7. What are the working hours?

You are contracted to work 9 sessions per week (37,5 hours in total). One session is 4 hours 10 minutes.

The working times will vary by practice. Most practices open between 8am and 6.30pm on weekdays. Some practices also open during evenings and weekend. You will need to agree your working times with your employer. Over-time hours will be compensated by time off.

8. How much time will I spend in training each week?

During the UK Based Induction and Training the week is likely to be divided between: 2 days in practice, 1 day of clinical training activities, 2 days of Paragona led English language training.

The balance between working arrangements and educational activities will need to have flexibility based upon your individual training needs. This will be arranged and agreed with your supervisors. Once you pass the final language exam the time reserved for language training will be used as clinical training activities.

As soon as you successfully complete the training programme you will be able to work independently as a salaried GP or as a GP partner. The Practice, NHSE and Paragona will support you to complete it as quickly as possible. It is expected that the training will last app. 12 months, however there is a possibility to extend it, if needed.

9. How long is the contract?

The duration of post is indefinite. The expectation is that you will stay in your post for a period of at least three years.

If you choose to end your contract voluntarily within the first three years of employment, you will be required to repay certain expenses incurred by NHSE. The amount to be repaid shall be reduced by 1/36 for each month that you have remained an employee of NHSE. The total amount potentially repayable shall never be higher than £15,000.

10. When do I need to register with the General Medical Council (GMC)? Will the cost be reimbursed?

You can begin to register with the GMC while you relocate to the UK. We will send you a list of the documents you will need to collect and we will help you at every stage of the registration process. You will need to pass the OET exam at level B before you can complete your registration and be licensed to practice as a doctor.

The cost of the registration (£399) and the travel to the UK for a GMC identity check will be reimbursed.

11. How do I become listed on the National Performers List (NPL)?

The NPL is a list of doctors who are authorised to perform primary care services in the NHS. The process for applying to join the NPL is defined by NHSE, see https://pcse.england.nhs.uk/services/performers-lists/.

You can apply once you have completed the required language assessment – we will help you with the process.

12. Is it easier to find a job if my spouse is educated in medical or paramedical profession?

Yes, the employer will check whether there are job opportunities for spouses trained in medical or paramedical professions.

13. What language course will my family receive?

We offer a 20-week online course for partners and children (over 14 years old) at two levels: pre-intermediate and intermediate. The course is mostly self-study work which involves the preparation of material from our educational platform. The content of each lesson is later activated during 1.5-hour Skype session with a teacher. These lessons will be held in groups of two-three people on a fixed day and time, but we will certainly try to adjust to your relatives’ availability.

For elementary learners, we provide access to an online platform, which involves only self-study work. Our strong suggestion is that your family members start studying with a teacher who would explain the basics in your mother tongue.

14. What are the social benefits in the UK?

See https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/benefits-non-uk-nationals

15. How much are medical indemnity fees?

Indemnity fees will be covered by the British state and not by the individual GP.

16. How long is the annual leave?

You will be entitled to 30 days of annual leave per year plus national bank holidays.

INDUCTION & TRAINING

17. What is the purpose of the induction training programme?

General practice is not the same through-out Europe—there are variations from country to country. The purpose of the induction training programme is to familiarise GPs from elsewhere in Europe with the aspects of GP work that are specific to the NHS. Here you can find more information about primary health care in the UK:

https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/explore-roles/doctors/roles-doctors/general-practice-gp

A GP in the UK holds a different role than usually an overseas GP. By participating in this unique programme you have a chance to join the British NHS system and learn all the procedures in a smooth way.

18. How will my progress be measured?

You will meet regularly with your clinical and educational supervisors to review and summarise your progress. A summary of your progress will be reviewed by your local ‘Responsible Officer’ (RO), who is the person with overall responsibility for determining when you have completed your induction training and ready to practise independently.

19. Which ‘I&R’ assessment tests are used in the induction programme?

During the induction programme, you will need to take an assessment test which has been developed for the national ‘I&R’ scheme. The first part of the test is a multiple choice questionnaire (MCQ). The second part is a practical exercise (simulated surgery) — whether you need to complete the practical exercise will depend on the results of your MCQ.

20. What do the MCQ assessments look like?

The questions in the MCQ are in two domains: Clinical Problem solving (CPS) and Professional

Dilemmas (PD)/Situational Judgment Test (SJT).

In CPS, you will be presented with a written a clinical scenario, and be asked to pick one or more options about how you should respond in the clinical scenario. The questions can cover any aspect of clinical practice you might expect to encounter as an NHS GP.

Situational Judgment Tests are more about dilemmas facing doctors, and may include examples of ethical, social and other professional issues you encounter in day to day practice.

21. What are simulated surgeries?

These are practical tests in which an actor will pretend to be a patient who is coming to you with a problem. You will be asked to respond to the actor as if they were a real patient, and your interaction with the patient will be observed.

Your induction programme will include practice in consulting with simulated patients and receiving expert feedback as part of the training provided in England.

22. When will I take the assessment test?

There isn’t a fixed timetable. You can sit the MCQ test when you and your supervisors think you are ready—usually after about six months.

After the induction period most doctors need just one attempt of the MCQ. However, if you are not successful, four attempts for the MCQ are fully funded by the programme.

23. Where will the training be provided?

Some of the training will be online, some at your practice or at other venues. Normally it will be at local venues, so the time taken to travel there shouldn’t be greater than a normal commuting time. You can claim for costs that are greater than your normal costs of travelling to work.

24. Will I receive the materials to prepare for the I&R assessment?

Access to essential materials and e-materials will be provided at no cost. The doctors may choose to purchase additional materials should they wish. Many excellent sources of information are free to access online and the doctors will be signposted to these
Your gross salary will be subject to deductions to cover income tax, national insurance, and, optionally, a pension contribution.

25. Will I get help with settlement in the UK?

Yes. You will have a local NHS contact who will provide you support with schools, places to live, internet, bank account, etc.

Please see for example https://www.rightmove.co.uk/ and select the areas that you are interested in.

26. Do I have to pay for Paragona’s services?

No, we do not charge the candidates for any of our services.

BREXIT

The job offer and contract that you sign will not be broken or changed to your disadvantage due to Brexit. The training that you will undergo will ensure that you enter the NHS family and gain the same professional status and support as a British trained GP. More information:

https://www.gmc-uk.org/news/news-archive/brexit---information-for-doctors

ABBREVIATIONS

CPS – Clinical Problem Solving

GMC – General Medical Council

I&R – Induction and Refresher

IGPR – International GP Recruitment

MCQ – multiple choice questionnaire

NHS – National Health Service

NHSE – NHS England

NPL – National Performers Lists

OET – Occupational English Test

PD – Professional Dilemmas

SJT – Situational Judgment Test

More information you can find HERE