International Medical Graduates (IMGs) Handbook

NHS Borders Clinical Guidelines

https://rightdecisions.scot.nhs.uk/nhs-borders-clinical-guidelines/ or download the app from the App Store or Google Play

Clinical Skills workshops

Including Basic Life Support, venepuncture, cannulation in BGH Education Centre available to book on LearnPro NHS. Alternatively, email BOR.clinicaleducationteam@borders.scot.nhs.uk to enquire

NHS Borders Library

Borrow books, get access to journal articles, receive help with literature searches and more. Use the study pods.  24/7 access with your ID badge. Email bor.library@borders.scot.nhs.uk for further information

NHS Borders Medical Education website

https://www.nhsborders.scot.nhs.uk/patients-and-visitors/our-services/staff-portal/medical-education-hub/

Borders Prescribing Formulary

https://www.nhsborders.scot.nhs.uk/patients-and-visitors/our-services/general-services/medicines-and-prescribing/nhs-borders-formulary/

Websites

https://www.scotlanddeanery.nhs.scot/international-medical-graduates/ (useful general information for IMGs new to Scotland with useful further links)

https://centreforimgs.com (free and paid for resources)

https://mindthebleep.com

https://www.orthobullets.com

https://entsho.com

https://dontforgetthebubbles.com

https://dermnetnz.org

Apps

BNF Formulary

Induction (hospital extension and bleep numbers)

Registering with a GP

• We advise that you do this as soon as possible for yourself and any family members.
• https://www.mygov.scot/register-with-doctor/how-to-find-a-gp
• You do NOT need to give proof of address or immigration status to register with a GP. You just need photographic ID but it may be useful to bring a document with your address so the practice can check you live in their catchment area.

The Work and Wellbeing department in Newstead includes Occupational Health, Healthy Working Lives and Workplace Health Service

• Email: OHSAdmin@borders.scot.nhs.uk
• Phone: 01896 825982
• Services include staff physiotherapy, counselling, workplace vaccinations. More information on services available can be found on the intranet.

Wellbeing

• List of websites, apps and organisations that provide support for healthcare workers: https://www.nhs24.scot/staff-information/staff-wellbeing/
• Practitioner Health (mental health and addiction support for medics): https://www.practitionerhealth.nhs.uk/about-practitioner-health
• BMA free counselling services: https://www.bma.org.uk/doctorsfordoctors

Networks

• Borders IMG Whatsapp group – please email chief.residents@borders.scot.nhs.uk to be added.
• Scottish IMG Doctors Support Network
  • https://www.scotlanddeanery.nhs.scot/international-medical-graduates/scottish-img-doctors-support-network/
• NHS Borders Minority Ethnic group (Microsoft Teams channel and Whatsapp group)
  • Email Vineeth.ravindran@borders.scot.nhs.uk to be added

Driving

• Driving in the UK on a non-GB licence: https://www.gov.uk/driving-nongb-licence
• Official DVSA Theory Test Kit app
• Lots of useful videos on YouTube, but some recommended channels are:
  • Clearview Driving
  • Get Driving
  • DGN Driving School
• Driving instructors: there are many available, but multiple IMGs have learned  and passed with Basil Issa in Galashiels (mobile number 07957 419291).

Public transport

• Borders Buses operate the local bus service
• Scotrail operate the Borders Railway which offers a service from Tweedbank through the Borders to Edinburgh.

Accommodation

• See ‘Housing in the Borders’
• Email Victoria Roy (Victoria.roy@nhs.scot) if you are interested in on-site hospital accommodation. Please note there is limited availability!
  • If you stay in the accommodation, you need to register with the Library to use the residences WiFi
• If you are looking to privately rent and buy, then these are some useful websites to start with:
  • https://www.rightmove.co.uk
  • https://www.onthemarket.com/to-rent/property/scottishborders/ 
  • https://www.zoopla.co.uk
• Affordable housing is available through Scottish Borders Housing Association and Waverley Housing, but you need to apply and meet certain criteria for these:
  • https://www.sbha.org.uk/homes-to-rent/  (affordable housing)
  • https://www.waverley-housing.co.uk
• If you don’t live locally, free on-call rooms are provided for when you are on-call. Email bghaccommodation@borders.scot.nhs.uk or phone 01896 827999 to book a room.

Visas

• Stasys Gimbutis, HR Lead for International Recruitment: stasys.gimbutis@borders.scot.nhs.uk

Staff/NHS Discounts

• Blue Light Card
• Nhsstaffbenefits.co.uk
• Healthservicediscounts.com

We also have volunteers (NHS Borders international employees) helping international newcomers:

1. General support, e.g. how to register your kids to a local school, where to buy Indian Spices, how local public transport works, local amenities etc - Jo.Vayalathara@borders.scot.nhs.uk (IT specialist) and vineeth.ravindran@borders.scot.nhs.uk (Physiotherapist)
2. Individual House hunt support - myracecilia_roxas@yahoo.com  (Ward 4 Nurse) and rosemaryphilip2211@gmail.com (Theatre Nurse)
3. Local (in BGH grounds) cricket club – contact person Gi-Jo gijoputhiyakalathil30@gmail.com (ED Nurse)
4. Cycling – means of leisure or commuting to work (where to have a shower, lock your bike etc.). Local cycling paths, charities (e.g. Just Cycle) to get cheap but reliable bikes, repair shops (or DIY), legal regulations (wests/helmets etc.)
   Gi-Jo gijoputhiyakalathil30@gmail.com (ED Nurse)