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Large supermarkets are located all across London and some brands can be found most places. Most big supermarkets are open early until late except for Sunday when trading is limited, usually 11am-4pm.

Aldi & Lidl – cheapest

Tesco, Morrison’s, Asda & Iceland - cheap

Sainsburys – medium prices, good variety of international produce

Waitrose and Marks & Spencer (M&S) – very good quality but expensive

Smaller local supermarkets are open longer hours and some independent 'convenience' stores are open 24-hours.

Many of the larger supermarkets have an international aisle.

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Congratulations on your employment at King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. 

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Congratulations on your employment at King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. 

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King’s is made up of 5 hospitals across 5 sites:  King’s College Hospital (Denmark Hill site), Princess Royal University Hospital (PRUH), Orpington Hospital and Beckenham Beacons & Queen Mary’s Sidcup.

Maternity services are delivered at both Denmark Hill and PRUH sites with approximately 10,000 deliveries across site.
King’s is one of the world’s major teaching hospitals with a reputation for excellence in patient care and is a renowned clinical research centre; we are proud you have made the decision to join our Team King’s.

Maternity services are delivered at both Denmark Hill and PRUH sites with approximately 10,000 deliveries across both sites and in the community.

King's College Hospital is a great place to work and there is a great sense of camaraderie among all the teams. Being part of "Team King's" means being part of a nurturing family with values that bind us together.

As experienced midwives, you will all share our passion for delivering excellent, women focused quality services and there has never been a better time to join us here in the UK.

We look forward to meeting you soon.

Helen O’Dell
Director of Midwifery

Frances Barnes
Head of Midwifery - Denmark Hill

Aldyth Walker
Head of Midwifery - PRUH

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Hambledon Wing, Denmark Hill
There are several buildings that make up the campus in Camberwell, Lambeth. People refer to us as 'King's' or 'KCH'
The maternity unit is based in  the Golden Jubilee Wing.

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Main Entrance, Princess Royal University Hospital

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Main Entrance, Princess Royal University Hospital

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Jo Alderson, Lead Midwife – Education & Workforce

Laura Hall, Practice Development Midwife (DH)

Lucy Summers, Practice Development Midwife (PRUH)

We are here to help you as you settle into life in the UK.  We will support you with your OSCE and will arrange all training and preparation required.

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Your agency will arrange for you to be met at the airport and taken you to your accommodation where you will be met by:

- Either Elaheh or Susie
- a member of the Human Resources Team
- a member of the accommodation team, who will ensure you are happy with systems within the property, ie hot water.

We will be issuing you with a tablet (loaned for the duration of OSCE study), a sim card, an Oyster Card (travel) and information on how to open your UK bank account and how to obtain your Biometric Residence Permit (see later).

Over the first few days a member of the International Education Team will be in touch to give you information regarding your Corporate Induction programme (see later) and with an appointment for you to visit Occupational Health.

Susie or Elah will be on hand to show you around the neighbourhood and to ensure you feel confident moving around the city.

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We will help you obtain BRP from the Post Office you will have nominated.  Your BRP will include:

Your name, date & place of birth

Your fingerprints and a photo of your face (this is your biometric information)

Your immigration status and any conditions of your stay

Whether you can access public funds, for example benefits and health services

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This is a 3-day blended learning course and will usually commence on the first Monday after your arrival.  One of the days will involve face to face training in Manual handling.

After these sessions you will have an opportunity to pick up your uniform and ID badge.  There will be further time available to open bank accounts, gain library access, register with the doctor and dentist.

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During the first few weeks you will attend Midwifery Mandatory Training (MMT). Again, this is a blended 2/3 day course covering midwifery/obstetric subjects upon which all midwives in the UK are required to receive regular updates.

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During the first few weeks you will be enrolled on your OSCE training course. This 3 week course takes place at North Middlesex Hospital and will prepare you to take your OSCE exam. The intention is that you successfully pass your exam within 6 weeks of arrival. More about OSCEs later.

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After passing  your OSCE the NMC will be in touch to issue your NMC PIN.  You will need to pay the registration fee of £120.  At this point you will proceed to Band 5 pay and commence your 1 year Preceptorship Programme.    This is an inpatient rotation programme which will enable you to gain experiences across labour ward, birth centre, antenatal and postnatal wards.  In the first few weeks of each placement you will be working as a supernumerary midwife whilst you settle in.  During this period you will be given opportunities to attend maternity training along with our home educated midwives.

Competencies
Throughout the Preceptorship Programme you will be expected to successfully complete clinical competencies as follows (but not exhaustive to):

Speculum

Insertion of Propess and Counselling regarding Induction

Cannulation

Medicines Management

Perineal Suturing

IV Drug Administration

Many of you will be experienced in these subjects already but this programme will give you a good opportunity to learn UK procedure and policies which may be slightly different.  Once you have completed your Preceptorship Programme, you will proceed to Band 6 pay and start the next phase of your exciting journey.  All career opportunities will be available to you and the next steps will be within your reach.

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When your NHS email account is setup, please update your signature to include your details and the image above of the King's values.

Ensure you have a profile photo for your NHS online profile. The communications midwife can help with this.

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It is not a legal requirement for midwives to become a member of a union.  As an NHS employer, your Trust will cover you for any errors made whilst working in your role.   However, being a member of a union may be useful in the event of employment disputes and can also be a source of information.  Popular unions are the Royal College of Midwives (RCM), Unison or Unite.

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As part of our commitment to being ‘effortlessly inclusive’ and putting EDI at the heart of everything we do, we have five staff network groups that represent and advocate for staff:

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Black, Ethnic & Minority Ethnic (BAME) Network

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Black, Ethnic & Minority Ethnic (BAME) Network

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Aims to create an inclusive culture & environment to ensure staff are able to thrive. Contact the network on klch-tr.bamenetwork@nhs.net

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Your wellbeing and mental health is important to us. We have a number of support systems for you including access to a named Professional Midwifery Advocate (PMA), the Practice Development Team and the Midwifery Practice Facilitators. You will also have an opportunity to meet the hospital chaplains.

King’s College Hospital Occupational Health and Wellbeing http://kweb/kwiki/Occupational_Health_and_Wellbeing

King’s have an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) which offers all our staff a free, confidential and independent counselling telephone helpline.  This is provided by Workplace Options and enables you to talk to a trained counsellor 24 hours a day, 365 days a year by phone or web.

Contact Workplace Options on 0800 243 458 or www.workplaceoptions.com

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There is a space at Denmark Hill and at PRUH for you to relax and revive.

Staff Wellbeing hub - Kwiki

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King’s & Queers – LGBTQ+ network

The network comes together to celebrate identities, advocate for LGBTQ+ staff and patients, maintain an accepting, open and understanding community and to make positive changes within the Trust.  Contact the network on kch-tr.kingsandqueers@nhs.net

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King's Able is the name of the Trust's disability network. The network has been developed to help improve the experience of disabled staff working at King's. The group's aim is to provide a consultation forum to present, discuss and improve issues that may affect disabled members of staff.
King's Able can be contacted via email on kch-tr.disabilitynetwork@nhs.net.

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The aim of the Network is to raise the profile of women at King’s, including equity of career development, addressing the gender pay gap, empowering females, and creating a supportive, aspirational and motivational space for female staff of all levels and at all stages of their careers. Women's Network - Kwiki

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Keeping Well for Health & Care Workers webinar series

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Keeping Well for Health & Care Workers webinar series

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Thrive LDN has recorded a webinar series to help NHS workers manage their mental health.  Each 60 minute session is run by a trained cognitive behavioural therapist and covers subjects such as Managing Wellbeing, Coping with Stress & Better Sleep.

www.thriveldn.co.uk

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You will be paid on the 24th day of each month and initially be paid a Band 4 rate.   Once you pass your OSCE your pay will increase to Band 5.  During your first year you will be paid at a Band 5 rate and after successfully completing all your ‘Competencies’ and Preceptorship period your pay will increase to Band 6 rate.

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In the UK everyone is entitled to a tax free allowance of £12,570 per year.  The financial year runs from April – March).  This tax free allowance is divided across 12 months which means that you have a tax free allowance each month of £1,047.50 and income earned above this amount is taxed at 20%  You are entitled to a rebate on your uniform and any union expenses.  All you need to do is to call the tax office or King’s College payroll department (0300 300 3300 – option TAX REBATE) and they will guide you through the rest.  Have your National Insurance number (see below) to hand and you will need to answer a couple of security questions and inform them of your profession and place of work.  Your tax code will then be changed on your pay slip.

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National Insurance contributions will be deducted automatically from your salary as well as tax.  These contributions count towards the cost of the NHS, Social Services and State Pension Scheme (separate to the NHS Pension Scheme).  This number will be issued automatically when your visa is issued.

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All employees are automatically enrolled onto the NHS Pension scheme.  It is one of the most competitive pension schemes in the UK.  However, you do have the option to opt out.  To do this you need to contact pensions@kings.hrshub.co.uk. If you have any questions then please contact Capita 0300 303 8609 option 3.

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During your first week we will assist you in opening a virtual Revolute bank account.  To tide you over before this time a loan of £2000 will be made available.  This will be repaid incrementally through payroll.

Sadly, fraud is becoming increasingly common in the UK.  Be suspicious of any texts, emails or phone calls requesting your personal details.  Never give your bank details to anyone over the phone.  If you owe tax your pay will be adjusted automatically.

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London is divided into boroughs – these are responsible for local amenities such as rubbish collection and community libraries.

See a larger map here

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General Practitioners (family doctors) are available to everyone and are free.  Appointments tend to be virtual in the first instance. Some practices offer family planning advice, otherwise family planning clinics are available.  Sexual health clinics are also available and all are free.

https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/gps/how-to-register-with-a-gp-surgery/

Dentists are either NHS or private and it is increasingly difficult to find an NHS dentist.

How to find an NHS dentist - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

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London is well-connected by a comprehensive public transport system involving bus, train, tube and tram. There are various ways of paying for your travel:

Oyster Card – a prepay card, also available as an App

Pay Directly with your bank debit/credit card

Your phone

Buses and tubes are cashless and require one of the above.  However for longer journeys by National Rail services require you to purchase a ticket.

Bus Times London on the App Store (apple.com)

Keeping London moving - Transport for London (tfl.gov.uk)

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Your accommodation will be free of charge for the first 6 weeks and you will need to arrange your own accommodation after this time.  The HR team will arrange a talk from Iconica on types of accommodation available and costs involved.  Sharing accommodation is common and helps keep costs down.  You will have opportunities to meet other IEMs and nurses who you may like to share with.

Options:

- There may be an option to stay in Trust accommodation.
- Flat/House shares are advertised on the Trust intranet homepage Noticeboard

Here are some of the websites that advertise property rentals:

Rightmove –https://www.rightmove.co.uk
Zoopla –
https://www.zoopla.co.uk
On the Market –https://www.onthemarket.com
Open Rent –https://www.openrent.co.uk
Gumtree –https://www.gumtree.com
SpareRoom - https://www.spareroom.co.uk

THINGS TO REMEMBER:
•  Deposit
•  Rental Checks
•  Utilities (Council Tax, TV licence, Utility Bills, Internet)
•  Food /Groceries

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Post Offices can be found on most high street. Many operate within other shops, ie supermarkets and pharmacies. You can register an online account with Royal Mail to access online postage services. Stamps can be purchased in post offices, supermarkets and convenience stores.

Posting packages abroad might be more economical using a different courier service.

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Primark, TK Maxx, H&M, Zara and other stores for reasonably priced clothing

Boots and Superdrug for toiletries and medications

Pharmacies e.g. Lloyds & Boots

All major supermarkets sell clothes, toiletries and may also have an onsite pharmacy.

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A good place to start would be to Google search ‘mosque near me’, ‘church near me’, ‘synagogue near me’ and you will find plenty of detailed information, including personal reviews, to help you decide which would be most suitable.

Close to King’s Denmark Hill are:

South London Synagogue, 1 Prentice Road, Streatham, SW16 1HP – Tel: 020 8769 4787

N Brixton Islamic Centre, 182 Brixton Road, Brixton/Vauxhall – Tel: 020 7735 9967

Camberwell Islamic Centre, 188 Camberwell Road, SE5 0ED

St Saviour’s Church (Anglican), Herne Hill Road, SE24 0AY – Tel: 020 7737 4978

St Philip & St James Church (Catholic), Poplar Walk, SE24 0BS – Tel: 020 727 4853

Close to Princess Royal University Hospital (PRUH)

Catford & Bromley Synagogue, 6 Crantock Road, Catford, SE6 2QS – Tel: 020 8698 9496

St Michael and All Angels Roman Catholic Church, 8NL, 370 Crofton Rd, Locksbottom, Orpington BR6 8NN – Tel: 01689 851 776

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Society of African & Carribbean Midwives (SoAC) – https://mobile.twitter.com>soac_midwives

Association of South Asian Midwives -www.asamidwives.co.uk

Kenyan Nurses & Midwives Association UK  - https://kenmauk.org

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This 3 week course takes place at North Middlesex Hospital, Edmunton, North London.  The course runs Monday to Friday 9am-5pm.  Lunch and refreshments are available to purchase at the on-site M&S supermarket.  There are, however, facilities to store a packed lunch should you prefer to save on this expense.

You will be taught by an able and friendly team of Practice Development Midwives. They will assess your performance against the learning outcomes of the programme using the NMC ToC Marking Criteria and provide feedback to help you develop your skills. You will have opportunities to practice your OSCE exam.

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The nearest train station is Silver Street Overground station (London Overground Line) - a  5 minute walk.

Or Turnpike Lane Underground station (Piccadilly Line) then Bus No 444 takes you directly to the hospital (15 mins).

Allow at least 1 hour for commuting.

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On completion of the course and when the trainers feel you are ready, you will sit your OSCE exam.  This will take place at the University of Ulster in Northern Ireland.  Flights, accommodation and the cost of the exam will be paid for by the Trust.

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When is my OSCE exam booked?

Before you arrive in the UK, HR will send us a copy of your Decision Letter and we will book your OSCE at Ulster University, Northern Ireland.  We aim that you take your OSCE within the first 6 weeks of arriving in the UK.

How much does the test cost?

The test costs £794, a part re-sit will cost £397 and a full resit will cost £794.  The Trust will pay for the OSCE test, any resit must be paid by the candidate.  An advance can be arranged for this and the Trust will recover the money monthly out of your salary, once you are a Band 5.

Can I change the date?

The university will allow rescheduling of your test, but this must happen at least 21 working days before the test date.  If you cancel after this period your fee will not be refunded as per the university refund policy.  Home Office regulations state that all candidates must complete their 1st attempt within 3 months of starting employment.

The Trust expects all candidates to take their 1st attempt within 6-8 weeks and successful OSCE result must be achieved by 12 weeks.

Who pays for travel costs and accommodation?

Currently the Trust book all flights and accommodation for candidates who are booked to attend Ulster University.

What learning support is available and when will I have access?

Universities have their own integrated learning platforms, access is only given once an exam date has been agreed and paid for; this is usually 6 weeks prior to your exam.

Will there be a mock OSCE?

You will have opportunities to sit mock OSCEs as part of your OSCE Preparation Programme which will be delivered at North Middlesex Hospital.  Full feedback will be given.

What happens if I fail?

The NMC will inform you by email and you will be told why you have failed.  You will be required to re-sit any areas failed.

You MUST inform the IEM team immediately so we can advise and support you.  In the event of a fail, you can appeal but must do so within 5 working days of receiving your result and we strongly advise you to discuss your next actions with us.  Appeals will only be considered if you can prove the process was wrong.  The University decision on the assessment is final and will not be overturned by the NMC.

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Write the name of this equipment below and we can see how many different ways we can name the same thing!