A warm welcome to NHS Tayside! We are thrilled to have you join us as you embark on this exciting phase of your career. We greatly appreciate your dedication and commitment to healthcare and understand the unique challenges you may face as you transition into a new country and clinical environment. To support you during this important time, we have compiled this pre-arrival resource that will assist you in settling into life outside of work.

We hope you find this information helpful in ensuring a smooth transition and addressing any personal needs you may have. Whether you are here on a short or long-term contract, we hope this helps you feel more at home. Please remember you are not alone in this process. We are here to help guide you every step of the way!

Warm regards,

IMG support team

1. Short-term Accommodation

   If you are arriving before securing long-term accommodation, consider short-term options such as:

   • Hospital Accommodation (Ninewells Hospital and Perth Royal Infirmary):

     Contact the Residency manager: Wendy Valentine (wendy.valentine@nhs.scot)/01382 632107)

   • Airbnb - Widely available in both Dundee and Perth

     
     

2. Long-Term Rentals

   You can search for long-term lets using the following websites:

   • Rightmove

   • Zoopla

   • Gumtree

   • Citylets

   • Lettingweb

   • ninewellsvillage

   
   

3. Alternative Housing Options

   • Flatshares - Consider sharing accommodation to reduce costs, meet others or if you will be in a certain location for a short-term contract. Platforms such as SpareRoom can be useful.

     
     

4. Popular Residential Areas

   • Dundee:

     West End - Close to Ninewells Hospital, quiet and popular with professionals

     Broughty Ferry - Seaside town feel with good cafes

     City Centre - Convenient for shops, buses and train station

   • Perth:

     Craigie and Oakbank - Quiet residential areas near the city centre and Perth Royal Infirmary

     North Muirton and Letham - Affordable, family-friendly housing with good transport links

     
     

5. Costs and what to expect

   • Rental prices may range from £450-£750/month on average for a one-bedroom flat

   • You will typically be required to pay a deposit to secure the accommodation (equivalent to one month's rent) and the first month's rent upfront

   • Most properties are either fully or partly-furnished. Some may not be furnished.

   • Some properties may include utilities in rent.

     
     

     Practical Tips

   • Always ensure to sign a formal tenancy agreement prior to making any payments.

   • You will be expected to pay council tax for your residence. A discount of 25% is applicable for single occupancy. Direct debits can be set up if you wish to pay your council tax in instalments. Visit the Dundee City Council or Perth & Kinross Council website for more information and set up payment.

   • Once you have a rental contract, you can use this as proof of address for other purposes such as registering with a GP and opening a bank account.

How to register?

You should register with a GP practice in your local area - typically based on your home postcode.

Registration steps:

1. Find a local GP practice:

   • Visit GP practices | NHS Inform

   • Enter your postcode to find GP practices within your area

2. Check if the practice is accepting new patients - Most practices will display this on their website or front door. You can also contact the GP surgery to find out.

3. Fill in the GP registration form - this will be available on their website or at the GP surgery. Some practices may require you to complete a short health questionnaire.

4. Provide identification - passport (ID verification) and proof of address (tenancy agreement). However, you should not be denied registration if you are unable to provide these documents.

After registration:

• You will be added to the patient list at the GP surgery.

• You may be invited for a new patient health check depending on your medical history and if you are on any regular medications.

• Once registered, you can access services such as repeat prescriptions, sick notes, speciality referrals, pap smears etc.

• To request an appointment with your GP, please contact your GP practice by telephone at 08:00 and speak with the receptionist. They will record the reason for your request and you will be contacted with an appointment time. Appointment availability may vary depending on the urgency and nature of your concern.

Out of Hours (OOH) Care:

• For non-life threatening issues out of GP hours, contact NHS 24 on 111

• For emergencies dial 999

NHS general dental services are provided by general dental practitioners, who either work under a contract with or are employed by their local NHS health board to offer routine dental care and treatment.

Registration steps:

1. Find a local dental practice:

   • Visit Dental services | NHS Inform

   • Search for dental services closest to you by entering your postcode

2. Visit the website and contact the dental practice to register or book an appointment.

Optician Services

Specsavers and Boots Opticians offer NHS-funded eye checks.

To book an appointment:

• Google either service + your area (e.g Specsavers Dundee/Perth)

Most doctors new to the UK start with setting up a basic current account which allows you to:

• Receive your NHS salary

• Make card payments and online transfers

• Set up direct debits (e.g to pay rent, council tax, utilities)

• Access mobile banking via the app

You can upgrade to more advanced accounts later if needed.

How to set up an account:

• Visit the bank either in person or on their website.

• Fill in the necessary forms (either online or in-person) and provide documentation.

• Whether you can set up an account in person or via the website will depend on the bank.

Documents required:

• Proof of identity - Valid passport, proof of immigration status (i.e your electronic visa)

• Proof of UK address - e.g tenancy agreement, utility bill, letter confirming GP registration

Recommended Banks:

Dundee:

• Barclays

• HSBC

• Santander

• Bank of Scotland

• Nationwide

Perth:

• TSB

• Bank of Scotland

• Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS)

• Santander

Online & App-based Banks:

If you don't yet have a confirmed address or need a faster set-up, consider opening an account with an online bank:

• Monzo (popular)

• Starling

• Revolut

Practical tips:

• If you're staying in hospital accommodation or temporary housing and don’t yet have a formal proof of address, ask your employer (NHS Tayside) or GP if they can issue a letter confirming your residency for banking purposes.

• Registering with a GP or setting up utility bills in your name can help establish address verification quickly.

• Bring original hard copies of key documents when visiting a branch.

International transfers:

We understand you may need to send money to family or contacts abroad. While international transfers through traditional UK bank accounts can incur additional fees, using the app 'TapTap' allows you to transfer funds to select countries without the extra charge.

1. Types of mobile plans

   a) Pay as you go (PAYG)

   • No contract required

   • Top up as needed or purchase monthly “bundles” (e.g., data, minutes, texts)

   • Ideal if you are awaiting proof of address or only need short-term flexibility

   b) Monthly Contract (SIM-only or with phone)

   • Typically 12–24 months in length

   • Fixed monthly cost with set allowances

   • Requires a UK bank account and credit check

   • Good for long-term stays and consistent usage

   
   

2. Recommended Mobile Providers

   You can choose your mobile provider from the following list of established UK networks that have retail stores in both Dundee and Perth:

   • EE

   • O2

   • Vodafone

   • Three

   
   

3. Where to get a sim card

   • Retail Stores: EE, Vodafone, and O2 have branches in Dundee City Centre and Perth High Street.

   • Supermarkets: Tesco, Asda, and Sainsbury’s often sell PAYG SIMs.

   • Online: Order SIMs from providers like Giffgaff and get delivery within 1–2 working days.

To set up a monthly contract, most providers require:

• Proof of identification (passport or proof of immigration status/electronic visa)

• UK bank account

• Proof of address (e.g tenancy agreement)

Practical tips:

• Start with a PAYG plan until you have proof of address and stable income history.

• Some providers offer international calling bundles for countries outside the UK although you will likely use WhatsApp to phone or video call family or friends overseas.

1. Major Supermarkets

These stores offer a wide variety of fresh produce, dairy, meat, toiletries, and household items. Most are open late and have online delivery services.

• Tesco – Widely available, includes larger 24-hour superstores

• Asda – Good for bulk buys and budget options

• Morrisons – Known for fresh produce and in-store bakery

• Sainsbury’s – Good quality groceries and ready meals

• Lidl & Aldi – Budget-friendly with weekly deals on essentials

• Marks & Spencer Foodhall – Premium groceries and ready-made meals

*Tip: Most supermarkets offer loyalty cards accessible via app (e.g., Tesco Clubcard, Nectar, Asda Rewards) that help save money over time.

2. Where to buy household essentials?

For kitchenware, bedding, cleaning products, and other household needs:

• B&M Bargains – Discount store with groceries and home goods

• Home Bargains – Low-cost household supplies

• Dunelm – Ideal for kitchen and bedroom essentials

• The Range – Furniture, storage, DIY items

• Primark - Bedroom essentials

• IKEA (Edinburgh/Glasgow) – Furniture, kitchenware, and organisational tools

• Amazon - Online store for practically anything you need!

3. Farmer's market and local produce

   • Dundee farmer's market - Held on the third Saturday of every month (Feb-Dec) in the City Centre with fresh produce, baked goods and local honey

   • Perth farmer's market - First Saturday of each month offering local meats, vegetables and artisan products.

Dundee:

• Global grocers & halal butchers (Guthrie Street) - South Asian, Middle Eastern, African selections

• International food store (Albert Street)

• Euro foods (Hilltown) - Polish, Bulgarian and Romanian selections

• Universal Supermarket (Panmure Street) - South Asian, African selections

• Food Plus Dundee (Victoria Road) - Polish, Romanian selections

• Matthew's food Dundee (Gellatly Street) - Asian, South Asian selections

• Bismillah halal superstore (Hilltown) - South Asian and Middle Eastern selections and halal meat

• Al Noor halal foodstore (Blackness Road) - South Asian and Middle Eastern selections and halal meat

Perth:

• Apni Shop (Dunkeld Road) - South Asian and Middle Eastern selections and halal meat

• Minas Store (Methven Street) - South Asian selections

• Polish taste (Crieff Road) - Polish selections

• European Store (Methven Street) - Polish, Lithuanian, Bulgarian, Ukrainian and Romanian selections

• Shop Africana (South Street) - African selections

Bus

Public buses are the most commonly used form of transport for day-to-day travel in Dundee and Perth. The bus stops often have live arrival displays.

Dundee:

• Xplore Dundee: operates most city services. Major routes connect Ninewells Hospital, Dundee City Centre and residential areas such as Broughty ferry, Stobswell and West End. Download the Xplore Dundee App to plan journeys, check timetables and buy mobile tickets.

• Stagecoach: Frequent services link Dundee City Centre-Broughty Ferry-Monifieth-Carnoustie-Arborath, with numerous stops including Ninewells Hospital. Some services run from Dundee City Centre to Forfar, Kirriemuir and Stracathro, useful for visit to rural Tayside. Download the Stagecoach mobile app to purchase tickets, view timetables and live track services.

• Budget travel: Ember and FlixBus services offer cheaper services to Edinburgh and Glasgow airports and other cities across Scotland. Tickets need booked online for this service.

• The main coach station in Dundee is Seagate bus station. You can access coaches such as Megabus and Citylink to other Scottish cities which can be booked online.

Perth

• Main bus operator is Stagecoach East Scotland.

• To Perth Royal Infirmary: Service 7 & 8 travel between city centre and PRI. Buses are available every 10-15 minutes during peak times and operate from early morning till early evening.

*Contactless payments are available on all bus services.

Taxis

For Dundee, the following numbers will link to different taxi companies based in the city:

• Dundee City Taxis: 01382 204060

• CityCabs Dundee: 01382 450450

• Dundee TeleTaxis: 01382 825825

For Perth, the following numbers will link to different taxi companies based in the city:

• Fair City Cabs: 01738 446446

• Ace Taxis Perth: 01738 444000

• Perth Radio Taxis: 01738 580058

• A&B Taxis: 01738 444234

Train

Scotrail operates regular services between Dundee, Perth and other major Scottish cities.

• Travelling to Perth Royal Infirmary from Dundee: Scotrail offers a direct route from Dundee train station to Perth train station. From Perth train station, you can take the Stagecoach 7 or 8 service from Perth bus station (5 mins from train station) which is a 10 minute journey to Perth Royal Infirmary or travel by foot (~25 minutes).

• Download the Trainline or ScotRail app to plan journeys, purchase tickets and receive live updates.

Travel beyond Tayside:

• Edinburgh Airport: 1hr20min from Dundee, ~1hr from Perth

• Glasgow Airport: 1.5hr from Dundee, 1hr15min from Perth

• Dundee Airport (Riverside Drive): offers flights to London Heathrow Airport

1. Eligibility and Sponsorship

   • You must have a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) issued by NHS Tayside or your employing NHS health board.

   • Your job must be on the Immigration Salary List, which includes doctors and many healthcare professionals (previously known as Shortage Occupation List).

2. Visa application process

   • You can apply online through the UK government website (Health and Care Worker visa).

   • You will be required to complete a visa application form and provide biometrics. This may either be in person or via the Immigration check app.

   • You will likely be on the Health and Care worker visa for your role as a medical professional in the NHS. This is a branch of the Skilled Worker route which exempts you from the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).

   • Follow the guidance on the UK Government website to extend your visa for subsequent employment contracts within the NHS. Your employer will issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) for you to apply for an extension.

3. Proof of visa

   • As of 31st December 2024, the UK no longer issues a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) as proof of your visa or immigration status.

   • You will be required to make an account for an electronic visa (eVisa) on the UK government website that you will link to your travel document (passport).

   • You can access a share code once your visa has been approved to prove immigration status to your employer or for other purposes (landlord, travel etc).

   • Please ensure you have a printed copy of your electronic visa and share code for international travel.

   
   

If you do not have a valid driving license from your home country or after 12 months of driving on a valid license from overseas, you must apply for your UK driving license from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).

1. Apply for a provisional license

   • To apply for a license you must be able to read a number plate from 20 meters away and be given permission to live in Great Britain for at least 6 months.

   • You can either apply online (£34) or complete D1 form available at the Post Office (£43).

   • Apply for your first provisional driving licence - GOV.UK

2. Complete the theory test

   • Once you receive your provisional license, you can apply for your theory test.

   • Familiarise yourself with the Highway Code and adjust to rules of driving in the UK.

   • Helpful apps such as DVSA Official theory Test Kit, Driving theory test 4 in 1 and driving accounts on Youtube can help you prepare for your test with practice questions.

3. Complete the practical test

   • Once you have successfully passed the theory test, you will be eligible to book your practical driving test

   • A google search will help you identify driving instructors in Dundee and Perth.

   • Some instructors or driving schools may be fully booked so ensure you start your search as early as possible.

   • You can either rent a car for your practical test, use your instructors vehicle or have your own car ready (provided it meets the criteria on the DVLA website for the test).

Once you have passed your practical test, you will be given a certificate that you can use to exchange for your full driving license.

You will need to ensure your car is insured and road tax paid to be road legal.

NHS Staff discounts

1. Blue light card

   • https://www.bluelightcard.co.uk/en

2. NHS staff benefits

   • https://www.nhsstaffbenefits.co.uk

3. Health service discounts

   • https://healthservicediscounts.com

Travel discounts

• Bus: buy weekly or monthly bus passes for discounted prices.

• Train: buy a railcard to purchase discounted tickets.

Supermarkets

• Sign up to loyalty cards to collect points and receive discounts.

Fitness

• The Gym Group and PureGym offer 10% discount on membership for NHS workers.

• Please make sure you have signed up to the aforementioned NHS discount services to access.

The following information has been sourced from the 'Settling into Tayside' Padlet (linked above). You are welcome to refer to both resources for further guidance and support.

There are numerous Christian places of worship within Dundee:

• For Roman Catholics, some of the more popular places of worship include St Andrew's Cathedral along Nethergate, St Joseph's Church on Wilkies Lane as well as St Ninian's & St Clement's Churches which are situated in Menziehill and Charleston.

• For Prostestants, St Mary's Parish Church is located right at the heart of Dundee city centre, by the Overgate!

• All of the Presbyterian church congregations within Dundee have come together to produce the Dundee Westgait Church of Scotland, and worship across various church sites.

• For Methodist Christians, there is the Dundee Methodists Church, located in West Marketgait, opposite Lidl and Overgate.

• Dundee also hosts Gate Church International - an independent Christian denomination with Sunday services.

• For Episcopal Christians, the more poplar sites of worship are St Paul's Cathedral on Dundee High Street and St Mary Magdalene's Church on Dudhope Crescent Road.

• For Baptist Christians, there is the Central Baptist Church of Dundee on Ward Road, just north of the town centre.

• For Evangelical Christians, there is St. Peter's Free Church located along Perth Road.

  
  

The main mosques within Dundee City are:

• Dundee Central Mosque, located just north of the town centre, in close proximity to the Hampton by Hilton hotel.

• Al Maktoum Mosque, which is associated with the Al-Maktoum School and located close to The Hub accommodation, by the University's main campus. It is open to students and locals.

• Tayside Islamic Centre, with its associated Sunni Mosque, on Victoria Road in North Marketgait.

  
  

The Tayside Hindu Cultural and Community Centre is situated at the top end of Taylors Lane, which is the off-road that arises next to the Pacamara Café on Perth Road. They have an associated Facebook page for any queries!

For those that practice Sikhism, the Siri Guru Nanak Gurdwara is located on Victoria Road in North Marketgait.

Perth religious facilities:

There are various Christian worship facilities within the city:

• For Roman Catholics, the St John the Baptist Church, is situated along Melville Street, just outside the town centre

• For Baptist Christians, the Perth Baptist Church is located towards the eastern outskirts of Perth whilst the Bible Baptist Church is within close proximity to the town centre.

• For Presbyterian Christians, St. Matthew's Church is located on Tay Street, along the River Tay whilst St. Leonard's In The Fields Church is found on Marshall Place, close to the South Inch Park, and St. John's Kirk Church is situated along St. John's Place.

• For Episcopal Christians, St John the Baptist Church is located along Princes Street, just bordering the town centre and St Ninian’s Cathedral, North Methven Street.

Along Glasgow Road and within close proximity to Perth Royal Infirmary (PRI) hospital, the Perth Islamic Society and its associated mosque are found.

• Pre-employment health screening (e.g., vaccinations, TB status)

• Immunisations (e.g., hepatitis B)

• Support for those with work-related health issues

• Advice to managers on accommodations and adjustments

• Rehabilitation & return-to-work planning after illness or injury

• Counselling services

How to access?

• Referral by your Line Manager

• Self-referral if you are experiencing health issues related to work

Why Occupational Health matters:

• Clearance Before Clinical Work: You'll need OH clearance (e.g., immunisation status, TB screening) before patient exposure. Please ensure you have evidence of vaccinations from your home country including, and if applicable, English translations.

• Health & Safety: If you have chronic conditions or disabilities, OH helps assess risks and suggest workplace accommodations.

• Support After Illness: OH can coordinate phased returns and work adjustments after illness/absence.

• Fit to Practice: OH and your employer must ensure you are fit and well-placed to deliver safe patient care.

How to contact?

Telephone:  01382 346030
Email:  TAY.occhealth@nhs.scot

Website: NHS Tayside Occupational Health

NHS Tayside Psychological Wellbeing Service: tay.psychologicalwellbeing@nhs.scot

Spiritual Care and Wellbeing

The Spiritual Care team at NHS Tayside includes trained chaplains who provide one-to-one support, reflective listening, and guidance during times of stress, loss, or transition. This service is also available for patients, however, you are encouraged to access these services as a holistic approach to personal and professional wellbeing.

For further guidance on supporting your mental and physical health, please refer to the Health and Wellbeing Padlet.

International Medical Graduates can access a range of tailored resources offered by the UK Royal Colleges to support their transition into the NHS. Each Royal College hosts IMG specific sections on their websites. Please use the links below to access:

The Royal College of Emergency Medicine

The Royal College of General Practitioners

The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists

The Royal College of Ophthalmologists

The Royal College of Pathologists

The Royal College of Psychiatrists

The Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh

The Royal College of Radiologists

The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh

The PVG scheme managed by Disclosure Scotland under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007, ensures that people working with children or protected adults (e.g those receiving health or social care services) are not barred from doing so due to harmful histories.

As a clinician, you will likely work with vulnerable adult patients. This means you will need to be a PVG scheme member and if applicable, (e.g working with children), you may also need the scheme for that group.

When you apply for your Skilled Worker visa, necessary police checks are carried out as part of the process. Once you have secured accommodation, please provide proof of this to your medical staffing (HR) contact. Once received, the department will apply for the PVG membership on your behalf. A certificate will be issued to your address.

Associate Directors of Medical Education (NHS Tayside)

Dr. Achyut Valluri

Dr. Babar Akbar

Clinical Teaching Fellows (Directorate of Medical Education, NHS Tayside)

Dr. Hamza Ahmad

Dr. Flana Barreto

Dr. Karyn Joss

Dr. Sudhara Niriella

Dr. Muhammed Safiru

Administrator (Directorate of Medical Education, NHS Tayside)

Ms. Fiona Bain

Programme information:

• Day 1 (Tuesday, February 10th) - Introduction and Developing a Systematic Approach, Steele Lecture Theatre Perth Royal Infirmary

• Day 2 (Thursday, February 19th) - Practising safely and the Multi-disciplinary Team, Steele Lecture Theatre Perth Royal Infirmary

• Day 3 (Thursday, February 26th) - Career Management and Medical Emergencies, Steele Lecture Theatre Perth Royal Infirmary

• Day 4 - WINS (Welcoming IMGs New to Scotland), Monday, March 2nd (Edinburgh)/Tuesday, March 10th (Glasgow)

• Day 5 (Thursday, March 5th) - Thriving in UK Practice and Introduction to Micro-aggressions, Steele Lecture Theatre Perth Royal Infirmary

  
  

Attendance criteria:

• Mandatory for those with less than 6 months NHS experience

• Desirable for those new to Scotland (but have 6-12 months experience working in the UK)

• Optional (service-dependent) for those with more than 6 months experience in NHS Scotland, but have not attended before

VISTA sessions

The Versatile and Interactive Simulation for Teaching and Advancement (VISTA) sessions are monthly teaching sessions that will continue beyond the induction programme. These sessions are designed to support your ongoing development, and you are welcome to suggest topics you would like to see covered.

Attendance expectations are the same as those for the Enhanced Induction Programme.

On the first day of induction, you will be provided with a QR code to join the Tayside IMG WhatsApp groups. Further information regarding teaching sessions will be shared via these groups as well as through email.

When:

• Thursday 24th September, 13:30-16:30

• Thursday 29th October, 13:30-16:30

• Thursday 26th November, 13:30-16:30

• Thursday 28th January 2027, 13:30-16:30

  
  

Where:

• Clinical Skills Centre, Ninewells Hospital

• Foundation Year 1 (FY1) Doctor refers to a doctor that is in their first clinical year of working post-graduation and is only partially registered with the GMC.

• Foundation Year 2 (FY2) Doctor refers to a doctor that is in their second clinical year of working post-graduation and has a full GMC registration.

• Clinical Fellow (CF) refers to a doctor that is fully clinical in workload but is not currently enrolled in a higher training programme.

• Clinical Development Fellow (CDF) refers to a doctor that is not currently enrolled in a higher training programme and has a workload that is split as 80% clinical and 20% core development.

• Clinical Teaching Fellow (CTF) refers to a post-FY doctor that is not currently enrolled in a higher training programme and has a workload that is split as 80% teaching and 20% clinical.

• Internal Medicine Trainee (IMT) refers to a post-FY doctor that is currently enrolled in the 3-year initial training pathway to become a hospital physician.

• Broad-Based Training (BBT) refers to a post-FY doctor that is enrolled in a programme that covers Psychiatry, Paediatrics, General Medicine and General Practice, to help them decide a training pathway for subsequent applications.

• General Practice Specialty Trainee (GPST) refers to a post-FY doctor that is currently enrolled in training to be a General Practitioner (GP) (a.k.a. family doctor).

• Core Trainee (CT) is a post-FY doctor completing a initial, generalised training programme, usually for surgery, to then apply for higher specialty training.

• Specialty Trainee (ST) is a doctor that is in a 'run-through' training programme until they reach consultancy and often, they will have a number which indicates what year of training they're in and their specialty e.g. ST1 in Psychiatry, ST2 in Paediatrics etc.

• Specialty Registrar (SpR) is a doctor that has completed their initial core training and is now completing higher training in their chosen specialty.

• Clinical Lead is a consultant that acts as a clinical supervisor for the speciality they are part of and will provide day-to-day line management support.

• Clinical Director is a consultant that is responsible for leading and managing the speciality that they are part of.

• Associate Director of Medical Education (ADME) is a consultant who in addition to their clinical roles, also is responsible for postgraduate development of medical professionals through various avenues and projects.

• Rota Manager/Rota Coordinator refers to the individual responsible for the management of the in-hours and out-of-hours (OOH) shift working within their allocated speciality and are the person you want to contact regarding cover for all forms of leave , including annual leave, sickness absences, study leave etc.

• Advanced Clinical Practitioner (ACP) refers to professionals from a range of backgrounds (e.g. nursing, paramedics, physiotherapy, pharmacy) who have completed a Master’s degree and take on expanded roles allowing them to assess, diagnose and manage patients.

• Allied Healthcare Professionals (AHPs) refer to a collective group of individuals who aid in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of patients, including paramedics, radiographers, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, dieticians, orthoptists, orthotists, podiatrists, speech and language therapists etc.

• Staff (Band 5) Nurse are nurses that are involved in direct patient care and will be the type of nurse you interact with most on the wards!

• Charge (Band 6) Nurse are nurses that oversee a nursing unit during a shift, manage the nursing and support work staff, ensuring high-quality patient care.

• Senior Charge (Band 7) Nurse are nurses that hold a leadership position, often in management, and are responsible for managing a specific healthcare unit.

• Healthcare/Clinical Support Worker (HSW/CSW) are individuals who are generally involved in looking after the wellbeing and comfort of patients e.g. serving food, laundry etc., although some may have extended roles such as phlebotomy, minor treatments etc.

• Physicians Associates (PAs) refer to individuals with a general medical education, who work alongside doctors to provide medical care as part of the multi-disciplinary team.

Defence Unions are firms that provide indemnity cover and medico-legal support and advice, if ever required.

It is completely up to you which Defence Union you choose to register with - the most important thing is that you ARE registered with one!

The three most commonly used firms are:

1. The Medical Defence Union (MDU)

   
   

2. Medico-Legal Advice & Indemnity for UK Doctors & Dentists (MDDUS)

   
   

3. Medical Protection Scotland (MPS)

Please feel free to look through each option and choose the one that feels most right for you!