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Welcoming new international doctors

11th December 2023

The Southern Health and Social Care Trust has hosted an event to welcome international doctors who have joined the organisation recently.

Since October, a number of new medical colleagues from India have already arrived in the Trust, following a successful recruitment trip to Mumbai.  A total of 70 doctors across a range of grades and specialties will be taking up posts across Daisy Hill and Craigavon hospitals in the coming months.

Similar to international nurses, international medical graduates take part in a specially designed induction programme, aimed at supporting them and ensuring a smooth transition into Northern Ireland health and social care.

The latest group of new recruits have been completing both corporate familiarisation and training with their specialty areas.

HR, medical, GMC, BMA and representatives of the Trust’s REaCH, (Race, Equality and Cultural Heritage) staff network attended the event to highlight the wide range of support available.

Some of the new doctors said that they are really appreciating the friendly welcome from Southern Trust staff and the support they have been receiving since they arrived.

Southern Trust Medical Director, Dr Stephen Austin said: “A, highly skilled workforce is absolutely essential for the delivery of safe and effective health care. At such a challenging time for health and social care, with growing demand for services and ongoing workforce issues, we want to stabilise and develop our medical profession across the organisation.

“International colleagues are a very valuable addition to our workforce across all professions, joining our dedicated and compassionate teams to improve the care we offer our patients.

“Huge thanks to all of HR, medical, support staff and teams across wards and departments who are working hard to help our new colleagues to integrate into their services.

“We are delighted that these doctors have chosen to travel across the world to live and work in the Southern Trust. We know that staff, patients and our local community will give them a very warm welcome and wish them every success in developing their careers with us.”