| Medical recruitment agencies vary in size and experience levels. They have a responsibility to the NHS, the doctors on their books and of course the patients whose care should never be compromised.
It can be hard for agencies to get the balance right because in such a fast paced industry as often the commission factor can be the only driving force behind placing a candidate in a role. There has been recent interest from the press regarding this issue after a few cases of foreign doctor’s negligence had been reported during the spring of 2010. In a time of economic change when the decision makers within the NHS are being asked to cut costs, they can often face a difficult choice; whether to pay high rates for UK based doctors or lower rates for foreign ones.
However, with careful procedures in place, the right balance can be met. Midas medical recruitment agency has set up a Travelling Doctors Program to meet the NHS’s demand for locum doctors. Furthermore the UK is a desired destination for many foreign doctors wishing to gain practice in an international setting. There are many prestigious hospitals with long term and short term contracts for doctors with varying levels of experience and specialities. Twinned with the lucrative incomes and job security, it is no surprise that the UK is a preferred international location for foreign doctors looking to increase their career prospects.
The Travelling Doctor Program aims to make it easy for both the NHS and the non native doctor. They welcome applications from New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and the United States of America. After the doctor initially applies on the Midas Website, they will receive a personal service from the agency. An account manager will call them and scrupulously check their qualifications, skill and experience level to ensure that they meet the NHS’s requirements.
Once accepted, the process can be very quick and only take two weeks for the relevant work permit to be organised. A rate will be agreed between the doctor and the agency and suitable accommodation will be found to ensure that the doctor’s entry into the UK is stress free. The agency will be a constant source of information for the “travelling doctor” and promise to be on hand to guide them through the process of living within the UK. This would encompass everything from understanding the British banking system, giving them city guides and even local entertainment recommendations. Midas have realised that a vital factor in order to keep the NHS happy and patients safe and secure, is to ensure that the new doctor is fully supported during their transition into British culture.
With the right recruitment procedures that work in tune with both the NHS and the non native doctor, the vital process of hiring locums from foreign countries can be a harmonious process. Agencies need to listen to both the doctor and the NHS to ensure that all parties can benefit from the filling of a vacancy.
http://www.midasmedicalrecruitment.com/ |
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