Supernumerary (Foundation Year 1 Level) Posts

Refugee doctors, in spite of having re-qualified for practice in the UK, find it tremendously difficult to enter employment due to competition at Foundation grade 1 level, lack of experience in UK and no references. Many find it difficult to return to work because of prolonged absence from medical practice and hands on experience. Extra help is needed to build the confidence of refugee doctors and in turn help them to gain experience within NHS Wales.

In order to facilitate entry into the NHS we created Supernumerary (Foundation) grade posts. These posts are allocated for refugee doctors who have successfully completed PLAB 2 examination, who are not registered with the GMC and are ‘job ready’. Each post is for 6 months duration at a time. During the time in post the refugee doctors is actively encouraged to apply for substantive posts and supported by the Business Manager for the International Medical Graduates. The process enables the participants to gain sufficient experience in NHS Wales, fill the career gap in their curriculum vitae and help with acquiring references. The job descriptions include study leave and are compliant with equal opportunities.

Induction Programme for Supernumerary Posts

The doctors attend an intensive induction programme prior to commencing in post which consists of:

• Communication Skills
• Hospital at night
• Taking bloods, completing forms, pharmacy
• Portfolios
• Performance
• Cultural Programme
• Careers, GMC, Equality and Diversity

This has proved extremely successful in preparing the doctors for working in an NHS environment.

The Supernumerary posts have been created in order to empower refugee doctors in Wales and to help fulfil the current and future workforce needs of NHS Wales and work towards the Assembly’s strategic manpower planning.