Things that you should do as soon as possible after arrived in UK for your first job

This is my personal experience. 

I feel lost at the beginning of this tunnel. 

These articles aim to help IMG to figure out what to do, as an outline of reference. 

The detail of trust or local induction will not be discussed here.

Very important

1. Occupational health clearance

-date will be given, take blood for hep, MMR, TB (IGRA) - varies with trust/ local policy

- Most trusts allow the new starter to work only after the occupational clearance. Some trust does allow you to start the observation/ shadowing without it. 

- The test takes one day (just go to take your blood), the appointment may take one week to book, the result could be out in 1 to 2week's time depending on trust. 

Tips: Try to book as soon as possible. Make a plan for it. 

2. Accommodation 

My experience of first accommodation: 

https://helenngjourney.blogspot.com/2022/03/first-accommodation-in-uk.html

Tips: This is very important. You will need to have proof of address to proceed with your DBS. Try to sort it out first so that you can apply for a bank and settle down.  

3. Collect your BRP, get your NI number

* National Insurance numbers nowadays come along with your BRP.

- https://www.gov.uk/national-insurance

My experience of applying for a visa within the UK and getting my BRP 

- https://helenngjourney.blogspot.com/2022/03/expenses-and-my-experience-of-health.html

4. Set up a bank account

My First Bank Account in the UK and My Bad Experience

https://helenngjourney.blogspot.com/2022/02/my-first-bank-account-in-uk.html

5. Buy medical indemnity insurance (MDU, MDDUS or MPS) 

Get your quotation: 

https://www.medicalprotection.org/uk/join

https://www.mddus.com/join

https://www.themdu.com/join-mdu

Road to UK: https://roadtouk.com/continuing-professional-development/indemnity-for-uk-doctors/

** I get my SHO quotation with several different prices, ranging between 200-700 pounds. 

Yet,  I found in IMG facebook that usually it is in the range of 50-70+ for an SHO post.

Tips: Call them up. Tell them that it is seen as over-priced and your peer got the lower price. 

>> Get it to protect you from the first day of the NHS job, although you should be under trust medical indemnity. 

6. Register with the police within 7 days of arrival: 

Check Nationalities that usually need to register

Where?/ When?/How?/ Cost? 

Ans: https://www.gov.uk/register-with-the-police/who-needs-to-register?fbclid=IwAR0_IdBFAbR3DaZ0Np0k7jaFn6nQ_j69WZDWp2FONUs_WOqbla3YE9rCFC0

7. No to forget to update the GMC portal for revalidation: designed body

My post on " How to act on GMC email in regard to revalidation" : 

https://helenngjourney.blogspot.com/2022/03/how-to-act-on-gmc-email-in-regard-for.html

8. DBS

My experience on DBS: https://helenngjourney.blogspot.com/2022/05/dbs.html

Important

1. Download apps

- Which I found using it every day: Induction, micro guide, BNF

2. Phonecard/ Internet 

Most places have free Wi-Fi. My friend helps me to get Lebara (cost 5£/ month,  with 3GB data, unlimited SMS, 1000mins UK to UK call, 100min UK to International call, unlimited Lebara to Lebara call).

Tips: If you want a phone plan, please get it earlier. Plan it. Delivery time could take 4-10 days. 

If you want to travel along without an internet plan, you can read my blog: https://helenngjourney.blogspot.com/2022/02/travel-alone-in-uk-first-time-do-i-need.html

3. Register with GP

- need to do, but once you are settled down, try to do it early

- need to be done, before you convert your oversea covid vaccine to be NHS app

- once you register - > you will get your NHS number -> you can access to NHS app/ NHS healthcare

Find your GP: https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/find-a-GP

Tips: Useful link (about NHS app) : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=di585nE_WB8

GMC says:

Taken from RCGP: Guidance on supporting information for appraisal and revalidation. Available on https://www.rcgp.org.uk/your-career/revalidation/supporting-information-guidance?utm_campaign=2328191_London%20and%20South%20eastern%20weekly%20digest%2019%20August&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Dotmailer&dm_i=49LX,1DWFZ,7IDQTD,6EQTA,1. Accessed on 20/8/2022.

UK's Emergency Contact Numbers
General Emergency - 999
Police, Ambulance, Fire - 999 (112 is also supported)
NHS Direct - 111 (When you need medical help but its not life threatening) 

4. Know your job

- contract (duration, notice period), know your study leave (amount, plan ahead), study funds (budget), rota schedule, NHS system

- NHS portfolio, Horus

Come in Later

1. HMRC account

https://www.gov.uk/log-in-register-hmrc-online-services?fbclid=IwAR2LyaxkV7op8hJnZzAU-UV3y-WOAFBhUPeyxtjBdNAKkvAim7W4TCMUC2Q

2.  Get the right to vote in the UK 

- https://www.gov.uk/register-to-vote

You must have a right to vote in the UK if you plan to buy anything on the mortgage, be it a house or a car in the future. This is one of the points the bank may see when you apply for a loan. It can be online and takes a few min

3. Professional Development Plan and Induction Appraisal

Write a professional development plan (PDP) and induction appraisal in your portfolio with your educational supervisor.

4. Obtain loyalty cards 

- Tesco, Asda, Lidl, Sainsbury, Morrison's, Marks and Spencer (and Costa if you are a coffee lover)

- https://www.topcashback.co.uk/

NHS staff can sign up for: 

NHS Discounts & Healthcare Staff Benefits:

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

Blue Light Card:

https://www.nhsdiscountoffers.co.uk/

NHS Discount Offers:

https://www.healthstaffdiscounts.co.uk/

5. Apply for BMA membership or other union groups

  -  BMA: https://join.bma.org.uk/

  -  Tips: Useful link: Mind the bleep: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Go6bvPx0-Wc

Should I join BMA? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Go6bvPx0-Wc

6. Book an ALS course 

- https://www.resus.org.uk/training-courses/adult-life-support/e-als-advanced-life-support

- My experience: https://helenngjourney.blogspot.com/2022/07/my-e-als-experience.html

- Useful link: Experience sharing by Dr Sid: https://sidukjourney.blogspot.com/p/als-course.html

7. Have a library card

8. Buy the portfolio of the relevant Royal college

9. Openathens

How to open it?

- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EvEWKXMni9o

10. Try becoming involved in an audit.

- Discuss with your ES. 

11. Provisional Driving License

Fill out the DVLA form and send your BRP to DVLA so that you get the provisional driving license. Once you get that, you can book the theory exam. Once you clear the theory exam as well, then you can have driving lessons and take a practical exam.

You must apply for a provisional license ASAP - and give your theory test after a discussion with your driving instructor. 

To get a passport photo: https://www.tescophoto.com/passport-photo-booths

About UK driving license: https://helenngjourney.blogspot.com/2022/08/to-get-driving-licence-in-uk-collection.html

Exchange a foreign driving license: https://www.gov.uk/exchange-foreign-driving-licence

Useful link: 

https://www.gov.uk/apply-first-provisional-driving-licence

http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2016/07/passing-your-driving-test-in-uk.html

BUY A CAR? https://m.facebook.com/groups/IMGs.in.the.UK/permalink/4345513018815039/

8. Join the association relevant to your discipline 

e.g. Association of British Neurologists for Neurology, RCEM, RCGP

- get connection

My special advice

 Tips for IMG Doctor as a Beginner in the UK

https://helenngjourney.blogspot.com/2022/02/tips-for-img-doctor-as-beginner-in-uk.html

Useful link: 

To know the tax system of UK: https://www.expatica.com/uk/finance/taxes/a-complete-guide-to-the-uk-tax-system-758254/

To know insurance in UK: https://www.expatica.com/uk/finance/insurance/insurance-in-the-uk-791438/b

To find a school for your kid: https://www.schoolguide.co.uk/

Royal College of Psychiatrists.  A Guide to Living and Working in the UK for International Medical Graduates. Available on  https://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/docs/default-source/training/img/rcpsych-img-guide.pdf?sfvrsn=af3b5e0a_2&fbclid=IwAR1U-dgvFj6O-XuIpUignWZWPkem1EOo9Bo-EZtSEC8Zvut0lMs5WmhxTfI&fs=e&s=cl 

I hope this helps to plan your journey. All the best.



Here is the table of contents for other topics: https://helenngjourney.blogspot.com/2022/02/table-of-contents.html