Scheme to hire foreign trainee hospital doctors set to double
SCOTlAND’S Health Secretary is expanding a scheme to bring doctors from overseas to fill gaps on wards.
More than 50 trainee doctors from overseas have worked in Scottish hospitals since 2015 and the number will double over the next two years.
The move is the latest attempt to help tackle the workforce crisis in the NHS.
The Scottish International Medical Training Fellowship programme recruits overseas doctors to work in Scotland for one or two years as part of their training.
Doctors from EU and non-EU countries, who have already qualified and have undertaken some speciality training, can apply to the initiative to continue their training at a hospital north of the Border.
Health Secretary Shona Robison said: ‘Since we started running international fellowship schemes we have received very positive feedback from health boards.
‘Consolidating existing schemes to recruit international doctors will help boards to access the best possible candidates.’
She added: ‘It will also make it easier for international doctors to take advantage of the opportunity to work in Scotland, and ensure a rewarding experience which will contribute to developing healthcare in their home countries.’
Dr Chris lilley, consultant neonatologist and training programme director for the West of Scotland paediatric training programme, said: ‘Scotland has always recognised the importance of attracting and supporting high-quality medical training for overseas graduates and is continuing to support these pathways.
‘We have a successful International Medical Training Fellowship programme which values international medical trainees while enabling Scottish health boards to fill vacant training posts.’
Dr lilley added: ‘I have been involved in the recruitment, management and supervision of international trainees and have seen first-hand the areas where we have improved their skills.
‘With well-organised longer term support these trainees also benefit the services within which they work, whether they be within Scotland or in their home countries.’