A training scheme has been set up in London to help the NHS benefit from the
increasing numbers of refugee doctors in the UK.
The scheme will enable around 30 doctors a year to complete an educational
programme which will adapt their skills to enable them to practice in this
country.
The Institute for Community Health Sciences at Queen Mary, University of
London launched the training following a £300,000 grant from consultants
Mercers.
The programme will prepare the refugee doctors for the General Medical
Council’s language exam and the Professional and Linguistics Board exam which
they must pass to practice medicine in the UK, but often cannot afford to
study.
It will also include lectures, IT training, website learning, clinical
skills and a communications course.
Professor Yvonne Carter, head of Queen Mary’s department of general practice
and primary care, led the development of the programme and believes it will
improve the provision of healthcare in London.
"The programme will contribute to providing medical education relevant
to the health needs of the local population. The health services will then be
better able to respond to the needs of refugees in East London," she said.
