Would you like to live and work in England?

Would you like to live and work in England? The NHS is looking for GPs to work in the areas of CAMBRIDGESHIRE AND PETERBOROUGH NHS England Gateway reference: 07944

INTRODUCTION The National Health Service in England is running an international recruitment campaign for family doctors. In England these are called General Practitioners or GPs. We plan to recruit around 2,000 GPs from overseas by 2020. They will work alongside GPs we train in England to develop an exciting range of health services away from hospitals and in local community settings. This brochure explains the importance of GPs in providing healthcare to our population. It tells you about the application process and what to expect when you apply. We are recruiting GPs for many areas across England. This brochure gives you an idea of the benefits and opportunities available to you if you chose to work in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. WHY WORK AS A GP IN ENGLAND? GPs in England are the foundation of the NHS. They are usually the first person a patient turns to for help and they deal with a whole range of health problems. They are general experts in the whole field of medicine for adults and children. They manage the healthcare of all their patients, including acute illness, long term conditions and mental health problems. GPs usually work in practices, often leading teams which include nurses, healthcare assistants, practice managers, receptionists and other staff. Practices also work closely with other healthcare professionals, such as health visitors, midwives, pharmacists, physiotherapists, mental health services and social care services. GPs provide continuing medical care for patients in the community or they will refer patients to hospital clinics for further assessment or treatment by specialists. Nine out of 10 NHS patients are seen in English general practice, and nearly nine out of 10 patients rate their experience of their GP practice as good. Because GPs often lead the continuing development of the NHS in England, we are investing an additional 2.4bn a year into general practice by 2021. The money is being used to recruit more doctors and other healthcare professionals, improve buildings and extend the use of information technology so general practice can offer more and better services to meet people s needs. Any GP recruited under the international recruitment programme and working in the UK before 29 March 2019 will be able to stay and enjoy the same rights and benefits as now and qualifications of EU doctors will continue to be recognised if they were obtained before 29 March 2019. Recruitment will go beyond March 2019 and while we do not know details of a future immigration system yet, we will make clear how it applies to this programme as soon as possible. Many GPs choose to work in England because of the attractive salaries and benefits. But the work offers much more: the chance to extend your clinical experience as part of a team of 1.3 million NHS employees, all of whom are proud to work for a national treasure and many of whom have come to England from across the globe. 2

GENERAL PRACTICE AND YOU If you choose to apply to work as a GP in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough you will be supported with dedicated training programmes, help with meeting language requirements and in meeting the standards of the national Induction and Refresher (I&R) Scheme. You will have an opportunity to meet with staff from the recruiting practices and to learn more about them and the local areas. This will help you and the practices decide if this is the best place for you to live and work. Practices involved in this recruitment scheme will be offering attractive and competitive salaries. You and your family will be offered help to relocate to the area and continued support while you settle into your new community. THE CANDIDATE PROCESS If you apply to be a GP in England this is the application process you will follow: STEP 1 An initial conversation in your own country with the recruitment agency for the area you are interested in working in and some background checks (including police checks). STEP 2 You will be asked to take an English test organised by the recruitment agency. The agency will use the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or the Occupational English Test (medicine version) proficiency test for people wishing to study or work in English speaking countries. STEP 3 STEP 4 You will have an interview in your own country by Skype. You start your registration with the General Medical Council (GMC). The GMC is the organisation which sets standards for doctors in the United Kingdom. You need to be registered with the GMC and be on the GMC s GP Register to work as a GP in England. You will be invited to complete a self-assessment to help identify any training needs. You visit your chosen area to find out more about where you will be working and to meet other international GPs. You will have a second interview and an assessment of your learning needs. STEP 5 Once you pass your second interview you will be able to join the programme. You will be allocated to a GP practice within the region. STEP 6 You will be provided with a minimum of three months of training and observation in your employing practice to prepare you for the I&R assessments and improve your English language skills. You will then spend a minimum of six months treating patients with supervision and support from a senior GP at your practice. 3

THE NHS OFFERS A COMPETITIVE PAY PACKAGE FOR GPS Once you have gained entry to the National Medical Performers List without conditions you can expect to earn a salary of between 68,000 and 72,000 per year. This salary is the same across all parts of the NHS in England excluding London where you will receive additional funds to help with the increased living costs there, known as London weighting. Alongside your salary there are many other financial benefits including paid maternity and paternity leave, parental and carers leave. THE NHS IN ENGLAND The National Health Service was founded in 1948, based on the principle that good healthcare should be available to all, regardless of wealth. With the exception of some charges, such as prescriptions, optical services and dental services, the NHS in England remains free at the point of use for all UK residents. In 2014, the Commonwealth Fund declared that in comparison with the healthcare systems of 10 other countries (Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland and the US) the NHS was the most impressive overall. The NHS was rated as the best system for its efficiency, safety, effectiveness, co-ordination and patient-centred care. The NHS covers It deals with more than 54.3M PEOPLE 1M PATIENTS in England every 36 hours The NHS employs And has more than JOBS 1.2M PEOPLE 40,500 GPs 4

LIVING IN... CAMBRIDGESHIRE AND PETERBOROUGH Countryside dotted with beautiful cathedral cities and towns full of history... 5

HEALTH SERVICES IN CAMBRIDGESHIRE AND PETERBOROUGH There are 117 health and local government organisations responsible for managing and delivering health and social care in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. These include 102 GP practices, 10 hospitals (including acute, mental health and community), one community trust, an ambulance service and two local government authorities. They look after the health and wellbeing of 950,000 people in the towns and cities of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. CAMBRIDGESHIRE The area is well known for its flat, reclaimed Fens, lush farmland and myriad waterways. The countryside is dotted with beautiful cathedral cities and towns full of history and bustling with markets, shops and restaurants. Cambridge, Peterborough, Huntingdon, Ely and Wisbech are the main cities and towns in Cambridgeshire. CAMBRIDGE A magnet for tourists, Cambridge is home to the world renowned university, and famed for beautiful architecture, college buildings, museums and art galleries. The city s heritage and culture contrasts with its thriving digital business, making it the fastestgrowing city economy in the UK. Cambridge is at the heart of the high technology centre known as Silicon Fen (a play on Silicon Valley and the fens surrounding the city.) Its economic strengths lie in industries such as software and bioscience many start-up companies having been spun out of the university. Over 40 per cent of the workforce has a higher education qualification, more than twice the national average. PETERBOROUGH The Cathedral City of Peterborough is the largest city in Cambridgeshire, lying at the heart of the Cambridgeshire, Rutland, Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire borders. With both the coast and London (by train) just an hour away, Peterborough gives you the best of both worlds. A city in the heart of rural East England, it is packed full of heritage including an impressive Norman cathedral. It enjoys a thriving local economy with a commitment to a sustainable way of life. Peterborough has been welcoming people from all over the world for 200 years and continues the legacy of building community through the strength of its differences. It is a vibrant and diverse community with people from more than 50 per cent of the world s countries calling the city home. Because of this diversity, Peterborough is home to numerous multicultural organisations and associations. HUNTINGDON Situated in the west of the county, Huntingdon was given a Royal Charter in 1205 and grew into a market town and later a coaching town. There is a choice of churches, museums and busy markets to visit and a choice of welcoming cafés, bars and restaurants. 6

LOCATION Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Peterborough Fenland Huntingdonshire East Cambridgeshire Cambridge City South Cambridgeshire 7

WISBECH Known as the capital of the Fens, this market town lies in the north east of Cambridgeshire. Wisbech is noted for its elegant Georgian architecture, museums and tourist accommodation. The town boasts the original manuscript of the Charles Dickens novel, Great Expectations, and one of the oldest surviving Georgian theatres in the country. ELY Full of charm and beauty and home to one of the most magnificent cathedrals in England, the historic city of Ely is nestled in the Fen countryside in East Cambridgeshire. You can see Oliver Cromwell s house, where you can learn about this important historical figure. To see Ely at its best, follow the eel trail: this circular walk takes you past the oldest parts of the city with beautiful monastic buildings and spectacular views. Ely has excellent road and rail links to Cambridge and London. Cambridge is 24 kilometres away; Peterborough, Norwich, King s Lynn and Newmarket are all within an hour s driving time. Trains can reach London Kings Cross in 70 minutes. NOT TO BE MISSED CAMBRIDGESHIRE The beautiful architecture of Cambridge including the famous Bridge of Sighs and Mathematical Bridge, which cross the River Cam in the centre of the city. Punting in Cambridge. Thousands of visitors every year take in the majesty of the River Cam on a chauffeured punt (boat) tour. Read AA Milne s manuscript of Winnie the Pooh in The Wren Library at Trinity College. Ely Cathedral s 14th century octagonal lantern tower, which was counted among the marvels of the medieval world. Much of the cathedral is more than 900 years old and offers a rich architectural history. Imperial War Museum Duxford - stand in awe of the world s most famous and fastest planes at this historic airfield and museum. Welney Wetland Centre, set in the heart of the Cambridgeshire Fens, is a great way to explore the wetlands and experience wildlife including ducks, kingfishers, butterflies and dragonflies. The new 15m mosque on Cambridge s Mill Road, open to the public from late 2018 and designed to welcome everyone as a place for peace and calm reflection. PETERBOROUGH Peterborough Museum holds an eclectic collection of oil paintings ranging from the 17th century to the early 21st century. Peterborough Cathedral is one of the finest Norman cathedrals in England. Founded as a monastic community in 654 AD, it became one of the most significant medieval abbeys in the country. Ferry Meadows Country Park is a beauty spot with meadows, lakes and woodland great for a day out or for an exhilarating walk. 8

CULTURE AND ENTERTAINMENT CAMBRIDGESHIRE From architecture to music, art and theatre, Cambridgeshire s culture offers something for everyone. Be inspired by the many beautiful museums and art galleries in Cambridge. Admire the beautiful architecture and majestic college buildings. Cambridge has five theatres: the ADC Theatre is the liveliest theatre in Cambridge, presenting a vibrant programme of drama, music and comedy, but there are also the Junction, Corn Exchange, Arts, and Mumford Theatres hosting a wide range of theatre, music concerts and performance art. Cambridge also hosts an annual Shakespeare Festival. The Cambridge Folk Festival is one of Europe s premier and longest running music festivals, held each August in the city. There is a programme of festivals across The Fens throughout the year including Christmas fairs, country fairs and midsummer festivals. PETERBOROUGH The Peterborough Museum is located in one of the city s most historic buildings, with amazing objects and interactive displays, the collections comprise more than 200,000 items of great national and international importance. The Cresset, Broadway and Key Theatres offer a range of entertainment including opera, pantomime, comedy and dance. EDUCATION State education is available for children between the ages of 5 and 18 with free part-time nursery places for 3 and 4 year olds. There are more than 200 state schools and more than 20 fee paying independent nurseries, primary and secondary schools in Cambridgeshire. For young people aged 16 to 19 there is a wide range of vocational and academic courses at further education and sixth form colleges. The county is also well served with excellent independent (fee paying) schools such as Oundle, Perse, Uppingham, Oakham, Stamford and Kimbolton. Universities and colleges offer a range of degree courses. These include Cambridge University and Anglia Ruskin University. FOOD AND DRINK Cambridgeshire boasts a diverse food scene as multicultural as its population; small independent restaurants, tea rooms, and larger chains give you plenty of options to have whatever you fancy. Across the county there are culinary treats at farm shops, markets and award-winning restaurants, farmers markets and food festivals. Not to be missed is the Cambridgeshire Food and Drink Festival held in Peterborough. 9

HOUSING The high demand for housing in Cambridge has increased prices. To meet this challenge, new affordable homes and contemporary flats are being built to the north and south of the city. In Cambridge, the large, detached houses in and around Trumpington Road and Hills Road are among the most expensive and desirable. And the Victorian properties around De Freville Avenue, close to the River Cam, are popular with families. The terraced houses in Arbury, Mill Road and Cherry Hinton are more affordable. The popular village of Grantchester has a mix of cottages, semi-detached and larger houses and lies within easy reach of Cambridge. It is also less than an hour by train from London. To the north of Cambridge, some charming market towns are to be found, particularly on the banks of the River Great Ouse. House prices in this part of the county are lower than Cambridge, although the rail links are still good - Huntingdon and Ely are around an hour by train from London s Kings Cross station. In 2017, Peterborough was named the best place in Britain for young families to move to. It has plenty of affordable properties. Close to Peterborough, Orton Waterville and Orton Wistow have modern three and four bedroom properties. SHOPPING Cambridge has a wide choice of shops from daily markets to an abundance of boutiques, independent shops, high street brands and designer labels. The airy and glass roofed Great Arcade in Cambridge is home to stylish luxury and high street stores. The nearby Grafton Centre provides modern shopping with casual eateries, whilst Mill Road has also been nominated as High Street of the Year for a number of years for its numerous independent boutiques and cafés. The city s seven days a week market offers fine cheese, vintage clothes and quirky gifts, fresh coffee beans, photographs, books and paintings. Peterborough s One Retail Park boasts fashion, garden, home and leisure retailers. The Queensgate Shopping Centre is popular for its high street stores, while the nearby refurbished Western Arcade is home to many independent retailers including boutique opticians, award winning butchers and jewellers. Further afield, Cambridgeshire provides plenty of choice for shoppers - from the Ely Markets and its Cloister Arts and Antiques Centre, to the unique independent boutiques, market stalls and leading high street stores in Huntingdon. SPORT Cambridgeshire is home to two professional football league clubs: Cambridge United FC and Peterborough United FC. Rugby is a popular sport in the county. Cambridge Rugby Union Club plays its games in National League One, and there is a host of smaller teams to watch weekly. For motorcycle fans Peterborough Panthers compete in the Speedway Great Britain championship league. The Peterborough Phantoms play in the National Ice Hockey league at Planet Ice Arena in the city. Northampton Saints are a top division professional rugby club and their ground at Franklins Gardens is only a 45 minute drive from Cambridge. The world famous horse racing town of Newmarket in nearby Suffolk offers race nights and live music throughout the year. Cambridgeshire is home to some excellent golf courses both public and private including Thorpe Wood in Peterborough, St Ives in Huntingdon, and the two championship courses at Gog Magog, just south of Cambridge. In most of the big towns and cities in Cambridgeshire there are well equipped sports centres open to the public. 10

TRANSPORT TRAIN Cambridge has two train stations and is well connected by train to London s Kings Cross (about an hour away) and the rest of East Anglia. Peterborough is renowned for its easy commute from the surrounding idyllic English villages and market towns such as Nassington, Folksworth and Oundle. It has an excellent ring road and one of the fastest traffic commutes in the country. ROAD Cambridgeshire is accessible to London and the south via the M11, while the A1 connects St Neots, Huntingdon and Peterborough with the south of England, joining the M25 near London. Going north the A1 goes to the East Midlands and Yorkshire. COACH There are regular National Express coaches from Cambridge s Parkside bus station and Peterborough s coach station to London and to other locations in the country including London Stanstead airport. AIRPORTS Cambridge and Peterborough s closest and best connected airport by rail, coach and car is London Stansted which is 50 kilometres south of Cambridge and mainly serves European destinations. Luton airport is 67 kilometres from Cambridge and 100 kilometres from Peterborough. London Heathrow and London Gatwick can be used for travel to a wider variety of European and international destinations. WEATHER The hottest months of the year are normally July and August when temperatures reach into the low 20 Cs. In the winter months temperatures can drop to -7 C. MORE INFORMATION If you would like more information about our international recruitment programme or about living and working in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough the following websites will be useful: Visit Cambridge www.visitcambridge.org Cambridge Tourist Information www.cambridgetouristinformation.co.uk Lonely Planet Cambridge Guide www.lonelyplanet.com/england/eastern-england/cambridge 11

NHS ENGLAND S PARTNERS: FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE VISIT: www.england.nhs.uk/igpr Published April 2018 by NHS England