NHS Ayrshire and Arran IMG Resources
Welcome to NHS Ayrshire and Arran
We are dedicated to creating a supportive environment for International Medical Graduates (IMGs), ensuring a positive first experience with the NHS and life in Scotland. We are committed to helping IMG doctors, including trainees and Development Fellows, transition smoothly and feel welcomed in our hospitals and other healthcare settings.
We have a wide ranging team focused on improving the training and workplace experience of IMGs.
Explore:
- NHS Ayrshire and Arran Overview
- NHS Ayrshire and Arran IMG Leads
- IMG Induction Programme
- Welcoming International Medical Graduates New to NHS Scotland (WINS)
- Welcome to UK Practice
- Softer Landing Programme
- Peer Support Networks for IMGs
- NHS Ayrshire and Arran IMG Resources
- Trainers, Supervisors, Employers and Managers Training
- Trainers, Supervisors, Employers and Managers Resources
If you have any questions about the information in this resource, or suggestions for additional content, please contact the Centre for Workforce Supply at nes.cws@nhs.scot.
NHS Ayrshire and Arran Overview
Discover innovative and diverse careers where you’ll be recognised, valued and encouraged to reach your full potential with NHS Ayrshire and Arran.
NHS Ayrshire and Arran IMG Leads
Meet the IMG Leads for NHS Ayrshire and Arran
| Name and role | IMG lead location | |
|---|---|---|
Dr Sally Youssef GPWER in Medical Education | 📍University Hospital Crosshouse | ✉️ sally.youssef@aapct.scot.nhs.uk |
Dr Pritam Mohanty Specialty Doctor Anaesthetics | 📍University Hospital Ayr | ✉️ Pritam.Mohanty@aapct.scot.nhs.uk |
As IMG Leads we value your continued support for our IMG colleagues and for helping them thrive in their role in NHS Ayrshire and Arran. We are committed to supporting you in your important roles as IMG supervisors.
IMG Induction Programme
| Resource / Activity | Format | Description |
|---|---|---|
| IMG Induction Session | Half day | Introduction to key services and processes for IMGs. Topics include: IMG team services, payslips, supervisors' roles, wellbeing services, occupational therapy, reflective practice, indemnity cover, handover processes, documentation, and Quality Improvement Activities (QIA). |
| IMG Simulation Programme | Full day | Practical simulation training covering acute medical scenarios as well as ethical and communication skills. Provides a safe and supportive environment to build confidence and clinical practice. |
| Pharmacy Support Sessions | Ongoing sessions | Meetings with the pharmacy team to provide prescribing support and signpost IMG doctors to local prescribing protocols, guidance, and resources. |
| IMG Welcome Day | Annual event | Organised by the International Recruitment Team and open to all IMG staff across the multidisciplinary workforce. Topics typically include driving in the UK, local travel advice, spiritual care services, library services, Scottish culture and accents, and an open Q&A session. |
| IMG Teaching Videos | Online resource | Locally developed short educational videos covering topics such as palliative care and prescribing, DNACPR, and the Adult with Incapacity (AWI) Act. |
| ILS and Venepuncture/IV Access Courses | Practical training courses | Immediate Life Support (ILS) and venepuncture/IV access training provided as part of the IMG Soft Landing Programme. |
How to Attend
You will receive an invitation to attend these sessions by the IMG team.
For more information please contact the IMG leads:
- Dr Sally Youssef sally.youssef@aapct.scot.nhs.uk
- Dr Pritam Mohanty Pritam.Mohanty@aapct.scot.nhs.uk
Before you Start
We request you attend one of the GMC’s Welcome to UK Practice online workshops before you start, if you haven’t already.
Welcoming International Medical Graduates New to NHS Scotland (WINS)
The Welcoming International Medical Graduates New to Scotland (WINS) programme is designed to help you settle into your new role with confidence. Through the programme, you'll learn more about NHS Scotland systems, workplace culture, professional expectations, and the practical aspects of working in a new healthcare environment.
You'll also have the opportunity to connect with other IMGs, share experiences, and build valuable professional networks.
One of the strengths of WINS is that Educational Supervisors (ESs) are also invited to attend. Their involvement helps foster strong, supportive trainer-trainee relationships and encourages a shared understanding of the trainee's development and wellbeing.
Look out for your invitation to attend a WINS face-to-face event or for further information, contact ejaz.farooqui@nhs.scot.
Welcome to UK Practice
Build your confidence and gain practical insight into UK medical practice by attending the GMC's free Welcome to UK Practice workshop. Explore real-world scenarios, learn about professional standards, and connect with other international medical graduates.
Find out more information at GMC’s Welcome to UK Practice online workshops.
Softer Landing Programme
IMGs start with a 4–6 week shadowing period to help them settle into the NHS.
During this time, you won’t have on-call duties and will remain supernumerary to the rota. An individualised action plan will be created with your Educational Supervisor to support your development and build your confidence in local clinical systems.
All doctors will undergo Immediate Life Support training through our resuscitation department, typically within the first two weeks, to ensure you are equipped to use defibrillators and other emergency equipment. Middle-tier level doctors will also be enrolled in an Advanced Life Support course, usually within 12 weeks of arrival.
We offer dedicated IMG support through both Human Resources and the Medical Director’s office. This includes pre-employment checks and connecting new doctors with each other before they arrive.
Peer Support Networks for IMGs
The NHS Ayrshire and Arran International Recruitment Buddy Scheme
This is a network of international recruits who are share their experiences and knowledge with new international recruits and each other.
This informal group has a dedicated Teams space where members can connect, share ideas, take part in discussions, and arrange meet-ups. The aim of the network is to provide a safe space for all internationally recruited staff to socialise, support each other with the process of relocation and cultural adjustment.
✉️ To find out more about this group and how to join please contact: NHSAAmedicalrecruitment@aapct.scot.nhs.uk
IMG WhatsApp Group
This group is available locally and is open to all IMG doctors. It’s a great opportunity for networking and finding local support/advice. If you would like to be added to this group please email Claire Gilmour on Claire.Gilmour2@aapct.scot.nhs.uk.
Ethnic Minority Staff Network (EMSN)
This group if open to any ethnic minority staff members across the organisation to join. EMSN is a safe and confidential space for its members to have discussions, raise issues as well as help influence and bring change to the organisation.
EMSN meets quarterly via MS teams.
ℹ️ For more information or to join the network please contact:✉️ Elaine Savoy and ✉️ Carla Moore.
Scottish IMG Buddy Scheme
The Scotland Deanery has a buddy scheme to support IMG doctors who are new to working in NHS Scotland. Buddies are doctors with experience of working in NHS Scotland and may offer support and guidance. The aim is to match doctors where possible with a buddy in the same location, region or specialty.
ℹ️ Find out more information on the Scotland Deanery website.
NHS Ayrshire and Arran IMG Resources
NHS Ayrshire and Arran IMG Resource Guide
Explore our comprehensive guide for International Medical Graduates (IMGs) in NHS Ayrshire and Arran. This valuable resource provides key information on both local and national support available to IMGs.
NHS Ayrshire and Arran IMG Welcome and Introduction Information
NHS Ayrshire and Arran provides a range of welcome and introduction resources to support International Medical Graduates (IMGs) as they begin their career in Scotland.
This information will help you learn about NHS Ayrshire and Arran, access local support networks, and understand induction and orientation arrangements as you settle into your new role and life in Scotland.
Trainers, Supervisors, Employers and Managers Training
General Medical Council (GMC) Supporting IMG Supervisors – Cross Cultural Communication Workshop
Workshop Overview
The GMC offers a Cross-Cultural Communication Workshop specifically designed for supervisors of International Medical Graduates (IMGs). This initiative is part of a broader effort to foster inclusive, fair, and culturally competent workplaces across NHS Scotland and the UK.
The workshop is aimed at:
- Enhancing supervisors’ understanding of cultural differences.
- Improving communication and feedback practices.
- Reducing differential attainment and fitness-to-practise concerns among IMGs.
At NHS Ayrshire and Arran we organise two dates locally and aim to arrange future dates, details to be confirmed, which is advertised locally.
Trainers, Supervisors, Employers and Managers Resources
