NHS Lanarkshire IMG Resources
Welcome to NHS Lanarkshire
For over three years, we have been actively supporting our IMG colleagues by introducing a range of resources to help them transition smoothly into working within NHS Lanarkshire. These include a structured three-day induction programme, FUSION (Foundation, Upskilling and Support for International doctors Orientating to the NHS) monthly teaching sessions, the Softer Landing initiative, and a comprehensive HR handbook.
Feedback from IMGs who have taken part in these programmes has been overwhelmingly positive. Many have highlighted not only the value of the educational content but also the opportunity to build social connections with fellow IMGs and engage with staff from across the organisation.
Explore:
- NHS Lanarkshire Overview
- NHS Lanarkshire IMG Lead
- IMG Induction Programme
- FUSION Teaching Programme
- Peer Support Networks for IMGs
- Softer Landing, Safer Care
- NHS Lanarkshire IMG HR Handbook
- Trainers, Supervisors, Employers and Managers Training
We want to hear from you
If you have any questions about the information in this resource, or you feel there is information which would be useful to add, please get in touch with the Centre for Workforce Supply at nes.cws@nhs.scot.
NHS Lanarkshire Overview
All NHS Lanarkshire staff work towards the 4 core values of:
- Care and Compassion: Showing kindness, empathy, and understanding in words and actions to ensure every person feels listened to and secure.
- Dignity and Respect: Treating everyone professionally, politely, and courteously while honouring individual worth.
- Openness, Honesty and Responsibility: Being transparent, taking ownership of one's work, and fostering a safe environment to speak up
- Quality and Teamwork: Committing to high standards, valuing each person's contribution, and working collaboratively to improve health outcomes
NHS Lanarkshire IMG Leads
Meet the IMG Lead for NHS Lanarkshire
| Name | Role | Location | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dr Farhat Mushtaq | Consultant in Emergency Medicine and IMG Lead | NHS Lanarkshire | ✉️ Farhat.Mushtaq@lanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk |
Dr Farhat Mushtaq is a Consultant in Emergency Medicine. She has a particular interest in both teaching and patient safety.
IMG Induction Programme
NHS Lanarkshire’s Induction programme has had a real impact in supporting IMGs, helping them to transition into their workplace. Although many IMGs arrive with substantial prior clinical experience, entering NHS practice requires adaptation to a healthcare system with different operational structures, communication expectations, governance processes, escalation pathways and professional cultures.
NHS Lanarkshire is the only board in NHS Scotland to offer a bespoke 3 day Induction programme in August/September addressing some of the above issues. It is supported by a highly experienced and multi-disciplinary faculty – all of whom have a vested interest in teaching.
The Induction programme has consistently resulted in excellent feedback by IMG candidates.
IMG Induction Programme Schedule
3-Day Induction Programme
2nd - 4th September 2026
FUSION Teaching Programme
The FUSION Teaching Programme (Foundation, Upskilling and Support for International doctors Orientating to the NHS))has been developed over the past 3 years to provide IMGs with practical exposure to clinical and non-clinical challenges that may be encountered in their working environments.
FUSION teaching days consist of:
- Short interactive lectures
- Practical workshops
- Small group teaching
- Scenario based learning
- Faculty-facilitated simulation and
- Structured reflective debriefing
FUSION Dates for 2026/2027
All teaching takes place at NHS Lanarkshire’s Medical Education and Training Centre, Kirklands Hospital, Bothwell.
| Date | Theme/Skill |
|---|---|
| Tuesday 10th November 2026 | Cardiac Emergencies |
| Wednesday 11th November 2026 | Abdominal Emergencies |
| Thursday 3rd December 2026 | Medical Emergencies |
| Tuesday 26th January 2027 | Medicine for Older Adults |
| Wednesday 27th January 2027 | Sepsis and Infectious Emergencies |
| Thursday 18th February 2027 | Shock States and Haemodynamic Emergencies |
| Tuesday 23th March 2027 | Communication Skills |
| Wednesday 24rth March 2027 | Behavioural and Mental Health Emergencies |
Peer Support Networks for IMGs
Attending the Induction programme and FUSION teaching days allows networking amongst your own peers. Peer support has been invaluable to our IMGs.
Softer Landing
Softer Landing Safer Care
NHS Lanarkshire supports a Softer Landing for all IMGs new to NHS. Softer Landing allows additional support provision by the IMGs individual department and Clinical/Educational Supervisor.
View the NHS Lanarkshire IMG HR Handbook below for further details.
NHS Lanarkshire IMG HR Handbook
NHS Lanarkshire IMG HR Handbook
This handbook is designed for International Medical Graduates (IMGs) joining NHS Lanarkshire, Scotland’s third largest Health Board. It provides essential information, guidance, and resources to help new doctors settle into their roles and life in Lanarkshire.
Trainers, Supervisors, Employers and Managers Training
Additionally, teaching in a group setting is often less daunting than a formal sit-down meeting, helping to create a more supportive and open learning environment.
If you would like further information/resources for Clinical and Educational Supervisors or the Softer Landing Material that we have adapted for NHS Lanarkshire then please contact farhat.mushtaq@lanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk