NHS Western Isles IMG Resources
Welcome to NHS Western Isles
We look forward to welcoming you to our remote hospital in the beautiful Isle of Lewis. We are a small and friendly team, and will always be here to help where we can.
Explore:
- NHS Western Isles Overview
- NHS Western Isles IMG Leads
- IMG Induction Programme
- Welcoming International Medical Graduates New to NHS Scotland (WINS)
- Welcome to UK Practice
- Peer Support Networks for IMGs
- NHS Western Isles IMG Resources
- Trainers, Supervisors, Employers and Managers Training
- Trainers, Supervisors, Employers and Managers Resources
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 Western Isles Overview
Check out varied, rewarding and exciting career opportunities with NHS Western Isles.
NHS Western Isles IMG Lead
Meet the IMG Lead for NHS Western Isles
| Name | Location | |
|---|---|---|
| Caroline Ross | 📍 IMG Lead, NHS Western Isles | ✉️ caroline.ross7@nhs.scot |
Thank you for your invaluable work in helping our IMG colleagues settle into NHS Western Isles and thrive in their roles. Your support is crucial and we look forward to helping you support them.
IMG Induction Programme
Eolas – Your Induction Hub
All new Resident Doctors in training will receive an onboarding email from the Medical Education Coordinator. This includes a link to Eolas, a comprehensive website containing:
Induction timetables; Contact information; Hospital handbooks; Referral guidance; Teaching schedules; IMG-specific resources; Hospital protocols, SOPs, and local guidelines and much more.
Rural General Hospital (RGH) Bootcamp – Preparing for Rural Practice
If you are due to be posted as an FY1, FY2, CDF, GPST, or Core Trainee to one of the six Rural General Hospitals (Orkney, Shetland, Caithness, Fort William, Oban, or Western Isles), you’ll be offered a free place on the RGH Bootcamp.
📍 Held at the Inverness Clinical Skills Centre, UHI House, Inverness
📚 Includes classroom teaching and simulation-based training
🎯 Designed to build confidence in emergency and ward-based scenarios
Details will be included in your onboarding email.
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.
Peer Support Networks for IMGs
Resident Doctors Community at NHS Western Isles
NHS Western Isles hosts a small, close-knit group of approximately 12 Resident Doctors in training, at any given time. Most residents live in the same accommodation block, fostering a strong sense of community.
To stay connected and coordinate social activities, residents typically use a shared WhatsApp group. This group is also extended to include elective and core medical students, encouraging wider engagement and support.
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.
Trainers, Supervisors, Employers and Managers Training
Trainers, Supervisors, Employers and Managers Resources
