Menu
25/11/2004
'Refugee' doctors need more help to get into the NHS, says BMA
The growing number of refugee and asylum-seeking doctors arriving in Britain need more support to help them get work in the NHS more quickly, according to the British Medical Association (BMA).
Figures out today show that the number of such refugee doctors listed with the BMA has topped 1,000 for the first time – nearly 10 times as many doctors on the BMA's database of refugee doctors than there were three years ago.
Yet the association has warned that separate figures, to be announced next week, will indicate that they would find work quicker if more was done to help them integrate. Many refugee doctors are still seeking work years after arriving in the UK, despite having been granted permission to stay, the association said.
It takes on average five years for refugee doctors in London to pass all the exams they need to practise, but those who have the support of programmes to help them integrate, for example through English lessons, progress to registration faster.
The list now contains 1,009 medically qualified refugees and asylum seekers in the UK, compared with 110 in May 2001. The database, which is reliant on doctors reporting their own successes, indicates that 69 have found employment. However, reliable information from project leaders around the country indicates that 160 refugee and asylum-seeking doctors are now working in the NHS.
Dr Edwin Borman, chair of the BMA's International Committee, said: "Doctors who pursue their vocation of helping patients despite poverty, discrimination and abuse, deserve our full support. Many bring with them years of experience and training. And yet, even when they have jumped though all the hoops, lived for years on benefits as low as £39 per week, they are prepared to start at the bottom in the NHS."
Dr Borman will present the information from the database at a showcase event for the Department of Health Refugee Health Professionals Steering Group next Monday.
(gmcg/sp)
Figures out today show that the number of such refugee doctors listed with the BMA has topped 1,000 for the first time – nearly 10 times as many doctors on the BMA's database of refugee doctors than there were three years ago.
Yet the association has warned that separate figures, to be announced next week, will indicate that they would find work quicker if more was done to help them integrate. Many refugee doctors are still seeking work years after arriving in the UK, despite having been granted permission to stay, the association said.
It takes on average five years for refugee doctors in London to pass all the exams they need to practise, but those who have the support of programmes to help them integrate, for example through English lessons, progress to registration faster.
The list now contains 1,009 medically qualified refugees and asylum seekers in the UK, compared with 110 in May 2001. The database, which is reliant on doctors reporting their own successes, indicates that 69 have found employment. However, reliable information from project leaders around the country indicates that 160 refugee and asylum-seeking doctors are now working in the NHS.
Dr Edwin Borman, chair of the BMA's International Committee, said: "Doctors who pursue their vocation of helping patients despite poverty, discrimination and abuse, deserve our full support. Many bring with them years of experience and training. And yet, even when they have jumped though all the hoops, lived for years on benefits as low as £39 per week, they are prepared to start at the bottom in the NHS."
Dr Borman will present the information from the database at a showcase event for the Department of Health Refugee Health Professionals Steering Group next Monday.
(gmcg/sp)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
28 May 2003
Conference set to highlight plight of 'refugee doctors'
A conference is to be held in London next week that will call for improved employment rights for "refugee doctors".
Conference set to highlight plight of 'refugee doctors'
A conference is to be held in London next week that will call for improved employment rights for "refugee doctors".
16 June 2003
More assistance needed for refugee doctors says BMA
The British Medical Association (BMA) has called for refugee doctors to be given more assistance to pass exams necessary for registration in UK. There are currently 865 refugee doctors on voluntary databases who want to work for the NHS, according to the BMA, and many are subsisting on state benefits of £37 per week.
More assistance needed for refugee doctors says BMA
The British Medical Association (BMA) has called for refugee doctors to be given more assistance to pass exams necessary for registration in UK. There are currently 865 refugee doctors on voluntary databases who want to work for the NHS, according to the BMA, and many are subsisting on state benefits of £37 per week.
16 June 2004
Use skills of refugee doctors, says BMA
The valuable skills of hundreds of refugee doctors are not being put to the best use, according to figures published today by the British Medical Association. Marking National Refugee Week, the BMA highlighted the contribution made by refugee and asylum-seeking doctors who are working, or trying to work, in the NHS.
Use skills of refugee doctors, says BMA
The valuable skills of hundreds of refugee doctors are not being put to the best use, according to figures published today by the British Medical Association. Marking National Refugee Week, the BMA highlighted the contribution made by refugee and asylum-seeking doctors who are working, or trying to work, in the NHS.
03 August 2009
Improvements For Welsh Junior Doctors Sought
A campaign aimed at improving the working lives of junior doctors in Wales gets underway today. BMA Cymru Wales has become increasingly concerned about working conditions of junior doctors in general.
Improvements For Welsh Junior Doctors Sought
A campaign aimed at improving the working lives of junior doctors in Wales gets underway today. BMA Cymru Wales has become increasingly concerned about working conditions of junior doctors in general.
12 September 2003
Doctors urge Home Secretary to end ‘asylum limbo’
Asylum-seeking doctors are being left in limbo by inflexible immigration policies that prevent them working, despite an international NHS recruitment campaign, according to doctor’s newspaper the BMA News.
Doctors urge Home Secretary to end ‘asylum limbo’
Asylum-seeking doctors are being left in limbo by inflexible immigration policies that prevent them working, despite an international NHS recruitment campaign, according to doctor’s newspaper the BMA News.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
