Induction & Refresher Scheme

 

This scheme is designed to support GPs who have left NHS GP for more than 2 years and wish to return to practice in Northern Ireland. You can see the various pathways to entering General Practice below.

Refresher Scheme (Returning to GP )

If you have been out of NHS GP workforce for 2 years or more you will need to complete this scheme before re-joining GP practice.

The scheme will give you all the support you need to ensure you are familiar with the changes that have occurred in GP Practice since you left. You may be asked to complete a learning needs assessment (LNA) and also a practice placement. If you have been away less than 10 years (in an equivalent health care setting as a GP) you can submit supporting evidence using the “Portfolio route” to RCGP within the Returner scheme. This can be done before you leave your current post. This replaces the learning needs assessment (LNA) and if successful, you can move directly to a practice placement.

If you have been away >2years but <10 years and completed your GP training in the UK, you may be able to access a new fast-track route. Please contact Louise.Sands@hscni.net for more information

You can find guidance notes on the scheme here

The first step is to apply to join the NIPMPL here

For more information follow the links below

or contact Louise.Sands@hscni.net

Induction Scheme

This supports doctors who have never practiced in NHS General Practice before. It includes those

  • who have completed GP training in Republic of Ireland in the past 2 years

  • who have completed GP training in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and Canada

  • GPs who have not previously worked in NHS General Practice (or fit into the above categories)

The first step is to join the GMC GP register. GMC register application. Once you are on the GMC GP register you can apply to the scheme using the NIPMPL application here

Depending on where you completed your post-graduate training, the GMC may ask you to apply for a CEGPR. https://www.rcgp.org.uk/training-exams/discover-general-practice/qualifying-as-a-gp-in-the-nhs/certificate-of-eligibility-for-gp-registration-cegpr.aspx . This is not usually needed for doctors coming from EU countries, but doctors coming from outside the EU will need to check on the GMC website.

Changes to how doctors demonstrate the standards required for a CEGPR will be in place from 30th November 2023. More informstion can be found at this link https://www.gmc-uk.org/registration-and-licensing/join-the-register/applying-for-specialist-or-gp-registration/changes-to-how-doctors-demonstrate-the-standard-required-for-specialist-and-gp-registration


Opportunities for GPs recently qualified in Republic of Ireland

Did you know that if you have qualified as a GP within the past 2 years in the Republic of Ireland, you can now follow a Streamlined Process to be able to work in Northern Ireland? This avoids the need to sit any exam and allows you to do a short orientation placement in a training practice in the area where you might wish to work. To find out more email louise.sands@hscni.net

Opportunities for GPs who qualified in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa or Canada

Did you know that you can now follow a Streamlined Process to be able to work in Northern Ireland? This avoids the need to sit any exam and allows you to do an orientation placement in a training practice in the area where you might wish to work. More information can be found at this link https://medical.hee.nhs.uk/medical-training-recruitment/medical-specialty-training/general-practice-gp/how-to-apply-for-gp-specialty-training/streamlined-cegpr-process

To find out more email louise.sands@hscni.net

To find out more about Northern Ireland as a place to live and work follow this link

If you are an International Medical Graduate you will find more information here

Gilles shares his story

After many conversations with a GP colleague in England, I decided I wanted to work for the NHS as a GP.

I am from Bordeaux and had my own GP practice for 30 years but was unhappy with the French system, in part due to the large number of routine tasks.

I had been visiting Ireland, and specifically the North for thirty years, and was really keen to live there and welcomed the new challenges.

The diversity of the Gp role in the NHS has offered a new stimulus in my career. 

I needed to do the Induction Scheme as I had never worked in the NHS before and did my GP training in France. It was very challenging to do the MCQ tests and also the simulated surgery as I had practiced a different style of medicine in France. You definitely need to prepare well for the tests and there are specifics training courses you can do.

It hasn’t been easy but it has been well worth it and I am thoroughly enjoying working in a rural practice in Plumbridge, Co. Tyrone. I would encourage anyone new to Northern Ireland to be aware and respectful of the Irish culture that is unique to this place.

My passion is to continue in rural practice. I am very keen to promote a new holistic method with my patients to encourage them to eat healthily, thereby improving their health and wellbeing