Portsmouth is a dynamic and vibrant waterfront port city located on England’s South Coast, packed with great reasons to visit. There are lots of things to do in Portsmouth, with magnificent museums, live music venues, contemporary art galleries, two cathedrals, a diverse literary heritage, nightlife, festivals and countless events throughout the year. The population of Portsmouth is estimated at 296,400 consisting of a variety multi-cultural communities. Facts About Portsmouth Charles Dickens was born in Portsmouth and later included the city in his novel ‘Nicholas Nickleby’. A variety of literary greats have also spent their time in Portsmouth including Rudyard Kipling and H. G. Wells. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the author of Sherlock Holmes, even practiced as a doctor in Southsea and wrote fiction while waiting for patients. The city is home to some extremely famous ships, including HMS Warrior, the Tudor carrack Mary Rose and Horatio Nelson's flagship, HMS Victory (the world's oldest naval ship still in commission). Despite being built with 11,000 cubic metres of concrete, the Spinnaker Tower was structurally designed to sway in the wind.  At 115 metres up and in high winds, the Tower can flex approximately 150mm. Arnold Schwarzenegger once lived in Portsmouth and was a member of a Southsea gym in the 1960s Portsmouth is home to the country’s biggest fruit handling port! In 1917 Portsmouth was the first town in the country to open clinics for the free treatment of venereal disease. Cost of Living in Portsmouth Cost of Renting Accommodation per month One-Bedroom Apartment in the City Centre £741.67 One-Bedroom Apartment outside of the City Centre £632.50 Three-Bedroom Apartment in the City Centre £1281 Three-Bedroom Apartment outside of the City Centre £1005.56   Transportation 1ltr Petrol £1.28 One-Way Public Transport Ticket £2.25 Monthly Public Transport Ticket £59.10 1km Taxi Journey £2.11   Entertainment Meal out for two in a local pub £18.00 Meal out for two in a mid-range restaurant, 3 courses £45.00 Cinema tickets for two people £12.00 One-month gym membership £25.00 Tennis court rental for 1 hour on the weekend £13.50 Beer 0.5ltr bottle £1.60 Coke/Pepsi 0.33ltr bottle £1.20 Cappuccino £2.65   Time it Takes to Travel by Train from Portsmouth to Cities in the UK City Time it Takes to Travel London 1 Hours 37 Minutes Bristol 2 Hours 10 Minutes Cardiff 2 Hours 41 Minutes Manchester 4 Hours 20 Minutes Newcastle 5 Hours 52 Minutes Birmingham 3 Hours 37 Minutes Liverpool 4 Hours 32 Minutes Edinburgh 6 Hours 58 Minutes   Education in Portsmouth According to Portsmouth City Councils website, there are 49 Primary Schools and 10 Secondary Schools located within the Portsmouth catchment area. The majority of schools in Portsmouth are rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted, whilst a handful are rated ‘Outstanding’. Portsmouth is also home to an award-winning University, with a Gold rating in the Government-backed Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) – which means our teaching, learning and student outcomes are outstanding and among the highest quality in the UK. The University also has a huge variety of societies and clubs, as well as excellent sports facilities. Things to do in Portsmouth Historic Dockyards and HMS Victory Whether you’re an amateur naval historian or a looking for a hands-on experience for your kids, the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard gives you full-day access to three ships, three submarines, and as many museums as you like. A personal guide offers informative commentary while accompanying you on Royal Navy warships including the HMS ‘Victory’ and HMS ‘Warrior.’ Step foot aboard the ‘Mary Rose’ and see exhibits at the National Museum of the Royal Navy Portsmouth, then take a boat tour of the harbor.   The Beachfront and Southsea Commons The seafront is one of the most popular areas of Portsmouth, enjoyed by visitors and residents alike. The beach stretches along the whole southern end of Portsea Island from Old Portsmouth to the conservation area of Eastney. There are many places to visit along Southsea seafront including Southsea Castle - one of the historic fortifications built during Henry VIII's reign and the D-Day Story. Just behind the seafront, you will find the communal SouthSea Common, a large open green space, a fantastic place to bring the kids or family over the Summer for picnics, BBQ and more. Facilities also include a children's play area, beach volleyball courts, tennis, pitch and putt and a skate park.   Victorius Festival Victorious Festival is a three-day music festival held in Portsmouth, founded in 2011. The festival is for everyone, with music ranging from rock, indie and alternative to electronic, pop, world, acoustic and folk. The event takes place in August and tickets range from £25-121. Gunwharf Quays Gunwharf Quays is the South’s leading designer outlet, boasting over 90 stores and over 30 restaurants, bars and coffee shops. The center is located on the beautiful waterfront and is the ideal place to explore, shop, dine and take in the exciting sites of this historic coastal city. Royal Navy Submarine Museum Just across the water from Portsmouth in Gosport is the Royal Navy Submarine Museum. Highlights include Britain's first submarine, Holland I, launched in 1901, along with HMS Alliance, launched just after the close of WWII. There are a variety of fascinating interactive exhibits dealing with life underwater and life in a submarine. Relocation to Portsmouth If you’re an international doctor looking to relocate to Portsmouth, or another location in the UK, please email your CV to [email protected] and we can support you in securing an NHS post and on your journey to relocate to the UK. Are you a member of our Facebook group? When you join IMG Advisor, you join a community of doctors all looking to relocate to the UK and join the NHS. We post a series of vlogs and blogs to the group every day. We will also be on hand to answer all of your relocation queries. Subscribe to our YouTube channel! We have over 60 videos on everything you need to know about relocating to the UK and joining the NHS! Listen to BDI Resourcing on the go to IMG Advisor the Podcast. You can find us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher and Buzzsprout. We have a number of episodes with tips and advice on relocating to the UK and the routes you can take to achieve this.   References Visitportsmouth.co.uk. (2020). Visit Portsmouth - Official Portsmouth Tourist Information Site. [online] Available at: https://www.visitportsmouth.co.uk/ [Accessed 13 Feb. 2020]. Dearsley, W. (2020). 12 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Portsmouth | PlanetWare. [online] Planetware.com. Available at: https://www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions-/portsmouth-eng-hmp-po.htm [Accessed 13 Feb. 2020]. http://wearejourney.co.uk, J. (2020). Ten things you didn't know about Portsmouth - Emirates Spinnaker Tower. [online] Emirates Spinnaker Tower. Available at: https://www.spinnakertower.co.uk/ten-things-you-didnt-know-about-portsmouth/ [Accessed 13 Feb. 2020]. Portsmouth.gov.uk. (2020). Infant, junior and primary schools - information and catchment areas. [online] Available at: https://www.portsmouth.gov.uk/ext/schools-learning-and-childcare/schools/infant-junior-and-primary-schools-information-and-catchment-areas [Accessed 13 Feb. 2020].

When you relocate to the UK, no matter how much credit history you managed to build in your home country, you will essentially be starting from scratch in the UK. As such, there will be certain things you won’t immediately be able to do once you arrive in the UK, for example, you won’t be able to apply for a mortgage, loan or even particular types of phone contract at first. In this article, we will explain the best ways to build up your credit rating to allow you to apply for credit and work towards buying a house in the future. Please note that we are not financial advisors and this article is merely a guide. Please consult a professional if you would like further information.   What is a Credit Score or Rating? Your credit score or credit rating is what a potential lender would use to assess you to ensure that you are a good investment. When you first arrive in the UK, you will likely have a poor credit score, purely because you do not have any credit history. There is a myth that you have a fixed credit score, however, different lenders may use slightly different methods to assign a credit rating to you, and these may vary slightly from lender to lender. Essentially, their assessment will determine whether they’re willing to lend you money, if you’ve had any credit products in the past, how reliable you were at paying money back, how much they are willing to lend you and how much interest you will be charged. You may wonder why having no credit history means that you have a poor credit rating, the reason for this is that lenders have no way to assess if you will be a good and safe investment for them, if you look at it from the lender’s perspective, they only want to lend to people who will reliably pay their money back, this is why it is important to start building your credit score as soon as possible.   How can I build my Credit Score?   Get a UK Address This will likely be something you do quite soon after you arrive in the UK anyway, so it will hopefully be an easy win! Having a fixed, UK address is an excellent way to start building your credit score. The reason for this is that in order to borrow money from any lender, you will require a permanent residence. As well as this, they can use this information to confirm your identity, and if you have multiple forms of credit further down the line, they will likely check that all of your credit agreements are linked to the same address to ensure that you are not a fraudster.   Keep Your Accounts up to date Linking on from the previous point, once you do have accounts, it is important to ensure that you keep these up to date, inform the bank if you change your address. It may seem like a small thing, but having the wrong address listed on accounts can have a big impact on any credit applications you make, as previously mentioned, this is one way that lenders check your application is legitimate, if they see you have multiple addresses listed, even if this is an old address, they could deny your application for fear that it is not legitimate.   Open a UK Bank Account It can be tricky to open a UK bank account initially as you will need proof of address in order to open an account, and you need a UK bank account to secure accommodation! If you have not yet secured accommodation, this can be a hindrance. That said, there are now online banking services such as Monzo that only require a passport and video of yourself to open them.  For more detailed information on how to open a UK bank account, you can read one of our previous articles. Once you have opened a bank account, this can be a great and simple way to build credit. Make sure to maintain it by ensuring that, if possible, you always have enough money in your account to cover your payments and bills each month. This is beneficial as it shows lenders that you can maintain a responsible relationship with a bank. As an alternative to applying for a credit card, in certain situations, banks may offer you an interest-free overdraft for the first 12 months of being an account holder, this is a great way to build credit so long as you ensure to always pay it off in full before the end of the interest-free period.   Set Up Direct Debits This one goes hand-in-hand with the previous point. Set up direct debits for your bills and rent to ensure that they are paid on time as any late or missed payments could cause issues when you are applying for credit.   Provide Proof of Employment This may seem like an easy one, but being able to prove that you are in a stable job with a regular income will give your credit score a little boost, as it proves to lenders that you have the means to pay them back. Once you have been receiving regular pay into your bank account for a few months, this can help you to apply for credit.   Get a Mobile Phone Contract You may not be able to do this immediately as you may need to build a little credit first, or you may only be able to apply for a SIM only contract to begin with. You can learn more about acquiring a phone contract in our previous article about things to do when you first arrive in the UK. This would be considered a small credit account, so you will not need to build as much credit to open a phone contract as you would, for say, a mortgage. Ensure that you pay your phone bill on time every month, and this will show lenders that you can reliably make repayments.   Get a Credit Card Once again, it is unlikely that you will be able to do this as soon as you arrive in the UK, as you will likely need some credit history to actually be eligible for a credit card, so it might be worth waiting a few months until you’re settled and have been regularly following some of the previous steps. If you would like to find out how to get a credit card, you can read our recent article on the matter. In order to get a good credit card with a low interest rate, you will need a good credit rating…so unfortunately, your first credit card will likely have a high interest rate, it’s estimated that 34.9% is the most common interest rate for these types of cards. It is advisable that prior to applying for a credit card, you check which cards you will be eligible for. You can use Money Saving Expert’s calculator to check your eligibility without negatively impacting your credit score. Once you have acquired a credit card, it is incredibly important to ensure that you use it responsibly and make your repayments on time each month so that you don’t need to pay interest. The best way to make use of it to build your credit is to use it for payments you were already going to make and have the money set aside for, such as rent or bills. It is also highly recommended that you do not withdraw any cash on your credit card as it can be seen by lenders as poor money management. In addition, the interest is higher, and you will be charged for doing this, even if you repay this in full. In doing this, you will be able to demonstrate that you can be trusted to make credit repayments. Try to only use a small amount of your credit limit, the average you’re recommended to use is about 25%-30%. For example, if your credit limit is £500, try not to spend more than £125. If, for any reason, you are struggling to repay your credit card on time, make sure that you contact your lender and ask if you can change your repayment schedule, it may have a negative impact on your credit score, but not as much as missing payments or continuing to pay late will. If you find that later down the line, you are not using a credit card, it is also important to cancel it, as if you have access to too much credit, even if you are not using it, can reflect badly on you when you apply for other forms of credit.   Check your Credit Report for Errors It is important to regularly check your credit report for errors. If you find any incorrect information, ensure that a notice of correction is added to your file. To check your credit report, you will need to order a copy of your credit file online, you will usually be charged a small fee from this, and you can order your file from the following agencies: Experian, Equifax and TransUnion.   Don’t Submit Credit Applications Too Frequently It is important not to apply for too much credit in a short space of time, as this can have a negative impact on your credit rating. Where possible, try to space out any applications you make so that it doesn’t appear you are bad at handling money and need to rely on credit.   Don’t get a Pay Day Loan The Money Saving Expert website warns against applying for pay day loans, reportedly, these companies claim that this can be a good way to build credit, however, there interest rates are generally ridiculously high, and can end up getting you into debt, rather than improving your credit score.   Register to Vote Admittedly, this one won’t be very helpful to you when you first arrive, as you will need to obtain British Citizenship in order to have the right to vote. However, if you have been in the country for five years you may be eligible to apply for British Citizenship which allows you the right to vote and apply for a British passport. If you are looking to improve your credit score and you have British Citizenship, this can be a great way to give your rating a boost, as it is one way that lenders can confirm your identity and address.   What can Lenders Find Out about me? You might be wondering what information lenders will be able to obtain about you, and why. We will list what lenders will be able to see below, it is important to note that the reason they can learn this information about you is so that they can ensure you are a reliable person to lend money to.   What Information is Included in my Credit Score? Your name Your address and postcode Your date of birth Past credit applications Credit repayment history, including late or missed payments Any existing debt you have If you are on the electoral role If you have any joint credit cards or loans If you have been declared bankrupt or have an IVA Any county court judgements (CCJ’s) Current account turnover   What Information is Not Included in my Credit Score? Student loans Medical history Council tax arrears Criminal record Parking or driving fines   It can seem daunting and even frustrating to have to completely rebuild your credit score once you arrive in the UK, particularly if you are hoping to secure a mortgage to buy a house later down the line. While it can be discouraging, take your time and follow these tips and gradually, you will be able to build up a good credit score, which is sure to benefit you in the long run. If you would like further advise on managing your credit or other financial matters, we would advise that you speak to a professional.   Relocation to the UK If you are an international doctor who would like to relocate to the UK and join the NHS, email your CV to [email protected] and we can support you in securing an NHS post and on your journey to relocate to the UK. Are you a member of our Facebook group? When you join IMG Advisor, you join a community of doctors all looking to relocate to the UK and join the NHS. We post a series of blogs and vlogs to the group every day. We will also be on hand to answer all of your relocation queries. Subscribe to our YouTube channel! We have over 60 videos covering everything you need to know about relocating to the UK and joining the NHS. Listen to BDI Resourcing on the go with IMG Advisor the Podcast. You can listen to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher and Buzzsprout. We have a number of episodes with tips and advice on relocating to the UK and the routes you can take to achieve this.   References Lewis, M. (2018). Credit Scores. [Online]. MoneySavingExpert.com. Available at: https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/loans/credit-rating-credit-score/ [Accessed 30 Jan. 2020.]. Saxon.H. (2018). Build Your Credit History. [Online]. MoneySavingExpert.com. Available at: https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/loans/build-credit-history/ [Accessed 30 Jan. 2020.]. Moneyadviceservice.org.uk. (2020). How to get credit for the first time. [Online]. Available at: https://www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/articles/getting-credit-for-the-first-time [Accessed 30 Jan. 2020.]. http://www.facebook.com/katsgoneglobal (2019). How to Build a Credit Score as a New UK Resident. [Online] Kats Gone Global. Available at: https://katsgoneglobal.com/credit-score-new-uk-resident/ [Accessed 30 Jan. 2020.].  

Reading is a large town located in Berkshire in the South East of England. The town sits on the Thames river, and is well known for Reading Festival, a music festival that takes place on the August bank holiday weekend every year. With a population of 230,046, Reading is a popular location to relocate to, whilst also being close enough to London to allow you to commute.   Facts About Reading Despite its spelling, Reading is actually pronounced ‘Redding’ rather than ‘Reading’. Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading was built due to the number of serious injuries caused by the construction of the Great Western Railway. Royal Berkshire’s first patient was a fifteen-year-old railway worker called George Earley. He had a compound fracture of the upper right arm, and as a result, his arm was amputated at the shoulder. Reading is the largest town in the UK without city status. Huntley & Palmers, a famous Reading based biscuit company, provided specially made emergency biscuits to a British Antarctic Expedition to the South Pole that took place in 1911. Reading successfully managed to prevent the spread of the plague that broke out in London in 1665 by appointing wardens to search people and goods coming into the town. In World War II, many London children were evacuated to Reading as it was considered to be a less dangerous location than London. The UK’s first female university professor was appointed at the University of Reading in 1908, her name was Edith Morley, and she was a Professor of English Language. A number of UK celebrities were born in Royal Berkshire Hospital, including Kate Winslett, Ricky Gervais and the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton.   Cost of Living in Reading   Cost of Renting Accommodation per month One-Bedroom Apartment in the City Centre £873.08 One-Bedroom Apartment outside of the City Centre £778.75 Three-Bedroom Apartment in the City Centre £1,662.50 Three-Bedroom Apartment outside of the City Centre £1.387.50   Transportation 1ltr Petrol £1.27 One-Way Public Transport Ticket £2.00 Monthly Public Transport Ticket £59.00 1km Taxi Journey £2.17   Entertainment Meal out for two in a local pub £24.00 Meal out for two in a mid-range restaurant, 3 courses £40.00 Cinema tickets for two people £20.00 One-month gym membership £33.34 Tennis court rental for 1 hour on the weekend £11.60 Beer 0.5ltr bottle £3.00 Coke/Pepsi 0.33ltr bottle £1.14 Cappuccino £2.31   Time it Takes to Travel by Train from Reading to Cities in the UK City Time it Takes to Travel London 25 Minutes Bristol 1 Hour 15 Minutes Cardiff 1 Hour 27 Minutes Manchester 3 Hours 9 Minutes Newcastle 4 Hours 6 Minutes Birmingham 1 Hour 33 Minutes Liverpool 3 Hours 27 Minutes Edinburgh 5 Hours 40 Minutes   Education in Reading Reading currently has 50 primary schools, 19 secondary schools and 15 sixth forms and colleges. Overall, most of the schools and colleges in Reading have an Ofsted rating of ‘Good’ with some also having ‘Outstanding’ ratings. If you would like to have a look at the Ofsted rating for an individual school, you can find it on the Gov.UK website here. Reading also has a university, the University of Reading. It was founded as an extension to the University of Oxford in the 19th century and is ranked as one of the top 200 universities in the world.   Things to do in Reading   Reading Museum If you’re looking for a bit of culture and history, then you can venture over to Reading Museum. Based in the Victorian Town Hall at the heart of the town, you can explore the artefacts of Reading’s past, from Victorian tapestries and Roman archeology to natural history, the museum even boasts a fantastic collection of historical biscuit tins from Huntley & Palmer’s, the famous Reading based biscuit company. If your thirst for history isn’t quenched by the museum, a Riverside Museum is only a short distance away at Blake’s Lock! If you’d like to buy a small memento of your day, there is an onsite gift shop, and if you’re in the mood for a snack, you can visit the museum’s café for a drink and a slice of cake. The museum is open Tuesday to Saturday, between 10am – 4pm on Tuesdays to Fridays and 10am to 5pm on Saturdays. Entry to the museum is free, but there is a suggested donation of £5. You can learn more about Reading Museum here.   Reading Festival This famous annual music festival has been running since 1989, and takes place on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday of the August bank holiday weekend. The lineup for the festival changes each year, and there are a number of camping facilities are available to allow you to stay for the duration of the festival. Tickets go on sale in advance, so if this is an event you are interested in attending, it’s best to book well in advance. Given the nature of the festival, it is advised that you do not take young children, and children under 15 years of age must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over. If you’d like to find out how to book tickets for Reading Festival, you can visit their website.   The Hexagon Built in 1977, the Hexagon is an arts venue that hosts a plethora of events and performances throughout the year. A fantastic place to spend an afternoon or an evening, particularly if you’re an arts fan, there are comedy shows, musicals, concerts, pantomimes, dances, children’s shows and more, so you’re sure to find something you’ll enjoy. The venue has a number of cafes and bars where you may enjoy a drink or a meal before your show. If you’d like to see what’s on at The Hexagon, you can find out here.   RedKangaroo Trampoline Parks – Reading  RedKangaroo is an indoor trampoline park for family members of all ages. With sessions for children aged 1 and over, you can explore the selection of courses they have on offer, from children and family sessions to sessions for adults, you can traverse the gladiator beams, attempt the warrior courses and take on the tumble tracks. They even have ‘Kanga Calm’ sessions where they reduce the number of people allowed into the park and turn off the bright lights and music so that family members with anxiety, autism or any other requirements can enjoy a more relaxed session. If you’re feeling peckish after all of that bouncing, there are mezzanine seating areas and a café where you can grab a bite to eat and catch your breath! Read more about what RedKangaroo has to offer here.   Unique Outdoors If you’re feeling adventurous, Unique Outdoors offers a number of outdoor pursuits to take anyone’s fancy! With laser combat, archery, climbing, zorbing and high ropes available, you can spend the day with your family taking on one of these adventures, or several of them with their package deals. Prices vary depending on how many activities you wish to do and which activities you choose. Have a look at the activities on offer at Unique Outdoors on their website.   Beale Park If you’re looking for a family day out, Beale Wildlife Park & Gardens is the perfect location. The park is dedicated to the care and conservation of rare and endangered animals. Not only can you witness first-hand the park’s array of endangered animals, but there are a number of activities for children including numerous indoor and outdoor play areas and a miniature train. For adults, there are several beautiful gardens where you can enjoy a leisurely stroll, try your hand at fishing and even take a river cruise during the summer. On a warm day, you could take a picnic with you to enjoy with the family, though there is a restaurant onsite that serves meals and afternoon tea. Entry to the park costs £12 for adults aged 16 and over, £10.50 for seniors and students, £10 for children aged between 2-15 and entry is free for children under two and carers of disabled visitors. They also offer family deals £36 for two adults and two children and £34 for one adult and three children. Find out more about Beale Park on their website.   Relocation to Reading If you’re an international doctor looking to relocate to Reading, or another location in the UK, please email your CV to [email protected] and we can support you in securing an NHS post and on your journey to relocate to the UK. Are you a member of our Facebook group? When you join IMG Advisor, you join a community of doctors all looking to relocate to the UK and join the NHS. We post a series of vlogs and blogs to the group every day. We will also be on hand to answer all of your relocation queries. Subscribe to our YouTube channel! We have over 60 videos on everything you need to know about relocating to the UK and joining the NHS! Listen to BDI Resourcing on the go to IMG Advisor the Podcast. You can find us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher and Buzzsprout. We have a number of episodes with tips and advice on relocating to the UK and the routes you can take to achieve this.   References Fisher, M. (2020). Did you know these fascinating facts about Reading?. [online] getreading. Available at: https://www.getreading.co.uk/news/reading-berkshire-news/13-facts-you-might-not-11405435 [Accessed 23 Jan. 2020]. Living, C. and Kingdom, U. (2020). Cost of Living in Reading. [online] Numbeo.com. Available at: https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/in/Reading [Accessed 23 Jan. 2020]. Livingreading.co.uk. (2020). Top 10 facts about Reading. [online] Available at: https://livingreading.co.uk/visit/heritage-and-history/top-10-facts-about-reading [Accessed 23 Jan. 2020].

If you have acquired a visit visa in order to undertake a clinical attachment, or if a family member has come to visit you on a visit visa, there may be circumstances in which you want to extend your visa and stay in the country for a few extra months, perhaps in order to attend an ID check or exam, or for private medical treatment. In this article, we will be explaining how you can apply for an extension on your visitor visa, and the steps involved in this. If you have not yet obtained a visitor visa, but would like more information regarding this, you can read our blog article about obtaining a visit visa to attend an ID check, or our article about obtaining a visit visa for family members.   Requirements The maximum period of time you can spend in the UK on a visit visa is 6 months, so you can only extend your visa by the amount of time that will take you up to that 6-month point. For example, if you currently have a three month visit visa, you may only extend your visa for an extra three months. In order for your application to be considered valid, you will need to apply whilst you are still in the UK, before your current visa expires, and you may not leave the UK, Ireland, Channel Islands or the Isle of Man between the time of your application and the time you receive a decision, if you do leave the country during this time, your application will automatically be withdrawn.   What if I Want to Extend my Visit Visa Beyond 6 Months? Generally speaking, you will not be permitted to extend a visit visa beyond six months. However, in exceptional circumstances, you may be able to apply. You may attempt to apply for an extension beyond six months if you are receiving private medical treatment in the UK and have already paid for the treatment/are able to and intend to pay for further costs of your treatment. Under these circumstances, you will need to provide documentation from a medical practitioner or NHS consultant registered in the UK, evidencing your consultations or treatments, they will also need to outline how long your treatment is likely to last, and details of your treatment progress, if it has already begun. You must also continue to meet the visit visa eligibility requirements. These are: You’ll leave the UK at the end of your visit. You can support yourself and any dependents for the duration of your visit. You are able to pay for your return or onward journey and any other costs relating to your visit. You have proof of any business or other activities you wish to do in the UK – as allowed by the visitor rules. You’ll only ever need to come to the UK to visit.   How to Apply for an Extension You will need to apply for an extension online, here. It is important to note, that you are only able to add dependents to your application if you are in the UK on an academic visit visa, if not, your dependent will be required to submit their own extension application. Upon applying for an extension, you will be required to make an appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point, where you will need to provide fingerprints and a photo (biometric information), and where you may need to provide your supporting documentation as well.   Supporting Documents During your application, you will be asked to provide some documents to support your application. You can either upload these documents online or have them scanned at your UKVCAS appointment. The only document you are required to provide is a valid passport or travel document. There are extra supporting documents that you may wish to provide if you feel that it may strengthen your application, but they are not mandatory. We would recommend that you provide them though. These documents are: If you are taking PLAB or an OSCE, you may provide a letter from the GMC or NMC to confirm your test arrangements. If you are undertaking a clinical attachment or observational post, you may provide a letter confirming your offer to take up this post, and that you have not previously done this before whilst in the UK. Previous passports or travel documentation to evidence previous dates of travel Financial documentation to prove that you have enough funds available to continue to support yourself during your stay, these can be: Bank statements Building society books Proof of earnings – a confirmation letter from your employer outlining your start date, salary, role, and the contact details for the company. If someone else will be providing financial support during your stay, whether this be a business, friend or family member, they will need to provide documents to prove they have sufficient resources to support you as well as themselves. Proof of legal residence if this is not included in your passport. Details of any employment or study you are undertaking, such as a letter from your company outlining the length and details of your employment, or a letter from your education provider stating your enrolment and leave of absence. If you are self-employed back home, you should provide business registration documents outlining the business owner’s name and the date the business was set up. If you are in the UK to complete activities related to your employment outside of the UK, you should provide documentation explaining what you will be doing whilst in the UK, including any invitation letters from organisations, such as a letter from your employer outlining the reason for your visit, who you will be meeting and any details pertaining to payments or expenses.   How Much will it Cost? It will cost £993 to extend your visit visa and an additional £800 if you wish to use the super priority service to speed up the process. It will also cost £19.20 to have your biometric information taken at your UKVCAS appointment.   What will the UKVCAS consider? When reviewing your application, UKVCAS will consider the following things: Is your application valid? Do you meet identity and suitability checks? Do you have the right to extend your visit visa? Are you breaching any immigration laws? Are you a genuine visitor? Are you intending to undertake permitted activities in the UK, after completion, are you intending to leave the country at the end of your stay? Are they satisfied that you are not intending to live in the UK? Are you going to be undertaking prohibited activities? Do you have adequate finances to support yourself and maintain accommodation throughout your stay?   What if I Don’t Meet the Requirements? If you apply for an extension despite not meeting the requirements, obviously, your application may simply be denied, however they may also give you a visa for a shorter period than you requested, and you will not be offered a refund for your application. The worst-case scenario would be that you may receive a long-term ban, and have your visa terminated if your previous travel history suggests that you are repeatedly living in the UK for extended periods on a visit visa.   How Long will I have to wait for a Response? If you opt to use their standard service, you should receive a response within 8 weeks. If you opt for their super priority service, they will come to a decision by the end of the next working day following your UKVCAS appointment. If your appointment takes place on a weekend, they will come to a decision two working days after your UKVCAS appointment. It’s important to note that the UKVCAS’ working days are Monday to Friday, and they also do not work bank holidays. In certain occasions, your application may be delayed if they need to contact you to verify your supporting documents, if you are required to attend an interview, or if there are complex personal circumstances, for example, if you have a criminal conviction. Once you have applied, you may stay in the UK until they have reached a decision, if your current visa is still valid.   Relocating to the UK If you are an international doctor who would like to relocate to the UK, email your CV to [email protected] and we can support you in securing an NHS post and on your journey to relocate to the UK. Are you a member of our Facebook group? When you join IMG Advisor, you join a community of doctors all looking to relocate to the UK and join the NHS. We post a series of blogs and vlogs to the group each day. We will also be on hand to answer all of your relocation queries. Subscribe to our YouTube channel! We have over 60 videos covering everything you need to know about relocating to the UK and joining the NHS. Listen to BDI Resourcing on the go with IMG Advisor the Podcast! You can listen to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher and Buzzsprout. We have a number of episodes with tips and advice on relocating to the UK and the routes you can take to achieve this.   References Government Digital Service (2015). Standard Visitor visa. [Online] GOV.UK. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/standard-visitor-visa/extend-your-visa [Accessed 29 Jan. 2020]. Visit Guidance. (n.d.). [Online] Available at: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/827480/Visit-guidance-v9.0ext.pdf  [Accessed 29 Jan. 2020]. Government Digital Service (2015). Standard Visitor visa. [Online] GOV.UK. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/standard-visitor-visa/eligibility [Accessed 29 Jan. 2020]. UK Visas and Immigration (2019). Guide to supporting documents: visiting the UK. [Online]. GOV.UK. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/visitor-visa-guide-to-supporting-documents/guide-to-supporting-documents-visiting-the-uk [Accessed 29 Jan. 2020].  

Plymouth, ‘Britain’s Ocean City’, is located on the coast of southwest England. It has a population of 234, 982 and is known for it’s heritage and harbourside which is home to the National Marine Aquarium and several marinas.   Facts about Plymouth The Pilgrim Fathers left from Plymouth! Back in 1620, the Mayflower set sail from Plymouth docks, headed for the New World. Those aboard the ship went on to establish the second English Colony, the USA. The Plymouth Gin Distillery, opened in 1793, is the oldest working gin distillery in England Sir Francis Drake, a famous sea captain and the first person to solely captain an expedition circumnavigated the world,was born in Plymouth. In 1919, Nancy Astor became the first woman Member of Parliament, representing the constituency of Sutton in Plymouth The main retail area of Plymouth was largely destroyed during the Second World War. Sir Patrick Abercrombie and James Paton Watson designed the ‘Plan for Plymouth’ and the resulting retail centre is now one of the best examples of 1950s architecture in the world Tom Daley, famous British Olympic diver, was born and learnt to dive in Plymouth.   Cost of living in Plymouth Renting Accommodation Per Month One-Bedroom Apartment in the City Centre £553.75 One-Bedroom Apartment outside of the City Centre £466.67 Three-Bedroom Apartment in the City Centre £844.44 Three-Bedroom Apartment outside of the City Centre £733.33 Transportation 1ltr Petrol £1.29 One-way Public Transport Ticket £3.00 Monthly Transport Ticket £55.00 1km Taxi Journey £3 Entertainment Meal out for two in a local pub £24.00 Meal out for two in a mid-range restaurant, three courses £45.00 Cinema Tickets for two people £15.00 One Month Gym Membership £21.00 Tennis Court Rental for 1 Hour on the weekend £15.00 Beer 0.5ltr bottle £3.50 Coke/Pepsi 0.33ltr bottle £1.20 Cappuccino £2.40   Time it takes to Travel by Train from Plymouth to other Cities in the UK Manchester: 5 Hours 10 Minutes Newcastle: 6 Hours 23 Minutes Birmingham: 3 Hours 33 Minutes London: 3 Hours 13 Minutes Liverpool: 5 Hours 21 Minutes Edinburgh: 8 Hours 20 Minutes Bristol: 2 Hours 4 Minutes Cardiff: 3 Hours 27 Minutes   Education in Plymouth Plymouth has a diverse educational estate with 99 schools including 72 primary schools and 16 secondary schools. Around 89% of two year olds are taking up free early education places, which is significantly higher than the national (68%). Most schools in the Plymouth area have received an Ofsted rating of ‘good’ with some also receiving a rating of ‘outstanding’. The University of Plymouth has a thriving international community of 3,000 students from over 100 countries studying full and part time programmes at the University.   Things to do in Plymouth   National Marine Aquarium Located in the city next to the Barbican and fishmarket lies the UK’s largest aquarium, offering superb educational programs and displays. Exhibits cover all of the worlds oceans with over 70 species of sharks   Royal Parade and Drake Circus Plymouth has a lively  and bustling city centre with a variety of retail avenues. Just off of Royal Parade, is Drake Circus, a pedestrian zone with passageway of shops, restaurants, cinemas and even a mini-golf adventure park.   Crown Hill Fort Built in the 1860’s, Crownhill fort is the largest and best preserved of Plymouths Victorian Forts. Here you can find and explore cannons, tunnels, ramparts and moats and you can take part in numerous historic re-enactments as well as guided tours.   Mount Batten Water sports and Activity Centre The Mount Batten centre is open all year round and welcomes families, friends, individuals and schools to participate in many water and land based activities. From sailing to stand up paddle boarding, kayaking to multi-adventure days there’s something for everyone here. Plymouth Snowsports Centre One of the first things you will see when entering Plymouth is the large ski slope and Snowsports Centre.  Plymouth Snowsports Centre is a year round venue for 650m of exhilarating Tobogganing at the Cresta Run, Tubing, Viper Drop, lift passes, and ski or snowboard lessons. The Centre features 4 slopes and a button lift, offering unrivaled riding in the West Country. The Alpine Lodge serves Coffee and has a good selection of freshly prepared hot and cold meals. Set in the peaks of Plymouth, the centre overlooks the beautiful Plym valley. With cascading scenery of lush greenery, it's the perfect view without any interruptions.   Relocation to Plymouth If you’re an international doctor looking to relocate to Reading, or another location in the UK, please email your CV to [email protected] and we can support you in securing an NHS post and on your journey to relocate to the UK. Are you a member of our Facebook group? When you join IMG Advisor, you join a community of doctors all looking to relocate to the UK and join the NHS. We post a series of vlogs and blogs to the group every day. We will also be on hand to answer all of your relocation queries. Subscribe to our YouTube channel! We have over 60 videos on everything you need to know about relocating to the UK and joining the NHS! Listen to BDI Resourcing on the go to IMG Advisor the Podcast. You can find us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher and Buzzsprout. We have a number of episodes with tips and advice on relocating to the UK and the routes you can take to achieve this.   References Dataplymouth.co.uk. (2020). Data Plymouth. [online] Available at: http://www.dataplymouth.co.uk/education-and-learning [Accessed 24 Jan. 2020]. Living, C. and Kingdom, U. (2020). Cost of Living in Plymouth. [online] Numbeo.com. Available at: https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/in/Plymouth [Accessed 24 Jan. 2020]. Visitplymouth.co.uk. (2020). Mount Batten Watersports and Activities Centre - Visit Plymouth. [online] Available at: https://www.visitplymouth.co.uk/things-to-do/mount-batten-watersports-and-activities-centre-p252043 [Accessed 24 Jan. 2020]. UK & International Property Investment Services - Aspen Woolf. (2020). 10 Fascinating Facts About Plymouth, UK - Aspen Woolf. [online] Available at: https://aspenwoolf.co.uk/10-fascinating-facts-about-historical-plymouth-uk/ [Accessed 24 Jan. 2020].   Plymouth, W. and Plymouth, U. (2020). We are International Plymouth. [online] University of Plymouth. Available at: https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/international [Accessed 24 Jan. 2020].  

A Guide to: The British Countryside The countryside holds a special place within English life and culture. Although most Brits work in the city, the countryside remains for most people in Britain an idyllic place and a place where one can both live and relax in their free time. For most people, the British countryside provides endless access to historic sites, memorials, monuments, protected areas, pretty villages and pub gardens. In this blog post, we share the five reasons to visit the British countryside when you relocate to the UK and join the NHS. Spectacular Views When you first visit the British countryside, you will find the views “charming, quaint, lovely and picturesque”. When you first visit the English countryside, you will be overwhelmed with plenty of greenery, country inns, moss-covered walls, hedged roads and rolling hills. Historical The British countryside represents natural beauty; however, a fun fact is that it is artificial and uniquely designed via landscaping over hundreds of years by the British people, who hold a 1000-long-year obsession with gardening. You can travel to the countryside by train The United Kingdom’s rail system is one of Britain’s greatest features, with over 20,000 passenger services per day. Most UK getaways are easily accessible by train and explorable by foot once you arrive and often it is a journey of no more than a couple of hours from the nearest airport. Trains are a great way to travel because you can purchase advance tickets for a cheaper price or last minute if your plans suddenly free up and you find yourself wanting to explore. On British trains, you can bring your own food and drinks, you can spread out and travel with comfort, set out your laptop and catch up on some life admin or even play some card games – and of course, enjoying the beautiful countryside out of the window! You should note that some places in the countryside do require a car to get to. However, you could always travel by train, bus and then get a taxi if need be to the specific location that you are visiting. Range of activities The fantastic thing about the NHS countryside is that is the range of fun activities you can do! Whether you have a passion for hiking, playing golf, surfing in Wales, touring a winery, visiting an auto-museum or rock-climbing – there is something for absolutely everyone. Pub Lunch After you have completed a 10-mile hike or bike ride, a hearty Sunday Roast or a classic British dish: beef burgers with mature cheddar cheese and crisp chips, homemade Cumberland sausage with onion gravy and mashed potatoes or roasted pork with spiced apple sauce; you will be spoilt for choice. If you are a vegetarian, the UK has plenty of fantastic veggie-friendly options from grilled halloumi to roasted butternut squash. Fun Facts about the British Countryside There are 10 National Parks in England: Dartmoor, Exmoor, New Forest, South Downs, The Broads, Peak District, Yorkshire Dales, North York Moors, Lake District and Northumberland. Wales and Scotland have just 5 National Parks between them: Brecon Beacons, Snowdonia and Pembrokeshire Coast in Wales and the Cairngorms and Loch Lomond and the Trossachs in Scotland. The 15 National Parks have two purposes – conserving and enhancing their natural and cultural heritage and promoting the understanding and enjoyment of the qualities of the parks to the public Britain has few endemic (native) species, due to the closeness to mainland Europe. Britain’s only poisonous snake is the adder The number of magpies in Britain and Ireland has quadrupled in the last 30 years Yorkshire is the most Instagrammed location in Britain, followed by the Scottish Highlands and the Shetland Islands Walking is Britain’s most popular outdoor recreation, with almost a third of the adult population walking at least two miles a month Nowhere in the UK is more than 70 miles from the coast   Relocation to the UK If you are interested in relocating to the UK’s countryside or a major city, email your CV to us at [email protected] and we can help you secure the most perfect NHS post. Are you a member of our Facebook Group? When you join IMG Advisor, you will join a community of doctors all looking to relocate to the UK and join the NHS. We post a series of blogs and vlogs into the group every single day. We will also always be on hand to answer all your relocation queries. Subscribe to our YouTube channel! We have over 60 videos on everything you need to know about relocating to the UK and joining the NHS! References Furfeatherandfin.com. (2020). Facts About the British Countryside and Coast | Fur Feather and Fin. [online] Available at: https://www.furfeatherandfin.com/blog/facts-about-british-countryside-coast/ [Accessed 28 Jan. 2020]. BuzzFeed. (2020). 9 Reasons Why You Need To Visit The British Countryside. [online] Available at: https://www.buzzfeed.com/visitbritain/reasons-why-you-need-to-visit-the-british-countryside [Accessed 28 Jan. 2020].      

Ethical Scenarios and the NHS Towards the end of your NHS interview, you will be asked a clinical scenario and you may be asked an ethical scenario so the hospital can see your ethical and legal approach to modern medicine. You will be presented with an ethical dilemma that the hospital may have experienced. When a dilemma seems especially challenging, the General Medical Council offers a clear direction in the decision-making process. In this blog post, we explain the four pillars of medical ethics and provide some ethical scenarios you may encounter with answers. What are the four pillars of medical ethics? Autonomy – The respect for the patient’s right to self-determination Beneficence – The duty ‘do good’ Non-Maleficence – The duty ‘not to do bad’ Justice – To treat all people equally and equitably The law reflects these principles as follows: Autonomy Consent Confidentiality / Privacy Access to Records   Beneficence Negligence Law   Non-Maleficence Criminal Law Negligence law Regulation   Justice Anti-discrimination Law How to apply the four pillars of medical ethics to clinical scenarios? It is always essential to first discuss arguments both for against the dilemma before coming up with a balanced conclusion that appreciates the nuances of ethical scenarios. This should always be done within the framework of the four pillars of medical ethics: Autonomy – Does it show respect for the patient and their right to make decisions? Non-maleficence – Does it harm the patient? Justice – Are there consequences in the wider community? Beneficence – Does it benefit the patient? Example Ethical Scenarios Scenario 1: As a Specialist Registrar you hear that your Consultant is involved in a clinical drug trial. You believe he is fabricating data and submitting it for the trial. What do you do? The GMC states that you must always conduct research with honesty and integrity. You therefore have a responsibility to act on concerns brought to your attention about the quality and integrity of research including allegations of fraud or misconduct. You must take action promptly, including: Taking account of participants’ safety Establishing the facts as far as you are able, separating genuine concerns from those made mischievously or maliciously Have systems in place to deal fairly and promptly with complaints and allegations of fraud or misconduct As you only have suspicions at this stage, you should try and confirm the facts. The first step will be to discuss your concerns with the Consultant in question and what you may believe may have a simple explanation. If you are not satisfied with the response, you should inform the appropriate authority with your concerns. This may be the director of research, medical director, clinical director etc. Scenario 2: You are due to a cardiac catheter list tomorrow and your father has been rushed into hospital in another city. He is going to have emergency surgery and your mother would like you to be with her during this upsetting time. What do you do? This is a frequent scenario for doctors, where they have committed to patient responsibilities and their personal life becomes a conflict between the two. Patients must be able to trust that NHS doctors will save their lives and their wellbeing is always a priority. The GMC states that “you must make the care of the patient your first concern”. It would therefore not be fair to abandon your cardiac catheter list as you would break the GMC code. You could then ask an experienced colleague to substitute for you. If you are unable to get a doctor to cover for you, your HR department might be able to organise locum cover to ensure patient care is not jeopardising patient care. The GMC also states that as a doctor you “must always act quickly to protect patients from risk if you have good reason to believe that you may not be fit to practice”. Therefore, if you are very stressed and upset about your father being taken into hospital, you should declare you are unfit to practice. Scenario 3: A patient’s wife’s solicitor has telephoned you to inquire about the diagnosis and prognosis of your patient. What do you do? The GMC states the following: “Information about patients is requested for a wide variety of purposes including education, research, monitoring and epidemiology, public health surveillance, clinical audit, administration and planning. You will have a duty to protect all patients’ privacy and respect their autonomy.” When asked to provide information you should: Seek patients’ consent to disclose any information wherever possible, whether or not you judge that patients can be identified from the disclosure Anonymise data where unidentifiable data will serve purpose Keep disclosures to the minimum necessary There may be certain circumstances where you have no choice but to disclose confidential information about your patient, for example if you are instructed to do so by a judge or to comply with a specific statutory requirement such as notification of a known or suspected communicable disease. In this specific case, you do not have to tell the solicitor anything about your patient without the specific consent of the patient. When you are dealing with telephone queries, it is difficult to ascertain with whom you are talking to. It is therefore better to refuse to discuss issues on the telephone but to answer questions in writing after obtaining consent from your patient. After you have obtained the consent, you should only disclose factual information which you can substantiate and present it in an unbiased manner. Post the Access to Medical Reports Act of 1988, your patient has the right to see written reports about them before they are disclosed. You should ask your patient if this is required. Ethical Scenarios to practice for your interview with A patient won’t see a non-white GP What to do if a patient forges a sick note? Can I allow access to a deceased patient’s medical notes? How do I encourage a patient to see our pharmacist? Do I have to record drug taking in a patient’s notes? How should we respond to negative comments on social media? References Downes T, Channer KS, Ethical problems in clinical practice, Postgraduate Medical Journal 2003;79:151-153.   Pulse Practice Jobs. (2020). Ten ethical dilemmas of 2016 – what would you do? | Pulse Practice Jobs. [online] Available at: https://www.pulsepracticejobs.com/article/ten-ethical-dilemmas-of-2016-what-would-you-do-/ [Accessed 27 Jan. 2020].

Exeter is an ancient city on the River Exe, located in Devon, southwest England. The city is brimming with local arts, historic buildings and a real sense of Devonshire pride. Exeter has a population of 128,900 and is at the heart of a travel to work area of over 470,000 residents. The Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust employs around 8,000 staff and serves a core population of more than 460,000 people in Exeter, East Devon and Mid-Devon. Facts About Exeter According to research Exeter is the safest place in England to drive a car. It turns out that the roads here are as much as 50% safer than those in the rest of the country!   Famous people that come from Exeter include JK Rowling, Chris Martin, Tommy Cooper and William Temple The Cathedral of St Peter dates back to 1050 and was rebuilt in 1258  in decorative gothic style Underneath Exeter’s high street, there is a complex trail of underground passages that were once used to create a completely unique water system, allowing clean water to be filtered through from the natural springs outside of the city. These date as far back as the 14th century.   Cost of Living in Exeter Cost of Renting Accommodation per month One-Bedroom Apartment in the City Centre £685.91 One-Bedroom Apartment outside of the City Centre £588.89 Three-Bedroom Apartment in the City Centre £1,007.14 Three-Bedroom Apartment outside of the City Centre £788.89   Transportation 1ltr Petrol £1.28 One-Way Public Transport Ticket £2.60 Monthly Public Transport Ticket £55.99 1km Taxi Journey £1.50   Entertainment Meal out for two in a local pub £20.00 Meal out for two in a mid-range restaurant, 3 courses £32.00 Cinema tickets for two people £20.00 One-month gym membership £28.83 Tennis court rental for 1 hour on the weekend £10.50 Beer 0.5ltr bottle £3.50 Coke/Pepsi 0.33ltr bottle £1.51 Cappuccino £2.31   Time it Takes to Travel by Train from Exeter to Cities in the UK City Time it Takes to Travel London 2 Hour 14 Minutes Bristol 59 Minutes Cardiff 2 Hour 9 Minutes Manchester 4 Hours 36 Minutes Newcastle 6 Hours 6 Minutes Birmingham 2 Hour 29 Minutes Liverpool 4 Hours 15 Minutes Edinburgh 7 Hours 7 Minutes   Education in Exeter There are 40 primary schools, 28 secondary schools and 17 colleges and sixth forms in Exeter. Exeter is also known for it’s university which is home to 23,500 students in more than 30 academic disciplines. It’s campuses offer world-class facilities.   Things to do in Exeter  Exeter Cathedral Exeter Cathedral is one of the oldest and most beautiful Cathedrals in England. Located in the centre of the city, there has been a Cathedral on the present site for nearly one thousand years. For £7.50 you can experience expert guided tours, trails and activities. Additional visitor facilities include a well-stocked shop and onsite café, serving a range of light lunches, afternoon teas and light snacks. Exeter Quay Exeter's Historic Quayside is one of the most attractive areas of the city, popular with locals and visitors alike for its fascinating history, interesting architecture and lively pubs and restaurants. Throughout the year events are held around the quay, everything from 10k runs to live music. Royal Albert Memorial Museum Exeter's world-class museum has stunning displays and galleries, fabulous exhibitions and modern amenities. The displays reveal Devon and Exeter's rich history and global connections. Exotic animals, birds and insects delight children and the world cultures galleries display stunning items from all over the world Crealy Family Theme Park Voted 'Family attraction of the year' Crealy Theme Park & Resort is the Southwest's No.1 Family day out. Complete with wild rides, masses of indoor play areas, live shows, and the friendliest animals. Underground Passages Dating from 14th century, these medieval passages under Exeter High Street are a unique ancient monument: no similar system of passages can be explored by the public elsewhere in Britain. The Passages have long exercised a fascination over local people, with stories of wars and sieges, plague and pestilence! Relocation to Exeter If you’re an international doctor looking to relocate to Exeter, or another location in the UK, please email your CV to [email protected] and we can support you in securing an NHS post and on your journey to relocate to the UK. Are you a member of our Facebook group? When you join IMG Advisor, you join a community of doctors all looking to relocate to the UK and join the NHS. We post a series of vlogs and blogs to the group every day. We will also be on hand to answer all of your relocation queries. Subscribe to our YouTube channel! We have over 60 videos on everything you need to know about relocating to the UK and joining the NHS! Listen to BDI Resourcing on the go to IMG Advisor the Podcast. You can find us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher and Buzzsprout. We have a number of episodes with tips and advice on relocating to the UK and the routes you can take to achieve this. References Exeter City Council website. (2020). Exeter economy in numbers - Exeter City Council. [online] Available at: https://exeter.gov.uk/business/relocating-to-exeter/exeter-economy-in-numbers/ [Accessed 27 Jan. 2020]. Visitexeter.com. (2020). Exeter Quayside - Historic Site in Exeter, Exeter - Visit Exeter. [online] Available at: https://www.visitexeter.com/things-to-do/exeter-quayside-p1215273 [Accessed 27 Jan. 2020]. Living, C. and Kingdom, U. (2020). Cost of Living in Exeter. [online] Numbeo.com. Available at: https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/in/Exeter [Accessed 27 Jan. 2020]. TripAdvisor. (2020). Crealy Family Theme Park (Exeter) - 2020 All You Need to Know Before You Go (with Photos) - Exeter, England | TripAdvisor. [online] Available at: https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g186254-d214976-Reviews-Crealy_Family_Theme_Park-Exeter_Devon_England.html [Accessed 27 Jan. 2020].  

Chelmsford is one of the newest cities in the UK, located to the East of England in the county of Essex. Chelmsford is known for being for the birthplace of radio, and also for its cathedral which stands out because of its beautiful stained-glass windows. Being close enough to London to commute, it’s no surprise that Chelmsford has a fantastic reputation and a population of 123,821.   Facts About Chelmsford As previously mentioned, Chelmsford is one of the newest cities in the UK, having only been granted city status in 2012 as part of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, and was previously considered to be a town. The birthplace of radio, it has received this title due to its connections with a man named Guglielmo Marconi, who opened the world’s first wireless factory in 1899 in Chelmsford. The UK Channel 4 TV programme, ‘Location, Location, Location’ voted Chelmsford as the 8th best place to live in the UK in 2007, and in 2019, The Times newspaper included Chelmsford in an article listing it as one of the best places to live in the UK for its excellent education, culture and food. Chelmsford Cathedral is considered to be the second smallest cathedral in England, but as mentioned at the beginning of this blog, its size doesn’t make it any less beautiful. 600 years ago, Chelmsford became England’s capital city for a few days. The reason for this was that the seat of Government was temporarily moved to Chelmsford. BioCare, a food supplement manufacturer based in Birmingham has stated that Chelmsford is the second healthiest place to live in the UK! Hylands House (which you’ll learn more about later in this blog!) featured in the Netflix series, The Crown, as a setting for the White House. Henry VIII visited Chelmsford in the 1520s to stay at Palace Beaulieu, which belonged to Anne Boleyn’s family.   Cost of Living in Chelmsford   Renting Accommodation per Month One-bedroom apartment in the city centre £833.33 One-bedroom apartment outside of the city centre £725 Three-bedroom apartment in the city centre £1,400 Three-bedroom apartment outside of the city centre £1,100     Transportation 1ltr Petrol £1.30 One-way public transport ticket £2.30 Monthly public transport ticket £80 1km Taxi journey £5.00     Entertainment Meal out for two in a local pub £24.00 Meal out for two in a mid-range restaurant, 3 courses £47.50 Cinema tickets for two people £24.00 One-month gym membership £42.50 Beer 0.5ltr bottle £3.50 Coke/Pepsi 0.33 ltr bottle £1.25 Cappuccino £2.79     Time it Takes to Travel from Chelmsford to other Cities in the UK by Train   City Time it Takes to Travel London 37 Minutes Manchester 3 Hours 25 Minutes Newcastle 3 Hours 55 Minutes Birmingham 2 Hours 45 Minutes Liverpool 3 Hours 40 Minutes Edinburgh 5 Hours 25 Minutes Bristol 2 Hours 56 Minutes Cardiff 3 Hours 37 Minutes     Education in Chelmsford There are 37 primary schools, 11 secondary schools and 10 colleges and sixth forms in Chelmsford. There is also an Anglia Ruskin University campus located there. Most of the schools have an Ofsted rating of ‘Good’ but many have also been awarded a rating of ‘Outstanding’ making it an excellent location for education. If you’d like to see the Ofsted ratings for individual schools in the area, you can visit the Gov.UK website.     Things to do in Chelmsford   Jump Street Jump Street is an indoor activity park boasting Essex’s biggest climbing wall, soft play area and trampoline! A great way to get active whilst also having a fun family day out, they have an ‘Open Jump’ trampoline area, dodgeball courts, climbing areas, drop slides, rope bridges and more, so there should be something to suit family members of all ages and abilities. If you need a break, or simply want to enjoy a coffee whilst your children try out the activities available, there’s a café overlooking the activity areas where you can relax and grab a snack. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Prices do vary depending on the activities you choose, but their ‘Open Jump’ sessions cost £10 if you book in advance, and £12 if you walk-in on the day. Their tots sessions, for children under 4 years of age, costs £5 if you book in advance and £7 if you walk-in. If you’d like to see a full list of activities and prices, you can find them on the Jump Street website.   Chelmsford Civic Theatre If you’re a fan of theatre, then Chelmsford Civic Theatre is a perfect night out to relax and unwind. The theatre has 500 seats, providing an intimate performance space with no restricted views, and an adjoining studio space where you can watch live performances as well as movie screenings. The seating was refurbished in 2016, making it modern and comfortable. If you’d like to enjoy a drink before the performance, the Civic bar opens an hour prior to shows starting. There are also wheelchair spaces and accessibility for less able guests. See what’s playing at Chelmsford Civic Theatre here.   Chelmsford Museum Step into Chelmsford’s history and take a journey back in time at Chelmsford Museum. Travel through the Ice Age and witness a mammoth and explore the history of the natural world. With the history of pottery, clothing and toys, you can learn about all aspects of Chelmsford’s history. They even have child-friendly activities to get them excited about learning. The museum has accessibility for less able guests, a hearing loop, as well as a café and gift shop where you can grab some lunch and souvenirs. Entry to the museum is free. If you’d like to know more about what you can explore at Chelmsford Museum, visit their website.   Hylands House As previously mentioned, Hylands House was used as a filming location for Netflix series The Crown, so if you’re a fan, you might like a to pay a visit to this Neo-Classical villa. It was originally built in 1730 by MP Sir John Comyns. Even if you don’t watch The Crown, you can take a guided tour around the house and take in its beautiful architecture. There are also several events that take place throughout the year at the house, park and stables. Admission to the house is free, and there is a café onsite where you can enjoy a hot meal and snacks. If you’d like to learn more about Hylands House, you can visit their website.   Hanningfield Waterside Park If you’d like to spend a day in the great outdoors with the family, take a trip to Hanningfield Waterside Park. Take a stroll through Essex Wildlife Trust nature reserve, try your hand at fishing or let the children explore the number of play facilities available. It’s the perfect location for a picnic on a sunny day, but there is also a café and gift shop onsite where you can purchase refreshments. If you’d like to learn more about the events on offer at Hanningfield Waterside Park, visit their website.   Escape Live Whether you’re a pro, or you’d like to try your hand for the first time, Chelmsford boasts state of the art immersive escape-rooms. Each room allows you 60 minutes to try and escape by solving puzzles and answering questions. There are three themed rooms available, Escape the Jungle, Sword in the Throne and Star Quest, so there’s sure to be a theme that appeals to everyone in the family, the escape rooms are suitable for children and adults. Can you escape in 60 minutes? Prices vary, but start at £15 per person. If you’d like to book your escape adventure, check out Escape Live’s website.   Relocation to Chelmsford If you are an international doctor who would like to relocate to Chelmsford, or any other location in the UK, email your CV to [email protected] and we can support you in securing an NHS post and on your journey to relocate to the UK. Are you a member of our Facebook group? When you join IMG Advisor, you join a community of doctors all looking to join the NHS and relocate to the UK. We post a series of blogs and vlogs to the group every day. We will also be on hand to answer all of your relocation queries. Subscribe to our YouTube channel! We have over 60 videos covering everything you need to know about relocating to the UK and joining the NHS. Listen to BDI Resourcing on the go with IMG Advisor the Podcast. You can listen to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher and Buzzsprout. We have a number of episodes with tips and advice on relocating to the UK and the routes you can take to achieve this.   References Bailey, H. and Webber, D. (2020). The 19 things you didn't know about Chelmsford. [online] essexlive. Available at: https://www.essexlive.news/news/essex-news/19-things-you-didnt-know-473356 [Accessed 24 Jan. 2020]. Living, C. and Kingdom, U. (2020). Cost of Living in Chelmsford. [online] Numbeo.com. Available at: https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/in/Chelmsford [Accessed 24 Jan. 2020]. Ukpopulation2019.com. (2020). Population Of Chelmsford 2019. [online] Available at: https://ukpopulation2019.com/population-of-chelmsford-2019.html [Accessed 24 Jan. 2020]. Aru.ac.uk. (2020). Top ten facts about Chelmsford - ARU. [online] Available at: https://aru.ac.uk/student-life/life-on-campus/chelmsford-campus/top-ten-facts-about-chelmsford [Accessed 24 Jan. 2020].  

When you first move to the UK, it will be hard to get a credit card, a financed car, get a mortgage or get a bank loan. This is due to the lack of a credit history you have in the UK. Unfortunately, you cannot transfer your credit rating from your home country to the UK. So, you will essentially be starting again. Without a present credit history, lenders won’t have any information on you to determine whether you can manage credit responsibly and may therefore class you as high risk, making them reluctant to lend to you. In this blog post, we share how to build up some positive credit history in the UK to help you with your short-term goals such as obtaining a credit card or long-term goals... buying a house! Please note, we are not financial advisors and this blog post is simply a guide. Please consult a professional for further information. What is included in my credit score? Name, address and date of birth Past credit applications Credit repayment history, including late or missed payments Your existing debt Your electoral register presence Any joint credit cards or loans If you have been declared bankrupt or have an IVA Any county court judgements (CCJ’s) Current account turnover What is not included in my credit score? Student loans Medical history Council tax arrears Criminal record Parking or driving fines Step 1: Employment Most lenders require evidence of proof of a regular income. So, being employed by the NHS you will be able to evidence a consistent income. Step 2: Get a UK address Most lenders will not give you credit without proof of a UK address. So, the first step is to secure a permanent residence. Please note, when you go to open a UK high street bank account you will need to show proof of address. If you are yet to secure permanent accommodation, you can evidence your Air B n B’s address. Step 3: Open a UK Bank Account Although this is not essential to apply for credit, it is advisable that you open a bank account in the UK as it will make you more attractive to lenders. Having a UK bank account means that you can pay bills by direct debit, receive your salary and transfer money abroad. If you would like our advice on how to open a bank account in the UK, please do read our blog post here. Step 4: Create some Positive History in the UK If you can show that you manage credit responsibly, you are more likely to get better interest rates in the future. You have a number of options available to you when you first arrive: Open a high interest credit card – Make sure that you spend little each month, pay back in full and stay within your credit limit otherwise it will have a negative effect on your credit rating. Example high interest cards, please check with each provider as rates regularly change. The Aqua Card – Typical 35.9% APR variable and up to 51 days interest free credit on purchases if you pay off your balance in full and on time each month The Capital One Classic: Typical 34.9% APR variable The Barclaycard Initial: Typical 27.9% APR variable Put bills in your name (where possible) and pay them by direct debit Open a couple of store cards as they are usually easier to get than standard rate credit cards but always pay them off in full every month and you got another way to show you can handle your finances responsibly. Step 5: Time your applications wisely Applying for lots of credit in a short space of time and being rejected is not good for your credit rating. You can try leaving between three and six months between applications to hep repair your credit rating, however, the process will take longer. One example is a mobile phone contract, car insurance, car finance and a credit card can count towards this. Step 6: Curb your card spending When you do get issued a credit card, you should try to minimise any debt on your cards. As a rule of thumb, you should try to keep the debt on a card under 30% of your credit card limit. Relocation to the UK If you are an international doctor who has decided that you would like our support in securing an NHS service post, email your CV to [email protected] and we can support you in securing an NHS job and on your journey to the UK today. Are you a member of our Facebook Group? When you join IMG Advisor, you will join a community of doctors all looking to relocate to the UK and join the NHS. We post a series of blogs and vlogs into the group every single day. We will also always be on hand to answer all your relocation queries. Subscribe to our YouTube channel! We have over 60 videos on everything you need to know about relocating to the UK and joining the NHS! References Focus, E. (2020). Moving or Moved to the UK? A Guide to Credit and Financial Freedom | Expat Focus. [online] Expatfocus.com. Available at: https://www.expatfocus.com/guide-to-credit-and-financial-freedom-in-the-uk [Accessed 22 Jan. 2020].  

EDIC, the European Diploma of Intensive Care Medicine, is an examination that consists of two parts, and you will need to complete both parts, as well as passing IELTS or OET, in order to be eligible to obtain GMC registration. EDIC tests the theoretical competencies and professional conduct of doctors practicing intensive care medicine. As of June 2019, EDIC has become a GMC accepted postgraduate qualification, and only if you passed EDIC after January 2015. Upon completing EDIC and having passed either IELTS or OET, you will be eligible to apply for ST3+ roles within the NHS. In this article, we will be offering you an overview of Part 2 of EDIC, the format of the exam, how much it costs, and some study resources you can utilise. If you have yet to sit either part of EDIC, you can learn more about EDIC Part 1 and how to prepare for that in our previous blog article.   How much does it Cost? At the time of writing this article, EDIC Part 2 costs €480 Euros for members of the European Society of Intensive Care Medicine (ESICM) and €680 for non-members.   Am I Eligible? In order to sit EDIC Part 2, you must be a fully registered medical doctor and have completed a year’s internship. You should also be enrolled in or have completed a national training programme in a primary specialty in one of the following: Anaesthesiology General/Internal Medicine (and other medicine specialities) General Surgery (and other surgical specialities) Accident & Emergency Medicine Paediatrics Intensive Care Medicine (if it is a primary specialty) In order to be eligible to sit Part 2, you must first have completed EDIC Part 1.   What languages can EDIC Part 2 be Sat in? The EDIC exams can only be sat in English, this is done to achieve standardisation. So, unfortunately, you will not be able to sit EDIC in any other languages.   EDIC Part 2 Format Part 2 is an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) in which there are six stations. There will be three clinical scenarios, and these will include imitation charts of real patients. The other three stations will be computer stations where you will be tested on reading and interpreting imaging, ECGs, biochemical scenarios, open questions and other topics. The examination should take roughly two hours, altogether. There will be two different examiners at each clinical skill station. At each computer-based skill station, a different examiner will interact with you. The exam may start with the clinical skill stations or the computer stations, so there is no guarantee which one you will be faced with first. Before entering the clinical scenario stations, you will first enter a preparation room in which you will be given any necessary material to prepare for the clinical scenarios. You will be allowed thirty minutes to prepare using the materials you’ve been provided with, after which, you will move to your first exam room.  The purpose of the clinical scenario stations is to test your professionalism and knowledge in this each situation using the information you’ve been provided with. This part of the examination likely won’t contain more than 3-4 competency domains. You will likely be presented with between 1-5 questions with up to five potential correct answers. ESICM has stated that the scenario will focus on an ICU admission or the days following an event during a patient’s ICU stay. You will be examined on how well you safely manage a particular scenario. You will not be given any time to prepare for the computer stations. The purpose of the computer stations is to test your knowledge and diagnostic skills. Each station will last fifteen minutes, twelve of these minutes will be used to answer questions, and you will be tested in three different Intensive Care medicine competency domains.  You will be presented with pictures or scenarios and these will vary between 8 and 12 per computer-based scenario, depending on how complex the question is. The following subjects will be covered within the examination: Disease Management Cardiovascular Disorders Renal and genitourinary disorders Neurological disorders Gastrointestinal disorders Respiratory disorders Infections Other disorders (haematologic; metabolic toxic; endocrine; peri-partum) Therapeutic Interventions / Organ System Support Medical treatment Organ system support Perioperative care Practical Procedures Respiratory system Cardiovascular system Central nervous system Patient General Care Resuscitation & initial management of the critically ill patient Comfort and recovery End-of-life care Patient safety and health management system   When can I Sit EDIC Part 2? Part 2 of EDIC is generally held in June and November every year, and test centres are able to accommodate 36 candidates. 500 seats are usually offered for EDIC Part 2 each year. Your exam centre will be allocated to you during the validation process and you will be notified of this.   Revision Resources ESICM has some useful study resources on their own website, which we will provide links for here. They offer an official EDIC Part 2 preparation course which covers both the clinical scenario and the computer-based portion of the exam, as well as offering mock examinations. You can learn more about the preparation course here. ESICM also has a fantastic website with revision resources called the ESICM Academy. You can find that here.   Facebook Groups You can often gain a lot from getting involved with Facebook groups, as members often provide resources and first-hand advice. EDIC European Society of Intensive Care Medicine (ESICM)   YouTube Given that Part 2 of EDIC is a practical exam, YouTube can be a particularly helpful study resource as it is so visual. EDIC 2 Exam Dr Tapas   Computer Based Scenario Resources Example Scenarios   Our Tips Our tips for passing EDIC Part 2 are: Give yourself time to study – Make sure you start preparing for the exam in advance so that you have enough time to revise all the relevant topics you will need to be well versed in. Utilise Resources – Utilise the resources, particularly the preparation course and information provided by ESICM, as these will be tailored to the exam and give you the best opportunity of passing. Use your exam time well – We really recommend utilising the 30 minutes you are provided with prior to the clinical scenario stations to really analyse any information you are given. It can be difficult to focus when you are nervous, but the more you read through the information they have provided you with, the more likely you will be to do well in this portion of the test.   If you Don’t Pass If you don’t pass the examination, you will need to wait 12 months before you can apply for the next exam to try again, and you will be allowed a maximum of three attempts. It can be discouraging if you don’t pass first time but use your experience to help you be better prepared for your next attempt. Ask yourself which areas were you confident in? Where did you struggle? Focus on improving any areas you found difficult, or felt you did poorly in, and with this experience and knowledge, you are far more likely to pass the next time you attempt the exam.   Good Luck! If you’re a doctor with EDIC, and you would like some support relocating to the UK and finding a job in the NHS, email your CV to [email protected] and we can support you on your relocation journey. Are you a member of our Facebook group? When you join IMG Advisor, you will join a community of doctors all looking to relocate to the UK and join the NHS. We post a series of blogs and vlogs to the group every day. We will also be on hand to answer any relocation queries you may have. Subscribe to our YouTube channel! We have over 60 videos on everything you need to know about relocating to the UK and joining the NHS. Listen to BDI Resourcing on the go with IMG Advisor the Podcast. You can find us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher and Buzzsprout. We have a number of episodes with tips and advice on obtaining GMC registration and securing an NHS job.   References ESICM. (2020). EDIC Part II - ESICM. [online] Available at: https://www.esicm.org/education/edic2-2/edic-partll/ [Accessed 21 Jan. 2020]. Uems.eu. (2020). [online] Available at: https://www.uems.eu/__data/assets/pdf_file/0015/34080/05-EDIC2-CESMA-Bucharest16.pdf [Accessed 21 Jan. 2020].