International Medical Graduate (IMG) Welfare Service
The IMG Welfare Service exists to support new-to-the UK doctors. From 1 October 2024, the service will open to:
- All IMG doctors in training posts anywhere in Wessex Deanery, including Hampshire and Isle of Wight, Dorset, Salisbury and Jersey.
- All IMG doctors employed by any Trust or GP surgery (including locally employed doctors) within the Wessex Deanery footprint, including Hampshire and Isle of Wight, Dorset and Salisbury.
- The IMG Welfare Service aims to support IMG doctors with practical aspects of settling in a new country and community. This could include how to register with a GP and a dentist, exploring childcare options, opening bank accounts, setting up a TV licence, driving in the UK, registering for council tax, and signposting to information on finding accommodation, identifying local cultural or religious support networks, etc.
The IMG Welfare Service is also able to support spouses / partners of doctors eligible to use the service. This will be discussed with IMG doctors during their first appointment with a Welfare Officer, and a spouse / partner referral form link will be provided at that point if required.
We know it takes time to settle in a new country– we are here to help.
To complete a Self-referral form, please click here. Once your self-referral form is submitted, you will be prompted to book your first appointment.
If you are not sure if you meet our referral criteria, please contact us
Our Welfare Officers are available Monday to Thursday from 9am to 5pm (except Bank Holidays) and Wednesday from 9am to 8pm.
If you have queries about the IMG Welfare Service, please contact our team.
