Building Bridges West Midlands and the Midlands Health Academy

What is Building Bridges West Midlands?
Building Bridges West Midlands supports refugees who qualified in their own countries as doctors, dentists, nurses and other health professions. There are a number of initiatives currently funded by NHS Employers and the Strategic Health Authority that will give RHPs valuable training and an insight into the National Health Service.

A partnership between Building Bridges West Midlands and the Midlands Health Academy allows for the development of a sustainable model to include Refugee Health Professionals as part of the NHS talent pool; furthermore, the project could be mainstreamed as part of local NHS workforce planning and development.

Refugee Healthcare Professionals - What can Building Bridges do for you?

Building Bridges West Midlands is currently offering the following support and training:

  • Pre-Adaptation Programme located in Birmingham City University. Information, advice and guidance about re-qualifying in the UK and pathways to work in the National Health Service. This is a Level 4 qualification.
  • Support and tution for the IELTs exam, the English Language test that health professionals must pass to practice in the UK.
  • Clinical attachments and placements in local trusts which enable health professionals to have UK experience and to demonstrate their level of competency.
  • Mentorship by suitably experienced health professionals to facilitate refugees’ understanding of the UK health service and their job readiness.

NHS Trusts - What are the benefits of employing Refugee Healthcare Professionals?

As the largest employer in Europe, the NHS has a responsibility to take a lead on equality and dirversity, not only meeting the legal requirements, but where possible exceeding them.

Refugee healthcare professionals are mature and experienced individuals who have both professional skills and knowledge of diverse languages and cultures.

For further information about Refugee Healthcare Professional initiatives please click on the links below:

The ROSE online information portal for refugee healthcare professionals: Rose Website

The Refugee Healthcare Professional Programme in London: http://www.londonmet.ac.uk/londonmet/library/y51244_3.pdf

Reache North West: http://reache.wordpress.com/