Latest news with #UK-trained
Times
12 hours ago
- Health
- Times
BMA in new row as thousands of junior doctors cannot get NHS jobs
Thousands of resident doctors cannot get jobs in the NHS, prompting the British Medical Association to open a formal dispute with the government over 'training bottlenecks'. Half of all doctors who have completed their first two years of training have said they have not been able to secure a job from August 6 this year, when the new roles begin. After graduating from medical school, resident doctors, formerly known as junior doctors, complete two years of foundation training, known as FY1 and FY2, involving placements in different medical specialisms. They then must apply for training posts either as GPs or to become consultants in a specialism, such as psychiatry or oncology. However, there are not enough training posts, meaning about half of the 8,000 FY2 doctors completing their training this week have not got a job waiting for them, prompting many to consider moving abroad. This year, more than 30,000 doctors applied for only 10,000 specialist training places. Some of the applicants are international medical graduates, and some are from a backlog of applicants from previous years. The British Medical Association is starting a formal dispute with the government over the lack of training places. Resident doctors are finishing their five-day strike at 7am on Wednesday as part of a separate dispute to receive a 29 per cent pay rise. Wes Streeting, the health secretary, recently promised to create 1,000 new specialist training posts over the next three years, but the BMA said this was insufficient as the situation was at crisis point. The BMA surveyed 1,053 FY2 doctors last week, asking if they had 'planned substantive employment or regular locum work from August 2025'. Of these, 52 per cent replied no. In total, 4,401 resident doctors were surveyed, and 34 per cent did not have a job lined up. Dr Ross Nieuwoudt and Dr Melissa Ryan, who both head the BMA junior doctors' committee, said many doctors have 'genuine fear and real worry about being able to secure a job in the future'. They added: 'It's absurd that in a country where the government says bringing down NHS waiting lists is one of its top priorities, not only is it not prepared to restore doctors' pay, but it also won't provide jobs for doctors ready, willing and capable to progress in their careers. 'With more than six million patients on waiting lists in England, it's maddening that a third of [junior] doctors say they cannot get a job. Across the NHS, this means potentially thousands of UK doctors are left in employment limbo when patients desperately need their care. 'Commitments from the government to address this don't go far enough or are too vague to convince us that they understand the gravity of the situation, so we're making clear that, alongside pay, we are entering a dispute and demanding action so that no UK-trained, capable doctor is left underemployed in the NHS.' Meanwhile, during the strikes, there is an escalating row over patient safety between NHS bosses who have accused the BMA of risking patients by refusing to provide emergency cover, and the BMA, which said the NHS itself is to blame for not planning adequately for the strikes and securing cover. Sir Jim Mackey, the chief executive of the NHS, has accused the BMA of demanding 'extortionate pay rates' to provide emergency cover during the strike. In a letter to NHS staff, Mackey said: 'We have learned from the last few rounds of industrial action that harm was being caused to patients by the BMA insisting on just prioritising urgent and emergency care. We have all worked hard to avoid that this time, and while there is still some distance to go, the early indications suggest that the planning has worked. 'That is not to say that services haven't come under real pressure. We have worked with you to overhaul the process for patient safety mitigations, and that has yielded results as well, with nine approved as of Sunday night. Unfortunately, despite all requests being made and verified by senior medics, 18 have been rejected by the BMA, with half of those rejections saying the BMA would support only if extortionate pay rates were offered to striking doctors.'
Qatar Tribune
a day ago
- General
- Qatar Tribune
Early Years Education at NAISAK builds bright futures
Tribune News Network Doha Step into one of NAISAK's Early Years classrooms, and you'll feel it right away—laughter bubbling, imaginations soaring, and children deeply engaged in joyful discovery. You might see towers of blocks reaching toward the ceiling, fingers dipped in paint, or a child sharing a story with a friend. To the outside eye, it's play. But here at NAISAK, it's purposeful play—the kind that lays the foundation for lifelong success. 'Everything in our classrooms is designed with the child in mind,' said Kathleen Lyons, head of Early Years. 'From the size of the furniture to the open layout, it's all about helping children feel confident, calm, and curious. 'At NAISAK, we believe that play isn't a break from learning—it is learning. Our carefully designed EYFS curriculum, led by UK-trained Early Years specialists, helps children grow academically, emotionally, and socially, in a way that feels natural and joyful.' Learning Through Play: A Journey Full of Wonder Did you know that by age five, 90 percent of your child's brain is already developed? These early years are a golden window of opportunity for children to form the building blocks of how they think, feel, and interact with the world. That's why we centre everything around play-based learning—a proven, research-backed approach that's core to the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Here's how a typical day at NAISAK Early Years helps children flourish: • Building blocks nurture spatial awareness, creative thinking, and problem-solving. • Sand and water play support early science skills like observation and measurement. • Painting and crafting develop fine motor control, imagination, and self-esteem. • Storytime and reading corners build early literacy and a love of language. • Group games teach sharing, emotional regulation, and teamwork. 'The environment is like a third teacher,' Kathleen shared. 'We set it up so that every corner invites exploration—and every activity opens the door to learning.' Home Away from Home: A Nurturing EYFS Environment When children feel safe, seen, and supported, they learn best. That's why our classrooms are thoughtfully crafted to be warm, welcoming, and child-centred. Every inch of the space—from the child-sized sinks to cozy reading corners—promotes independence, confidence, and discovery. Children are encouraged to choose what they'd like to explore, helping them learn not only what they enjoy but how to make decisions, solve problems, and collaborate with others. 'It's not just about academics,' said Kathleen. 'It's about helping your child feel confident in who they are and excited about what they can do. That's what sets NAISAK apart from other Qatar international schools.' A Team of UK-Trained Educators Who Truly Care At NAISAK, we know that great teachers make all the difference. Our Early Years team is composed of UK-trained educators who specialise in Early Years education and are passionate about what they do. 'Learning through play is part of what's considered 'outstanding practice' in the UK,' explained Kathleen. 'Our teachers have been trained not just in how children learn, but how to build meaningful, responsive learning experiences based on each child's interests.' Teachers regularly update their skills through expert-led workshops and research-informed training, including work with specialists like Anna Ephgrave (on in-the-moment planning) and Greg Bottrill (on creativity in EYFS). A Foundation That Lasts a Lifetime What happens after Early Years? The confidence, independence, and curiosity built in NAISAK's EYFS programme carries seamlessly into Primary, Secondary, and even Sixth Form. 'We've watched children who started with us at age three grow into teenagers who are creative, resilient, and self-assured,' said Kathleen. 'That's the true power of a strong early childhood education.' Students who graduate from our EYFS programme are not just academically prepared—they're emotionally strong, great communicators, and eager to explore new ideas. These are the qualities that help them thrive, not just in school, but in life. Looking Ahead: Our New Early Years Centre (Opening January 2026) We're proud to be taking the next step in our commitment to excellence. In January 2026, NAISAK looks to unveil a brand-new, purpose-built Early Years Learning Centre—a space thoughtfully designed to bring our EYFS vision to life. Features will include: • Spacious outdoor learning zones with a dedicated bike track • Sensory play areas to support emotional and physical development • Creative studios for music, art, and drama • Quiet corners for reading, relaxing, and reflecting • Classrooms with in-room bathrooms and age-appropriate resources 'We're creating a true 'home away from home' for our littlest learners,' said Kathleen. 'This will be a place where your child can explore, create, grow, and feel completely at ease.' Celebrate the Play: Because Play Is Progress As parents, it's natural to look for results. But at NAISAK, we help you see the deeper story—the way your child is growing every day through joyful, structured play activities. Through play, your child learns to: • Think critically • Express emotions • Build friendships • Discover passions • Solve problems • Develop independence 'We always tell parents: don't be afraid of the mess, the noise, the wild ideas. That's where the magic is. That's where real learning lives,' said Kathleen.
Time of India
04-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
New NHS plan will slash foreign recruits from 34% to less than 10% of workforce
UK PM Keir Starmer TOI Correspondent from London: UK PM Keir Starmer has announced plans to cut the number of overseas staff recruited for the NHS from its current level of 34% to under 10% by 2035, according to the 10-year NHS health plan unveiled this week. The largest cohort of foreign doctors and nurses in the NHS are Indian nationals. As of June 2023, there were 60,533 Indian nationals working as staff in the NHS. Of these, 10,865 hospital doctors and 31,992 nurses were Indian. 'While the NHS has always welcomed recruits from abroad, today, the NHS disproportionately relies on international recruitment…We will need to reduce the NHS' dependence on overseas staff from its current level — where 34% of new recruits have a non-UK nationality. It's our ambition to reduce international recruitment to less than 10% by 2035,' the plan states. It also says UK medical graduates will be prioritised above overseas recruits for foundation training, and will be prioritised, alongside those who have worked in the NHS for a significant period, for specialty training. It said that the 2020 decision to open competition for postgraduate medical training to international trainees on equal terms with UK-trained graduates meant the competition ratios for postgraduate places had increased to a level which was 'unacceptable'. Ramesh Mehta, president of BAPIO, which represents Indian-origin doctors and nurses, is opposed to the plan. He said a third of UK-trained medical graduates left the country last year and went to places like New Zealand, Canada and Australia. 'The number of medical staff required will continue to grow and will be impossible to have enough local graduates to fill the roles, especially if they continue to move abroad,' he said. He said the authors of the plan are 'living in dreamland' because unless things in the NHS change, local graduates will continue to emigrate. 'Last year almost 10,000 Indian doctors came to the UK to take the screening exam to work in the NHS. But many have no jobs and some have gone back. There are no jobs in the NHS at a junior level. Many doctors can't get postgraduate training in India so that's why they want to come to the UK,' he said, explaining training posts should be given on merit to those already working in the NHS, not on nationality.
Rhyl Journal
26-06-2025
- Health
- Rhyl Journal
Just 20 posts for newly qualified physiotherapists as 3,000 qualify
Recruitment freezes appear to be impacting the number of newly qualified physiotherapists trying to get their first NHS job, the CSP said as it called on Government officials to act. This year 3,000 physiotherapy graduates will be finishing their studies and looking for work, the CSP said. NHS Jobs, the health service recruitment website for jobs in England, has just 20 entry level jobs currently on offer, according to CSP analysis. And a poll of 1,800 physiotherapists found 22% said that recruitment of clinical staff is partially paused in their organisation and 11% reported a total pause. Concerns have been raised that UK-trained physiotherapists are seeking work abroad due to 'how hard it is to break into the NHS'. The professional body highlighted how 300,000 people are waiting for musculoskeletal treatment in England alone. Newly qualified physiotherapists can help bring down this waiting list it said, as well as bring down waits for respiratory problems, neurological conditions, and provide post-surgical rehab. The CSP has written to the Department of Health and Social Care, calling for all newly qualified clinicians to be offered an NHS role. Ash James, director of practice and development at the CSP, said: 'It is absurd that with public concern about waiting lists, hundreds of capable and committed graduates are being locked out of the NHS. 'These are professionals who could be seeing up to 15 patients a day for musculoskeletal issues, immediately easing pressure on overstretched services and reducing delays. 'If every graduate had a job, we could begin to cut waiting times now.' Sarah-Jane Ryan, head of practice, learning and development at the School of Education, Sport and Health at the University of Brighton, said: 'This year, most of my students don't have roles lined up which is something we haven't seen for a long time. 'Even first and second year students are now talking about working abroad, because they're hearing how hard it is to break into the NHS. 'We're at risk of losing a whole generation of physios at a time when we urgently need them.' She said these students 'now face the reality of being shut out of the system they were inspired to work in,' adding: 'It's not just a workforce issue – it's a moral one. 'They've made sacrifices and trained for a profession they believe in. 'Placement teams have invested in them, and we know there is a rehab need.' The Department of Health and Social Care has been approached for comment.
North Wales Chronicle
26-06-2025
- Health
- North Wales Chronicle
Just 20 posts for newly qualified physiotherapists as 3,000 qualify
Recruitment freezes appear to be impacting the number of newly qualified physiotherapists trying to get their first NHS job, the CSP said as it called on Government officials to act. This year 3,000 physiotherapy graduates will be finishing their studies and looking for work, the CSP said. NHS Jobs, the health service recruitment website for jobs in England, has just 20 entry level jobs currently on offer, according to CSP analysis. And a poll of 1,800 physiotherapists found 22% said that recruitment of clinical staff is partially paused in their organisation and 11% reported a total pause. Concerns have been raised that UK-trained physiotherapists are seeking work abroad due to 'how hard it is to break into the NHS'. The professional body highlighted how 300,000 people are waiting for musculoskeletal treatment in England alone. Newly qualified physiotherapists can help bring down this waiting list it said, as well as bring down waits for respiratory problems, neurological conditions, and provide post-surgical rehab. The CSP has written to the Department of Health and Social Care, calling for all newly qualified clinicians to be offered an NHS role. Ash James, director of practice and development at the CSP, said: 'It is absurd that with public concern about waiting lists, hundreds of capable and committed graduates are being locked out of the NHS. 'These are professionals who could be seeing up to 15 patients a day for musculoskeletal issues, immediately easing pressure on overstretched services and reducing delays. 'If every graduate had a job, we could begin to cut waiting times now.' Sarah-Jane Ryan, head of practice, learning and development at the School of Education, Sport and Health at the University of Brighton, said: 'This year, most of my students don't have roles lined up which is something we haven't seen for a long time. 'Even first and second year students are now talking about working abroad, because they're hearing how hard it is to break into the NHS. 'We're at risk of losing a whole generation of physios at a time when we urgently need them.' She said these students 'now face the reality of being shut out of the system they were inspired to work in,' adding: 'It's not just a workforce issue – it's a moral one. 'They've made sacrifices and trained for a profession they believe in. 'Placement teams have invested in them, and we know there is a rehab need.' The Department of Health and Social Care has been approached for comment.
