International medical graduates

Information about the North West London international medical graduates (NWL IMG) office.

The North West London (NWL) international medical graduates (IMG) office was established in August 2023 to improve the experiences of IMGs joining trusts in the North West London sector.

  • Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
  • The Hillingdon Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
  • Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust
  • London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust

Our mission is to ensure that all IMGs joining us receive robust induction, a supported period of orientation and, a programme of professional development to ensure they flourish in the roles they take up.

Meet the team

The core team comprises:

  • Miss Christina Cotzias—Director of Medical Education, West Middlesex University Hospital
  • Miss Lara Higginson—North West London International Medical Graduate Programme Manager
  • Mr Kwaku Baryeh—North West London International Medical Graduate Education Fellow
  • Miss Wafaa Ramadan—North West London International Medical Graduate Education Fellow

Contact us

To get in touch with the NWL IMG office please email chelwest.imgoffice.nwl@nhs.net.

For our clinical attachment training programme (CATP) please email chelwest.clinicalattachments.wm@nhs.net. 

Advice for living in London

Renting in London

Here are some of the websites that advertise property rentals: 

We recommend that you take a look at some properties on these websites to give you an idea of rental costs.

Rental checks 

Before you can rent new accommodation, you will need to provide certain references and documents to the letting agent or landlord. You need to show you can afford the rent, that you will be reliable paying it and that you’re a trustworthy person who will look after the flat or house. You will also have to prove that you have the ‘right to rent’ in the UK.  

Your letting agent or landlord will find this out by carrying out a few checks which will usually include: 

  • Asking for proof of character in the form of references from your current landlord and employer
  • Asking for documentation to show proof of income—this may include payslips and the last three months of bank statements
  • Running a credit check with an independent credit reference agency—they need to ask for your consent before doing this
  • Asking to see your passport and/or residence permit

Bank accounts

Public transport

There are many ways to travel around London via public transport. We have buses, underground and overground trains, cycle hire and trams in some areas.

Healthcare

Registering with a doctor and dentist 

Residents of the UK are eligible for free NHS treatment—you should register with a GP as soon as possible.

Once you have registered with a GP, you should register with a local dentist. Be sure that the dentist accepts NHS patients—some dentists only accept private patients.

Pharmacists

In the UK, pharmacists in local pharmacies are experts in medicines who can help you with minor health concerns. As qualified healthcare professionals, they can offer clinical advice and medicines for a range of minor illnesses, such as coughs, colds, sore throats, tummy trouble and aches and pains. Most pharmacies have a private consultation room where you can discuss issues with pharmacy staff without being overheard. Many pharmacies are open until late and at weekends. You do not need an appointment. Prescription charges apply for each item. If you take regular medications, you may be able to save money by applying for a prepayment certificate (PPC).

Sexual health services

Sexual health services are free and available to everyone, regardless of sex, age, ethnic origin, sexual orientation etc. A sexual health clinic can provide advice about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and contraception. They can also be called sexual and reproductive health clinics. Sexual health services are completely confidential—this means that your personal details and any information about your tests or treatments will not be shared with anyone outside the sexual health service without your permission—including your GP.

Useful links

As you begin your journey in the NHS you may find some of the following resources useful:

Handbooks