Westminster PCT ... Refugee Health Professionals Scheme

Westminster PCT funds a local voluntary organisation, the Migrant and Refugee Community Forum, to help doctors and dentists meet UK registration requirements through weekly study sessions.

The scheme helps participants find clinical attachments and provides limited bursaries towards travel expenses and exam fees. The Forum advocates on behalf of refugee healthcare professionals to improve employment policies and break down the barriers hindering access to jobs.

Between April 2002, when the project was set up, and May 2005, 166 refugee doctors and 98 refugee dentists have gone through the scheme. However, only 17 of the doctors and six of the dentists are working in the NHS, and most have not found work locally.

www.mrcf.org.uk/refdev.htm