Relocating to the UK to work in the NHS is a big decision- as is which area of the UK you would like to relocate to. It can be hard to know what cities are like, especially if you are based overseas. In this blog, we will outline what life in Bath is like for NHS doctors.
Bath is consistently rated one of the best places to live in the UK, due to its natural beauty as well as welcoming and friendly culture. The 2,000-year-old city, once home to Jane Austen and Mary Shelley, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its Roman and Georgian architecture and natural hot springs- part of what the city such a great place to live. In this blog, we will outline all you need to know before relocating to Bath.
Working as an NHS Doctor in Bath
Bath is home to two NHS trusts; Royal Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust, an acute trust that specialises in rheumatology, chronic pain, and chronic fatigue syndrome, and Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust, one of the largest and most well thought of mental health trusts in the UK. They provide services across a number of sites for people with serious mental illness, learning disabilities, and autism, in both in patient and community-based settings. Psychiatry is one of the fastest growing specialisms in the NHS- learn more about life as an NHS Psychiatrist here– you can view our latest psychiatry jobs here.
Bath is the largest city in its county of Somerset, with a diverse population- so you will be working with a wide range of patients from different backgrounds, ethnicities, and beliefs. Doctors working in the NHS are encouraged to specialise, providing great career progression for both psychiatrists and acute medicine doctors.
Living in Bath
There are many areas to choose from to live in Bath, and there is something to suit everyone. The city offers a great mix of both rural and urban areas, all within walking distance to the city centre.
You could choose to live in Bear Flat, The Sunday Times’ Best Place to Live for 2020, for its excellent transport links, numerous highly rated schools and scenic routes for walking or cycling- and still just one mile from the city centre.
Larkhall is a village just 1.2 miles from Bath city centre, which offers several independent shops, restaurants and cafes. This is a popular area for young professionals due to its ‘bohemian’ spirit.
Weston is also a popular area for its green spaces, walks and community spirit.
More information about finding accommodation in Bath can be found on Rightmove, Zoopla and SpareRoom.
Cost of Living in Bath
Many doctors we speak to want to find out more about the cost of living in the UK, and in the cities they are considering relocating to. While Bath is a more expensive city than some, it is well worth it for its beautiful surroundings, wide choice of things to do, and proximity to London. Though the south of the UK is generally more expensive than the North, rent and entertainment in Bath remain far cheaper than London.
Urban and Rural Life in Bath
Bath has a great mix of both urban and rural life. It has a wide range of events, festivals and exhibitions- such as the Bath Literature, Music and Comedy festivals. There are plenty of shops, restaurants and cafés to choose from in the city centre. Bath is a walkable, or cyclable, city so it is easy to explore without the need for a car.
There are also plenty of green spaces and parks in Bath, including the Royal Victoria Park, a 57-acre green space within walking distance from the city centre, that includes an adventure playground, botanical gardens and sporting facilities.
Schools and Education in Bath
Many clinicians looking to make the move to the UK will need to make sure they find the right school or childcare for their children. Many state funded schools allow admission based on whether you live in specific ‘catchment areas’, so it is important to consider schooling when you are looking at accommodation.
There are plenty of both state-funded and private schools to choose from in Bath. To find more information on local schools, you can look at Ofsted reports that detail the teaching quality and facilities of the schools you are interested in.
Things to do in Bath
Relocating anywhere, especially overseas, can be daunting. Whether you are moving alone or with your family, there is lots to do in Bath and lots of ways to meet new people. There is a great choice of activities- from museums, to shopping centres, to parks and nights out, there is something for everyone.
Bath is well known for its rugby team, as well as it’s cricket club. Cycling is also hugely popular in the city, with competitive and leisure events taking place throughout the year. There is a wide range of public and private sports facilities, where you can meet new people and join sports clubs.
Transport to and from Bath
Bath is very well connected to London via train, with services running around every 30 minutes. Bath is also well connected to Bristol, with trains taking around 10 minutes.
The city also has its own transport system including bus service, cycle lanes and even e-scooters. It is also a walkable city, so nowhere is out of reach.
Relocating to Bath
If you are looking to relocate to the UK to work in the NHS, we have great opportunities in hospitals and trusts surrounding Bath, across several specialties including psychiatry, theatres, medicine, radiology, women and children, and accident and emergency.
We understand the process of relocation can be daunting- which is why we are here are to support you throughout the whole process. In addition to tailored application and interview support, our award-winning platform Red Carpet can help with finding accommodation, setting up a bank account and much more.
If you are looking for a new role within an NHS trust in Bath, or in the rest of the UK, please register your details here and we will be in touch to see how we can help.